Masters in Early Childhood Education
or Blended?
Offered Online?
Classes meet entirely online.
Offered In-Class?
Classes meet face-to-face at our St. Paul campus or other off-campus location.
Offered Blended?
Course work is completed through a combination of in-class and online class meetings.
Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education with Early Childhood Education Emphasis program consists of 33 credit hours and is offered fully online. The masters in early childhood education is designed for busy adult students who are interested in obtaining their degree and require the flexibility of attending class on their schedule.
Professional practices in the field of early education focus on strategies and best practices rooted in theory and philosophy supported by research. Students who earn their masters in early childhood education will interpret, evaluate and apply research and theory related to all areas of early childhood education. Courses taken while obtaining the degree in early childhood education address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for advanced professional preparation.
To be considered for admission, program candidates needs to be employed or regularly volunteering in the area of education with either children or families.
ECE-520
Effective Research Writing
This course will emphasize the difference between academic writing for a master’s program and writing for personal use. APA Formatting will be emphasized, strategies for developing a literature review, and writing for academic use will be included.
ECE-521
Topics & Research in Early Ed
This course will explore the current research in early education focusing on the theme of evidence based practices by integrating theory with the activities of teacher researchers. Current empirical studies will be used to apply and understand research methods.
ECE-526
Curriculum & Instruction / ECE
Along with the presentation of curriculum and instruction theory, this course will explore the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum and instruction. The link between assessment and program evaluation will be made.
ECE-527
Observation and Assessment
The various methods of child study, observation, portfolio development, and other assessment strategies are studied as a way to assess children’s growth and the development of knowledge and skills. In addition, current classroom practices and learning environments are explored to identify changes that benefit children, their families, and communication between program and home.
ECE-522
Play: Theory and Applications
This course is a study of the various theoretical foundations of play and their application to young children’s development and learning. Students examine the role of the teacher in children’s play, analyze play environments, and review the issues and research affecting children and curricula.
ECE-544
Lang Dev & Emergent Literacy
Current research is studied in regard to emergent literacy and language development in children with implications for the classroom teacher. Whole language strategies are explored for children from birth through age seven.
ECE-541
Diverse Classroom
This course presents studies of education in multicultural settings. Students explore the values, beliefs, customs, and perceptions of racial and ethnic groups which affect social life and the education of children. Concepts of culture, social class, and power are developed.
ED-582
Ethics for Educators
This course is a study of ethics and moral philosophy with applications to making decisions regarding current social and personal problems.
ECE-576
Methods in EC Programming
This course is an in-depth look at current literature that supports leadership in early childhood education and then extends learning to the complexities of quality programming in early childhood education.
ED-539
Legal and Legislative Issues
ECE-577
eFolio and Completion
Requirements
1. Apply Online
2. Submit official transcripts from the regionally accredited institution stating the conferral of a Bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 system.
3. Submit a typed personal statement that answers the questions listed below. Completed statements should be labeled with your name, academic program, and your contact information and submitted via mail, email or fax. Each question should be answered in a minimum of 300 words (1 page).
Why are you choosing to pursue a graduate program at this time in your career, and what are you hoping to accomplish by doing so?
What strengths do you feel make you a strong candidate for the program?
Describe a past or present personal/professional experience that you believe positively influenced your potential to succeed in a graduate program.
4. Submit a curent, professional resume. Applicants must be a practitioner in their field through work or volunteerism and should demonstrate this involvement on their resume.
Technology Requirements
Students enrolling in a graduate program must have access to a computer that meets Concordia University's technology requirements. Contact Concordia's Help Desk at helpdesk@csp.edu or 651-641-8866 with any questions regarding these requirements.
Start Dates
Fall 2013 Term
Start Date: Thursday, September 12, 2013
Delivery: Online
Class Day: Thursday
Chat Time: 8-8:45 p.m. CST
Spring 2014 Term
Start Date: Monday, January 13, 2014
Delivery: Online
Class Day: Monday
Chat Time: 6-6:45 p.m. CST
Summer 2014 Term
Start Date: Monday, May 12, 2014
Delivery: Online
Class Day: Monday
Chat Time: 8-8:45 p.m. CST