Program Overview

Master’s in Early Childhood Education, MA

Teach Pre-K to Second Grade in Illinois

With a master’s in early childhood education, you can address the learning and socio-emotional needs of children from birth to second grade.

This intensive, field-based program prepares you to work democratically with diverse children and families, including those with special needs and second language backgrounds. The degree leads to an Illinois teaching license.

This 2-year program consists of a mix of in-person and online classes on the Chicago campus. Your final semester will include an in-person student teaching placement at a field experience site. Admissions are open for fall start dates only.

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 grade point average. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
• No GRE required
• English Language Proficiency requirement for all students who completed a degree program outside the United States.

Sample Courses

• Assessment in Early Childhood
• Child, Family and Community
• Primary Math, Science and Social Studies
• Literacy in Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Curriculum: Infant, Toddler and Preschool
• Early Childhood Special Education Methods

Career Opportunities

Roosevelt graduates teach preschool students and children in K-2 classrooms. Here are just a few of the districts and organizations where alumni work:

• Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
• Barrington 220 School District
• Bright Horizons
• Chicago Public Schools
• Joliet Public Schools District 86
• Keeneyville School District 20
• Schaumburg School District 54
• Start Early
• University of Chicago Law Schools

Other alumni work in community agencies and organizations that serve young children and their families.

Why Roosevelt for your Master's

Social Justice Focus

At Roosevelt, you’ll build inclusive, engaging relationships with faculty, school practitioners and learners. Immerse yourself in diverse school and community cultures.

The early childhood education degree is ideal for students who don’t have an undergraduate major in education but aspire to transform schools and classrooms. The program nurtures social justice leadership and coaches candidates toward career success.

Thorough Teacher Preparation

Teaching is a rewarding profession, but requires a lot of commitment and preparation. At Roosevelt, you can expect focused and practical assignments, engaging discussion, small group projects, and field experiences in diverse schools and classrooms.

In your final semester, you’ll complete a 15-week student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.

100% Pass Rate

The master’s in early childhood education has a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the capstone assessment for an Illinois teaching license. The program leads to an Illinois Early Childhood Teaching license and the Early Childhood Special Education Approval.

Add one or more endorsements to your teaching license:

• Bilingual/ESL education
• Elementary education
• Special education (LBS 1)

Faculty

Jin-ah Kim

Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, Roosevelt University Director of Early Childhood Education Program ECACE Project Director

Meet the Faculty

Jin-ah Kim

Asoc Prof Early Child Ed Director of Early Childhood Education Program ECACE Project Director

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