Master of Arts with an Early Childhood Emphasis
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program with an emphasis in early childhood is designed for applicants who have an interest in working on issues of practice or policy as they relate to early childhood. The MAE is offered in two tracks: an on-campus track focused on early childhood and an asynchronous online track with an emphasis on early childhood policy. The program does not lead to teacher certification and is not an initial teacher preparation program. Both tracks focus on children from birth through kindergarten.
Traditional Early Childhood Track (On-Campus Courses)
The traditional early childhood track includes coursework focused on the practice of early childhood education, intervention, and service provision. Coursework (see below) 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.
On-Campus Courses (Traditional Early Childhood Track)
Fall Year 1
- EEC 6205 – Early Childhood Curriculum
- EEC 6933 – Special Topics (or Child Development Course)
- EEC 6905 – Practicum in Early Childhood
- EEC 6933 – Early Childhood Seminar for MAE & Doctoral Students
Spring Year 1
- EEC 6933 – Instructional Methods for Young Children
- EDF 6403 – Quantitative Foundation of Educational Research
Summer Year 1
- Elective or Early Childhood Specialization Courses
Fall Year 2
- EEC 6933 – Families & Diversity in Early Childhood Studies
- EEX 6971 – Thesis or EEX 6905 – Project Research
- Elective or Early Childhood Specialization Course
Spring Year 2
- EEC 7056 – Policy & Advocacy in Early Childhood Studies
- EEC 6933 – Early Childhood Assessment & Evaluation
- EEX 6971 – Thesis or EEX 6905 – Project Research
Early Childhood Policy Track (Online Courses)
This program track focuses on the policy context of early childhood from birth through kindergarten through interdisciplinary coursework in early childhood policy and educational leadership (see course sequence below). Upon graduation, an applicant who chooses this program may plan to pursue a future doctorate degree or seek new ECP-focused career opportunities with school districts across the United States, U.S./state-level Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, etc., legislative or congressional offices, judicial offices, social service agencies with advocacy departments, state or federal education policy organizations, non-governmental agencies for education, health, mental health, housing, and/or legal services, international agencies (e.g., World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization), family advocacy programs, early childhood organizations (e.g., NAEYC, Zero to Three), philanthropic foundations, or research institutions or think tanks focused on policy research (e.g., AIR, Child Trends).
Online Courses (Early Childhood Policy Track)
Fall Year 1
- EEC 6665 – History, Child Development, & Equity in Early Childhood Policy
- EEC 6636 – Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues in Early Childhood Policy
- EDA 6931 – Education Policy Analysis
Spring Year 1
- EDG 6285 – Evaluation in School Programs
- EEC 7056 – Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy
- Elective
Summer Year 1
- EEC6667 – Theory & Analysis in Early Childhood Policy
Fall Year 2
- EEC 6933 – Internship and Seminar in Early Childhood Policy
- Elective
- Elective
Spring Year 2
- EEX 6971 – Thesis or EEX 6905 – Project Research
Application Deadlines
This Master of Arts (M.A.E.) program is designed for applicants interested in the study of early childhood educational practice or early childhood policy. This program offers both a thesis and non-thesis program of study and both a traditional and policy track. Admission to the MAE in Early Childhood is for Fall Semester Only. To ensure full consideration, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required application materials to the Graduate School by June 15th. Early Childhood program faculty conduct review of applicants’ materials in June. If you are an international applicant it is suggested that you submit your application at minimum four weeks before the suggested deadlines.
- Fall Admissions Only: Application completed by June 15th
Useful Documents
Admission Requirements
- Application for admission into the Graduate School. https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/
- Application fee (can be paid online via the application system or by check or money order)
- Résumé*
- Official transcripts from colleges/ universities previously attended*
- Three letters of recommendation
- At least two letters must be from academic and/ or work related recommenders
- Can be submitted electronically via the application system or as hard copies
- International Applicantsmust provide additional documentation including acceptable TOEFL, MELAB, or IETS scores. Additional detail about international application requirements is available at: http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/intl/admissioninfo.html
- TOEFL: Paper Based-550 Computer Based-213 Internet Based-80
- IELTS: 6
*Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
Stipends Available
A limited number of stipends are available to admitted students, covering 50% of tuition costs. Please contact admissions for more information regarding this stipend!
