Program Overview

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Early Childhood Education (Teacher Certification), MEd

The Master of Education program in early childhood education prepares individuals to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of children from birth through age 8 or grade 3. Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification.

Program Description

Through online coursework and applied activities, the program equips students with specialized skills and advanced knowledge in early childhood pedagogy, community collaboration, technology, policy, and advocacy. A series of professional experiences assists students in developing their understanding of teaching and learning as they apply knowledge from their coursework in varied early childhood settings.

At a Glance

• College/school: Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

36 credit hours including the required applied project course (ECD 593)

• Required Core (24 credit hours)
  • ECD 505 Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3)
  • ECD 527 Mathematics in Early Childhood Education (3)
  • ECD 541 Assessment of Young Children (3)
  • ECS 549 Foundations of Typical and Atypical Child Growth and Development (3)
  • ECD 565 Inclusive Instructional Methodologies for Young Children (3)
  • EED 532 Literacy Methods of Instruction and Assessment for Diverse Learners (3)
  • TEL 517 Creating Equitable Learning Environment: Decision Making and Action (3)
  • TEL 531 Foundations of Literacy: The Science of Reading (3)
• Concentration (9 credit hours)
  • ECD 567 Clinical Experience: Early Childhood Internship (Ages Birth-5) (2)
  • ECD 576 Clinical Experience: Early Childhood Internship (Grades K-3) (2)
  • ECD 578 Student Teaching: Early Childhood (Grades K-3) (2)
  • ELL 515 Structured English Immersion Methods (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
  • ECD 593 Applied Project (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • graduate admission application and application fee
  • official transcripts
  • three letters of recommendation
  • personal statement
  • professional resume
  • proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College are highly sought-after teachers in public, charter, and private education institutions. Graduates gain skills in teaching, conducting research, using technology, and analyzing policy --- all of which prepare them to expand or pursue educational careers working with young children and their families. Career examples include:

• childcare worker
• early childhood educator (birth through grade 3)
• education administrator
• family social worker
• preschool teacher or director

Professional Licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.