Ph.D. Graduate Minor

Graduate Minor

The Graduate Minor in Early Childhood Studies is designed to offer interdisciplinary graduate education by combining coursework and applied research opportunities focused on areas within the field of early childhood including health, mental health, early education and care, early intervention, policy and law, and family and community-based social supports. The minor provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to interact with faculty across disciplines who have diverse academic backgrounds and areas of research and expertise.

Entry: Fall 
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 15-20 Students
Application Deadline: March 15 (Fall)
Program Completion: ~4 years

On-campus and online M.A.E.

Master’s Program

These tracks in early childhood studies includes coursework focused on the practice of early childhood education, intervention, and service provision. Coursework includes a focus on early childhood curriculum, child development, and effective early childhood instructional methods. An applicant who chooses this program track may plan to pursue a future doctorate, may intend to engage in coaching with teachers or parents, or may endeavor to become a better teacher or administrator. This program has a focus on birth through kindergarten.

Entry: Fall Semester Only
Typical Course Load: 6-9 credit hours per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time 
Average Class Size: 20
Application Deadline: December 15 (Campus-based Early Childhood Track); February 15 (Online Early Childhood Policy Track, Online Early Childhood Practitioner Leader Track)
Program Completion: 2 years if full time 

Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education Policy

Certificate Program

The 12-credit graduate certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education Policy supports the development of a robust cadre of early childhood leaders and policymakers equipped to effectively serve young children. With fully online coursework covering leadership, policy advocacy, theory and analysis, the certificate provides the training needed to effectively lead organizations, contribute to policy-making, and analyze early childhood policy at the local, state, and federal level.

Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 3-6 credit hours
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 20
Application Deadline: February 15 (Summer), June 15 (Fall), October 15 (Spring)
Program Completion: 1 academic year or 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) if Full-Time

Online Undergraduate Minor in Early Childhood Studies

Undergraduate Minor

The Early Childhood Studies minor facilitates understanding of the transdisciplinary field of early childhood studies by exploring the intersections among early care and education, health/mental health, and family support systems. This 5 course, 15 credit minor can be taken by any undergraduate student from any college or as a specialization in the Education Sciences degree program. The scope of courses explores the science, policy, and implementation of practices to support early development, learning, health, and wellbeing from child- and family-centered equity perspectives, specifically focusing on birth to age 5. This minor does not lead to teacher certification.