Program Overview

Education MEd, Early Childhood Education Emphasis

Overview

The Master’s Degree in Education is an accredited program appropriate for K-12 teachers, specialists, department chairpersons, and those who work in informal learning or international educational settings. Candidates choose electives that will support their personal growth and development as an educational leader to impact the communities with which they work.

Requirements

• The M.Ed. in Education consists of 4 required courses (12 hours) plus candidate choice from emphasis areas and electives (18 hours) for a total of 30 hours.
• Program requirements are met by:
  • Completing 2 required foundation courses (6 hours) toward the beginning of the M.Ed. program
  • Completing the coursework for an emphasis area and/or electives (18 hours)
  • Completing the 2 exit research capstone classes (6 hours)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general graduate admission requirements of the Graduate School. Students are considered for admission to the graduate program in Education only after they have formally applied for admission through the Graduate School.

Degree Requirements

Curricular Program

• Required Core:
  • TCH ED 6010: Examining History, Community and Social Justice in Education (3 hours)
  • TCH ED 6030: Instruction, Learning, and Assessment 1 (3 hours)
• Required Research Courses:
  • TCH ED 6909: Teacher Action Research I (3 hours)
  • TCH ED 6910: Teacher Action Research Capstone (3 hours)
• Total Hours: 12

Specific Requirements for the Emphasis Area

• In addition to the Required M.Ed. Core (12 hours), candidates seeking an emphasis in Early Childhood are required to complete the following coursework (18 hours) for a program total of 30 hours.
• Required:
  • ECH ED 6412: Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 hours)
  • ECH ED 6413: Educational Role of Play (3 hours)
  • ECH ED 6415: Organization and Development of Early Childhood Programs (3 hours)
  • ED PSY 6215: Psychology of Early Childhood Development (3 hours)
  • Elective hours: 6
• Total Hours: 18

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate professionalism through reflective practice for professional growth, effective communication and collaboration, and commitment to upholding ethical and professional standards.
• Evaluate, design, and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment that apply advanced understanding of content and pedagogical knowledge, learning science principles, and equitable frameworks and inclusive practices.
• Integrate technologies to create meaningful student learning in the context of a digital and global society.
• Design and implement a supportive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that nurtures the intellectual, social, and emotional development of all students.
• Partner with families and communities to develop relationships and build networks of support to enhance student learning and well-being.