Master of Arts with an Early Childhood Emphasis
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program is designed for applicants who hold or are eligible for certification in early childhood, or who have completed substantial coursework in the area of early childhood (child development, developmental psychology, family studies, for example). The program does not lead to teacher certification and is not an initial teacher preparation program. This program focuses on children from birth through kindergarten. An applicant who chooses this program 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.
Thesis Option
The thesis option includes 30 credit hours of coursework plus 6 credit hours of thesis credit. Each student’s program is designed together with the student’s adviser. The program does not lead to teacher certification.
Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option includes 30 credit hours of coursework plus 6 credits of “Project in-lieu-of Thesis.” Each student’s program is designed together with the student’s adviser. The program does not lead to teacher certification.
Admission to the MAE in Early Childhood
Admission to the MAE in Early Childhood (EC) is for FALL SEMESTER ONLY. To ensure full consideration, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required application materials to the Graduate School by December 15. EC program faculty conduct review of applicants’ materials in January. EC program faculty may continue to conduct review of applicants’ materials in the spring semester but we cannot guarantee that your application will receive full consideration unless it is submitted by December 15.
Coursework
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 |
