Early Childhood Education

DEGREE: MASTER OF ARTS 36 hours

Program Objectives

This program is directed toward the preparation of specialists in early childhood education. The program provides the opportunity for the teacher/early childhood professional to extend knowledge in early childhood education (ECE) and/or develop competencies in administration of programs for young children through course work and practicum experiences. This program will enable candidates to

• strengthen theoretical understandings of early childhood education
• increase knowledge of human growth and development, with emphasis on the young child
• strengthen expertise in the principles and practices of early childhood education
• develop skills in administration and organization of ECE programs
• increase awareness of support services to families of young children

Degree Requirements

• Two years of teaching, child-care or related experience acquired prior to completion of the graduate program. Employer documentation of this experience must be on file in the Office of Graduate Admission
• 36 hours of course work including the Capstone Experience, with 15 hours maximum at the 4000 level
• Completion of the Program Core and one area of program emphasis

Areas of Study

• Program Core (24 hours)
• Required (18 hours)
• EDL-6100 Research in Education
• EDU-6100 Development, Implementation, and Eval.: Early Childhood Curriculum
• EDU-6105 Documentation and Assessment of Young Children's Learning
• EDU-6180 Seminar in Early Childhood Education
• EDU-6190 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
• THY-6500 Moral, Ethical, and Spiritual Development of the Child
• Select one (3 hours)
• SOC-6500 Sociology of Education
• EDU-4310 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• Select one (3 hours)
• PSY-6500 Cognitive Development: Theory and Implications
• PSY-4101 Developmental Psychology: Infancy and Early Childhood
• SOC-6110 Socialization Processes
• Program Emphasis: select one (12 hours)
• Teaching
• EDU-6130 Play Theory in Child Development and Education
• EDU-6140 Resources and Strategies for Teaching Early Childhood
• EDU-6150 Creative Processes and the Young Child
• EDU-6200 Beginning Reading Instruction
• Program Leadership and Administration
• EDL-6500 Administration of Early Childhood Programs
• EDU 6160 Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education
• EDU-6330 Advocacy and Children's Rights
• SOC-6300 Contemporary Family Patterns
• Special Education
• EDU-4030 Curriculum-Based & Educ. Measurement of Exceptional Learners
• EDU-4720 Meeting Diverse Needs of Children's Lang./Culture/ Development
• EDU-6330 Advocacy and Children's Rights
• PSY-4435 Identification and Education of Young Children with Special Needs