Are you someone who’s passionate about helping children to make sure they are equipped with the right building blocks? If yes, a master’s in early childhood education is the ideal program for you. All of us know that young children need high-quality and well-trained educators to shine bright in their future. To help them reach somewhere, the right degree program can empower them with professional competencies.
If you are already graduated in early childhood education, you must pursue a post-graduate degree to improve your career opportunities. This article comprises the best master’s programs in early childhood education. Follow up with us and prepare for the role today!
University of Florida – Master of Arts with an Early Childhood Emphasis
University of Florida offers a Master of Arts degree that is specifically designed for students with an interest in working on issues of practice or policy. You can choose one out of two tracks including an on-campus track and an online track. The online track allows you to study the policy context of early childhood education through interdisciplinary coursework.
The course covers a number of subjects including history, education policy analysis, evaluation of school programs, internship, seminar, and thesis. Students who choose a thesis have to complete 30 credit hours of coursework along with 6 credit hours of thesis. However, those who choose the non-thesis option have to complete 30 credit hours of coursework and additional 6 hours of ‘Project in-lieu of Thesis’.
Each program is assisted by a student’s advisor. After graduating from UF, you can opt for careers in state-level departments of education, social service agencies, non-governmental agencies for education, health, mental health, legal service agencies, and so on.
University of Georgia – Master of Education in Early Childhood
If you are seeking practice and engagement with diverse children and families, the University of Georgia offers a Master of Education in Early Childhood. This program is designed for those who want to become certified teachers in prekindergarten through fifth grade. The program has been constantly ranked in the top 5 by US News and World Report. It provides students with an opportunity to develop skills as an active researcher.
The diverse curriculum covers educational theory, methods courses in language, literacy, math, and elementary curricula. Moreover, the program comprises 12 classes including historical and social foundations, curriculum and teaching, school subjects, research, and psychological foundations.
In order to apply for the MEd program by UGA, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university along with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or more on a four-point scale. Students who have completed their degree with a GPA of 3.2 or above do not have to give an entrance exam.
American College of Education – Master’s in Early Childhood Education
American College of Education offers a comprehensive and dynamic Master’s program in early childhood education. The program focuses on preparing teachers with skills to meet the needs of children from birth till age 5. The main focus of this program is to offer students a flexible, convenient, and research-driven approach. Most of the courses are only 5 weeks long. Students get a weeklong break in between all 100 percent online classes.
The curriculum covers a range of topics including child development, curriculum design, assessment strategies, early literacy, and effective institutional methods. This program places a great emphasis on field experiences. It allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. As a result, their understanding of child development, and curriculum implementation is improved.
University of Colorado Denver – Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
If working with young children, families, and communities is your dream, a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado is for you. Their program is filled with real-world assignments that help students get a grip on different childcare settings. The MA program offered by CU is online and super flexible as students can apply every term including fall, spring, and summer. It offers personalized support for each and every student.
You can customize your own curriculum by choosing courses outside of your main area of focus as per your needs and interests. This allows students to delve into leadership strategies and legislative change as well. Some of the main features of this program include faculty video-coaching, 24/7 technical support from advisors, conferencing, and small-group learning. To complete the degree, students need 30 credits.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
By choosing a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, you can become a competent and experienced practitioner to serve young children. Students gain an insight into understanding early childhood development, curriculum design, assessment techniques, and research methods. Through coursework, you will learn effective teaching practices and the importance of culturally responsive learning environments.
In order to apply, students must submit a statement of purpose, their updated resume, and official transcripts from all colleges attended along with three letters of recommendation. Moreover, a master’s degree with a teacher’s license is only offered for the fall term.
The coursework covers a range of subjects including psychology, child language, adjustment in school settings, adult learning, history, sociology, and more. The total credit hours of the curriculum are 32, including an additional 12 hours of independent study. To pass out of university, students must obtain a minimum of 3.0 CGPA.
University of Massachusetts Boston – Master of Education in Early Childhood
The University of Massachusetts offers two different Master’s programs including Initial Licensure Pre K-2 and Non-Licensure professional program. If you are considering the initial licensure program, it comprises 37 credit hours and requires you to complete 13 courses. The 13 courses include 1 credit pre-practicum and a 6-credit full-time practicum. Depending on how many courses you complete each semester, you can complete the degree in 2 to 3 years.
Those who are opting for a non-licensure program have to complete 36 credits to complete the degree. You can work as a policy maker, educator, or leader after the completion of your program. It includes 12 courses with core classes and electives. To apply for the master’s program at UMass Boston, students require 2 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a transcript, a resume, and test scores of MTEL or GRE.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
The University of Minnesota believes that all children deserve a quality learning environment. This is why their master’s program in early childhood education is committed to training educators who are willing to build strong relationships with children. The coursework is categorized into two sections including early childhood education and teaching methods.
In early childhood education, you will be taught about the foundations of early childhood education, social and emotional learning, cognitive and language learning, and the education of infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities. In teaching methods, you will learn about reading instruction, language arts instruction, science instruction, teaching English learners, social studies, and mathematics.
There are no prerequisite courses needed to get admitted to this program. The university also guarantees 100% job placement within one year of completing this degree. You can pursue a career as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, and elementary school teacher.
University of Missouri – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
The University of Missouri offers an online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education that is specially designed to expand students’ understanding of the developmental needs of young brains. The program deals with the needs of those who want to advance or recharge their teaching career. Students get the opportunity for hands-on research, and developing skills in data analysis and interpretation.
The online nature of this program helps busy professionals adjust their schedules accordingly. The university is popular for its dedicated faculty and supportive learning community, contributing to a comprehensive, quality educational experience. Joining the program will help you focus on subjects like child psychology, early childhood curriculum development, pedagogical techniques, and advocacy.
University of Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
The University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive master’s degree. The program is a perfect blend of knowledge and practical application. It is ideal for professionals who want to bring change in the quality of early childhood education and related policies. Choosing a master’s degree at PennState will help you to get proficient in different subjects, including curriculum and supervision, early childhood education, science, social studies, and language as well.
To apply for the program, students must possess a bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to it. Moreover, you will need a written statement of purpose, contact information of references, transcripts from schools attended, and a written review of a pertinent article.
The University of Pennsylvania’s faculty is popularly known for its mentorship and support to the students throughout the program. You will get to experience a rich, in-depth educational experience. Not only that, but the program emphasizes research-based practices and skills that prepare the students for influential roles in the field.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, online mode of education is prevailing very quickly. The growing number of online learning platforms is creating new avenues for academic advancement. Pursuing an online Master’s in early childhood education will provide you with a convenient, advanced, and engaging educational opportunity.
We have rounded up the best universities that offer online masters in early childhood education. Choose a program that suits your needs best and enroll yourself now! Begin a new journey filled with benefits today.