Early Childhood Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Designed For
Our program is designed for educators and professionals seeking advanced knowledge of teaching and learning for children from preschool through 3rd grade and for those looking to strengthen instructional practice, work with families and communities, curriculum design and understanding of child development.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to work as classroom teachers, instructional leaders, teacher educators, and professionals supporting early learning programs. The program also provides a strong foundation for those considering doctoral study in education or related fields.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
December 15
Length of Program: 24 months
Program Location: On Campus
GRE Required? No
Building Expertise in Early Childhood Education
The master’s program in Early Childhood Education (ECE) focuses on foundational learning theories and research that inform effective teaching and learning practices for young children. Students explore how children develop cognitively, socially, culturally and academically, with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction across preschool through 3rd grade.
Coursework connects theory to practice by examining curriculum design, play, early literacy and STEAM, and instructional strategies that support meaningful learning experiences and positive identity development. Students engage with current research and apply evidence‑based approaches in real‑world educational settings throughout the U.S. and globally.
Through close faculty mentoring and opportunities to engage in teaching and research, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to improve early childhood programs and support early learning environments in many different communities, environments, and contexts. Graduates leave prepared to make informed contributions in schools, educational organizations and community settings.
ECE offers three master’s degree options:
- Master of Arts (M.A.) with a report
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a report
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) with an emphasis on coursework
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Keys Adair
Program Advisor
Nathaniel Bryan
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Details
Program Requirements
Which Degree Fits My Goals?
Choose the M.A. or M.Ed. with Report if you:
- Want to complete a research or inquiry project
- Plan to explore a topic in depth through EDC 398R Report
- Are considering doctoral study or research‑focused roles
- Are prepared to propose your topic to ECE faculty after 18 hours (M.Ed. with report only)
Choose the M.Ed. (Coursework‑Only) if you:
- Want additional elective coursework tailored to your interests
- Prefer a flexible, practice‑focused program
- Do not want to complete a report
Program Structure
M.A. or M.Ed. with Report
- 27 hours of coursework
- EDC 398R Report (3 credit hours)
- 3 additional elective hours (often EDC 385G or EDC 385K independent study)
M.Ed. (Coursework‑Only)
- 36 hours of coursework
- Includes 9 hours of electives (instead of 6)
- No report required
Key Difference
Coursework‑Only Option: Replaces report with additional elective coursework and flexibility
Report Option: Adds EDC 398R + faculty approval process + independent study
Required Areas of Study
ECE Core Courses (9 Credit Hours)
Choose from:
- EDC 385G Critical Perspectives on Childhood Education
- EDC 385G Early Childhood Education Programs
- EDC 385G Early Childhood Teacher Education
- EDC 385K Environmental Education for Young Children
- EDC 385G Global, Comparative Early Childhood
- EDC 385G Inquiry in Play
- EDC 385G Parents and Education
- EDC 385G Research in Early Childhood Education
- EDC 385G Social Context of Childhood Education
- EDC 385G Theories of Childhood Education
- EDC 385G Thinking as Social Construction in Childhood
Curriculum & Instruction Coursework (min. 9 Credit Hours)
Select advisor‑approved EDC courses aligned with your goals from:
- Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- Language & Literacy Studies
- Cultural Studies in Education
- STEM Education
- Learning Technologies
Research Requirement (3 Credit Hours)
- EDC 380R Educational Research & Design
Outside Department Coursework (6 Credit Hours)
Select graduate courses outside C&I (non‑EDC prefix) in areas such as:
- African & African Diaspora Studies
- Anthropology
- Human Development, Educational Psychology
- Indigenous Studies
- Mexican American Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Special Education
- Theater/Dance
Important Notes
- Maximum 3 hours independent study allowed
- Maximum 3 upper‑division undergraduate courses may count toward the degree
- Maximum 6 hours credit/no credit allowed
Faculty
Areas of expertise include early childhood education, racial justice and equity in early learning, educational anthropology, video-cued ethnography, immigration and education, impact of social injustices on childhoods, project-based learning led by c...
Interests include early childhood education policy and practice, gender issues in early childhood education, conceptions of children, urban literacy education, diversity, equity and social justice in early childhood and qualitative research.
Accepting new students
Dr. Snaider is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her research lies at the intersection of educational policy and early childhood practice. She conducts comparative case studies to examine how teachers strive to c...
Accepting new students
Additional Information
