Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)
Early Childhood
Program Highlights & Benefits
Offered fully online
Less than 1-year completion time; includes holiday breaks
Gain specialized expertise in early childhood development
Become prepared to design curriculum and classroom experiences to support and engage today’s youngest students
For
Individuals passionate about child development and creating learning experiences that will have a positive impact on the lives of students. This program will prepare candidates to create engaging and effective learning environments in the early childhood setting.
What You Learn
The program provides research-based, professional preparation for creating developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children. The curriculum has been designed to meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirement of 24 units of early childhood education coursework for multiple subject credentialed teachers to be eligible to teach transitional kindergarten (TK) classes in public schools.
How You Learn
This is a fully online, asynchronous program designed for the student who needs a flexible schedule. There are no in-person or live components. Students will engage in coursework through an online learning management system, complete assignments, participate in online discussions, and collaborate on group activities. Students will complete two 3-unit courses every 8 weeks to earn their degree in less than one year. The schedule is flexible depending on the needs of the student. All online students must have access to a computer with a strong internet connection and Microsoft Office: both Word and PowerPoint. This program is built with busy educators in mind and combines the benefits of a supportive cohort approach and a flexible learning environment.
Please note: There is a 5-day overlap between the Summer I (SU1) and Summer II (SU2) terms.
Career Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will earn a Master of Arts in Education: Early Childhood degree. Possible career opportunities include:
- Curriculum specialist supporting PreK, TK, K and lower elementary teachers
- Transitional Kindergarten teacher
- Become prepared to market yourself to teach at a community college. (Most colleges require having a MA degree in a specialized area and this master’s provides the specialized content to become an expert in early childhood education)
Prerequisites
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for a graduate degree in the school of Education. This program is open to credentialed and non-credential individuals.
Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
| EDEC 500 | Child Development Theories and Early Education | 3 |
| EDEL 510 | Servant Leadership | 3 |
| EDEC 502 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| EDU 547 | Brain-Based Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDEC 504 | Creating Engaging and Inclusive Early Childhood Environments | 3 |
| EDU 542 | School, Community and Diverse Family Structures | 3 |
| EDEC 506 | Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood | 3 |
| EDR 580 | Educational Research | 3 |
| EDEC 508 | Observation, Assessment and Early Intervention | 3 |
| EDR 605 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| Master’s Degree Total Hours: | 30 Units |
Note:
All courses are listed in numerical order. They are not listed in the order in which they will be offered. All courses subject to change.
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