Program Overview

Early Childhood Education, MEd

The Master of Education program in early childhood education prepares individuals to contribute to systems to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of children from birth through age 8. Through coursework and applied activities, the program equips students with specialized skills and advanced knowledge in early childhood pedagogy, community collaboration, technology, policy and advocacy.

Program Description

The master's degree is appropriate for students interested in learning about early childhood education research and working with infants, toddlers and children through age 8. This program may be of interest to students who already have a teaching certificate and are considering furthering their knowledge and skills or pursuing doctoral studies in the future.

At a Glance

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

Degree Requirements

30 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)
• Electives (3 credit hours)
• 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.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this program may become curriculum designers, preschool directors or early childhood specialists.