Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
September 10, 2026 2026-09-10 8:25Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
A specialized graduate program designed to prepare educators, administrators, and professionals to support the growth, development, and learning of young children from infancy through the early elementary years. The program integrates advanced educational theory with child development, early learning practices, curriculum design, family engagement, assessment, inclusive education, and early childhood program leadership.
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
US$ 5,940
36 Credit Hours
18 Months
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 5,940
Support the Growth, Development, and Learning of Young Children
Integrate advanced educational theory with child development, early learning practices, curriculum design, family engagement, assessment, inclusive education, and early childhood program leadership.
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a specialized graduate program designed to prepare educators, administrators, and professionals to support the growth, development, and learning of young children from infancy through the early elementary years. The program integrates advanced educational theory with child development, early learning practices, curriculum design, family engagement, assessment, inclusive education, and early childhood program leadership.
Students examine theories of early childhood development, play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, classroom environments, child assessment, educational technology, family partnerships, and effective teaching strategies for young learners. The curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices, research-based instruction, equity and inclusion, reflective teaching, and leadership in early childhood education settings.
Graduates develop advanced competencies in early childhood teaching, curriculum development, educational leadership, child assessment, and program management, preparing them for careers in early learning centers, preschools, elementary schools, government education agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational consulting firms, and child development programs.
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Courses
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education requires 36 total credits.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 6000 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Development | 3 |
| ECE 6010 | Child Growth, Development, and Learning Theories | 3 |
| ECE 6020 | Early Childhood Curriculum Design and Implementation | 3 |
| ECE 6030 | Play-Based Learning and Instructional Strategies | 3 |
| ECE 6040 | Early Literacy, Language, and Communication Development | 3 |
| ECE 6050 | Early Childhood Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
| ECE 6060 | Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Special Needs Support | 3 |
| ECE 6070 | Family Engagement, Community Partnerships, and Advocacy | 3 |
| ECE 6080 | Early Childhood Leadership, Administration, and Program Management | 3 |
| ECE 6090 | Research Methods and Professional Practice in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 6100 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
ECE 6000 – Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Development
Introduces the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of early childhood education. Students examine principles of early learning, child development, educational approaches, and the role of early childhood educators.
ECE 6010 – Child Growth, Development, and Learning Theories
Examines physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development from infancy through early childhood. Students explore developmental theories and their application to educational practices.
ECE 6020 – Early Childhood Curriculum Design and Implementation
Explores curriculum planning, developmentally appropriate practices, learning objectives, instructional design, and strategies for creating effective early childhood learning experiences.
ECE 6030 – Play-Based Learning and Instructional Strategies
Focuses on the role of play in early childhood learning. Students examine play-based instruction, creative learning approaches, classroom activities, and strategies for supporting young children's development.
ECE 6040 – Early Literacy, Language, and Communication Development
Examines language acquisition, early literacy development, reading readiness, communication skills, and instructional strategies for supporting young children's language growth.
ECE 6050 – Early Childhood Assessment and Evaluation
Explores assessment principles, observation methods, child development evaluations, documentation practices, and the use of assessment data to support children's learning and development.
ECE 6060 – Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Special Needs Support
Examines inclusive education practices, developmental differences, accessibility, early intervention strategies, and approaches for supporting diverse learners in early childhood settings.
ECE 6070 – Family Engagement, Community Partnerships, and Advocacy
Analyzes family involvement, community collaboration, cultural responsiveness, advocacy, and strategies for building partnerships that support children's educational success.
ECE 6080 – Early Childhood Leadership, Administration, and Program Management
Explores leadership practices, early childhood program administration, organizational management, policy implementation, staff development, and quality improvement in early learning programs.
ECE 6090 – Research Methods and Professional Practice in Early Childhood Education
Develops research skills, reflective teaching practices, professional inquiry, and the ability to apply educational research to improve early childhood programs and learning experiences.
ECE 6100 – Master's Thesis
Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in early childhood education, child development, curriculum, assessment, or program improvement. Under faculty supervision, students conduct research, analyze educational challenges, and develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing early childhood learning outcomes.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for advanced instructional, administrative, research, and leadership roles in early childhood education.
Employment Sectors
Graduates may pursue employment in preschools and early learning centers, public and private schools, child development organizations, government education agencies, nonprofit early childhood programs, family and community service organizations, educational consulting firms, teacher training organizations, curriculum development organizations, educational technology companies, international education organizations, community development programs, research institutions, higher education teacher preparation programs, child advocacy organizations, professional development organizations, social service agencies, and early childhood policy organizations.
Ready to Shape Early Childhood Learning?
Explore the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and take the next step toward leadership in early learning, child development, and early childhood program management.
Apply for This Program →
