phd early childhood education in usa

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Early Childhood and Childhood Education

Phd in teaching and learning concentration.

Become a researcher or teacher educator dedicated to understanding children’s development and learning, and supporting them in their education from birth through elementary school. This rigorous doctorate will prepare you to conduct research in child development and education, including in specific content areas such as literacy, numeracy, and social studies.

What You'll Learn

• Qualitative and quantitative methodologies and how to apply them to academic research in education
• How to develop and design a research proposal, implement a research agenda, evaluate results, and disseminate findings

Your Academic Experience

A flexible, highly individualized phd program.

The program of study is distributed among courses in the foundations, cognate areas, research, specialization, and dissertation research and preparation. You will be able to personalize your program around your individual interests and choose from such related areas of specialization as teacher education, curriculum development, child development, innovations in schooling, and specific content areas such as literacy, numeracy, and social studies.

Work with Faculty on Shared Research Interests

Our faculty's research interests center on key themes in early childhood and childhood education, including:

• Human and child development
• Social contexts of learning
• The influence of culture on teaching and learning
• Multiple ways of knowing
• Families as partners in children’s learning
• The uses of evaluation and assessment in teaching and learning
• The impact of language and literacy development on children’s learning
• Curriculum development

You'll have the opportunity to work closely with them on grants and studies as you as establish your own research agenda. 

Become Part of a Tight-Knit Research Community in a Global Urban Center

At NYU Steinhardt, you will have access to a world-class facility for conducting educational research. The PhD in Teaching and Learning is designed to prepare you for all aspects of the research process, including developing and designing a research proposal, implementing a research agenda, and disseminating findings. You will interact with a close community of fellow student researchers and receive close mentoring from faculty as you pursue educational research in the heart of New York City.

Each doctoral student is assigned a faculty advisor in the student’s chosen area of specialization. This advisor serves as an interim academic advisor until the student selects a doctoral dissertation advisor. 

You'll be well prepared for roles including:

• Teacher educator or researcher in early childhood and childhood education in colleges and universities
• Early childhood and childhood education specialist in government organizations and nonprofits
• Curriculum specialist or evaluator in early childhood and childhood education programs 

Erin O'Connor

Professor of education & chief of education at cooper.

Professor of Childhood Education

Fabienne Doucet

Executive director, metropolitan center for research on equity and the transformation of schools and associate professor of early childhood and urban education.

Scholars and Leaders

This is one of a limited number of programs in the country that focuses solely on early childhood. Students and faculty are reflective partners actively engaged in pursuing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be teachers, researchers, professionals, and leaders in early care and education. 

Further understand early childhood education by exploring its history, influences, and modern methodologies through curriculum informed by the conceptual framework and principles of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Students have the opportunity to study behavior, explore the latest research for early childhood programs, and uncover innovative practices and trends that serve the diverse needs of children.

Become a scholar and a leader in the Early Childhood Education program, where knowledge meets action to impact the future of early childhood education.

Professional Preparation

Student will consider social and cultural diversity within children and families while studying what influences young learners, teachers, and families. Students also have the opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed journals, strengthen collaborative skills in grant writing, and delve into pivotal social and educational policy issues shaping literacy learning. 

Professional applications for the Early Childhood Education, Ph.D., include many career opportunities. Among others, students may: 

• teach at a community college or 4-year college/university
• be involved in education leadership opportunities (local district, state, education organizations) and educational publishing companies
• oversee private early childhood programs
• pursue positions where the focus is on young children (nutrition, physical therapy, etc.)

This mostly online degree program requires completion of 69-84 semester credit hours. Students have seven calendar years from the date of initial registration to complete and successfully defend a dissertation.

"Mostly Online" means that all coursework will be completed online with one required intensive session on campus per semester.

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog .

Become an Education Leader

Steps to Apply

Step 1 - create your etsu application account step 1    create your etsu application account by choosing the "sign up" option step 2 - sign into the etsu application portal step 2    sign in to the etsu application portal and select "start a new application" step 3 - complete the remaining fields step 3    choose "graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "doctorate," term, then choose  ph.d. early childhood  and complete the remainder of the form..

Take me to the application portal

Credits to complete this program: 69-84 credit hours

Frequently Asked Questions

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  ( www.sacscoc.org ).

This program requires a Master's Degree in Early Childhood or a related field from a regionally accredited university.

The GRE is required for this program. There is no cut-off score, but the department uses the GRE to provide information on how to best support its students.

There are synchronous on-campus program cohorts, as well as a hybrid cohort that is mostly online with one Friday–Sunday weekend per semester on-campus.

The hybrid cohort courses are asynchronous, but there is one on-campus gathering each semester (usually mid-semester) Friday–Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 pm EST (includes a one hour lunch break).

On-campus courses meet weekly from 4:30-7:30 EST in Warf-Pickel Hall, where the Department of Early Childhood Education is located on ETSU's main campus.

The program of study requires a dissertation.

There are also two apprenticeship options, generally with faculty but sometimes with leaders in the field. One is a research apprenticeship, working on a research project of a faculty member; and there are options for the second apprenticeship. These are:

• University teaching – teaching an undergraduate course for the department
• Teacher development – developing modules for professional development for others in the field
• Early Intervention – working with an early intervention practitioner in the field
• Leadership – working with a leader in the field

Full-time students typically complete the program in 4.5-5 years.

Part-time students typically complete the program in 5-7 years. 

Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

• Visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Apply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Give to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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Child development/early childhood education (ph.d.), child development/early childhood education (ph.d.) doctor of philosophy (ph.d.).

The comprehensive Ph.D. program in Child Development/Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare students to be independent scholars in research and education professions. To meet this objective, all students admitted to the program will have the opportunity for:

• An intensive research experience
• An independent teaching opportunity
• An opportunity for international engagement

What is an intensive research experience?

Research experience and expertise distinguishes the doctoral degree from other degrees in higher education. Doctoral students are offered many and varied opportunities to gain research experience through graduate research assistantships, working on faculty research projects, designing and carrying out research through a doctoral seminar, and thesis and dissertation research. We ensure that students experience all phases of a research project from conceptualization and design to data analysis, presenting results at a professional conference, and submitting scholarly papers to peer-reviewed journals. Our students present their work at local, state, regional, national, and international conferences and have their work accepted and/or published prior to graduation. Because our faculty members engage in a wide range of research using a variety of methodologies, students have opportunities to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, secondary data analysis, and to use various methodologies such as survey, interview, and observation techniques. In addition, students may choose to complete a series of courses to earn relevant certificates.

What kinds of teaching experiences will I have?

Doctoral students are required to take a seminar in college teaching (CYAF 920) but all students also have additional teaching experiences such as guest lecturing, teaching a module of a course in a topic area of interest, or working with a faculty member through a graduate assistantship. Students are mentored by award-winning faculty members in all aspects of teaching including conceptualization and design of class experiences and assignments, lecture design and techniques, grading and rubrics, effective communication and presentation skills, and theories of teaching and learning. We encourage students to develop skills in both in-person and online teaching. We guide our students in preparing a teaching portfolio that highlights their teaching experiences and that includes a philosophy of teaching that guides their practice. The teaching portfolio helps our students be competitive on the job market.

What are the opportunities for international engagement?

Our doctoral students have a variety of opportunities for international engagement. Students have conducted international research, presented their research at international conferences, and have taken study tours. Each year there are several study tours sponsored by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies and the College of Education and Human Sciences.  Our faculty members have developed international collaborations and routinely offer study tours to China, Brazil, India, and Italy. Students have traveled to conduct research in Turkey, Colombia, Brazil, and Australia.

Each year, a small group of CYAF students (graduate and undergraduate) spend 6-8 weeks at the Anubhuti schools operated by Jain Irrigation in Jalgaon, India. Students live on the campus of the Anubhuti residential school and spend most school days embedded in the Anubhuti English Medium School, which serves children living in extreme poverty. Living on the campus provides rich opportunities to engage with the students and the faculty, develop relationships, and learn about Indian culture. Students also go on excursions to awe-inspiring cultural sites.

Application to this program

Required materials:, degree requirements, program tracks:.

The CD/ECE doctoral specialization consists of two tracks:

• Comprehensive Ph.D. program that combines a M.S. and Ph.D. into one program;
• Ph.D. program for students with a M.S. degree.

The minimum amount of graduate credit for the Ph.D. is 90 credit hours, including a disseration. At least 45 credit hours must be completed at the University of Nebraska after the filing of the program of studies. Students who have completed a Master’s degree prior to admission may have some of their previously earned credits count toward the degree, and the student’s supervisory committee makes this determination.  

Required Coursework:

Child and Family Theories (CYAF 972) Professional Development Seminar (CYAF 901) Teaching Practicum (CYAF 920)

Research and Statistics (15 credits):

Minimum 9 credit hours of statistics Minimum 3 credit hours of research methods

Supporting coursework related to the discipline (39 credits):

Select courses in CYAF and other departments within the University that will support you in meeting your professional goals. Your supervisory committee will assist you in selecting these courses. Some students complete additional certificates as part of their supporting coursework.

Doctoral Seminar (15 credits):

Doctoral seminar (CYAF 995) is designed to provide supervised experiences developing the skills of a scholar, such as engaging in all phases of research from conception to presentation or publication of research findings; conducting literature review; coding and analyzing data; designing measures; conducting a program evaluation; or writing a grant application. Students contract with faculty members to complete 995.

Dissertation (12-18 credits):

Students enroll in dissertation when they begin working on their dissertation proposal, typically after they have completed and passed their comprehensive exam and have completed their other coursework.

  Child Development/Early Childhood Education Doctoral Handbook

Faculty advising students in this program area include:

• Dr. Kelley Buchheister
• Dr. Dipti Dev
• Dr. Holly Hatton-Bowers
• Dr. Soo-Young Hong
• Dr. Rachel Schachter
• Dr. Julia Torquati
• Dr. Patty Kuo
• Dr. Amy Napoli

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UMass Boston

• Early Childhood Education & Care PhD

Preparing future leaders to transform opportunities and outcomes for young children.

UMass Boston's PhD in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) prepares you to transform opportunities and outcomes for young children through skilled research, policy development, and innovative practices. This will be accomplished through a program that is both research-intensive and policy- and practice-oriented. The focus will be on using and developing knowledge to address pressing, meaningful problems in the development of young children, especially in underrepresented and underserved populations, including those living in poverty, with disabilities or developmental delays, and from immigrant or refugee groups, within the U.S. and also in low-income countries.

Through their research, students will address applied questions in policy and practice. The focus will be on young children, especially the first five years of life, a period often neglected in schools of education.

Why apply to UMass Boston's Early Childhood Education and Care PhD program?

The Early Childhood Education and Care PhD program is all about preparing the next generation of early childhood scholars, teachers, and social justice advocates. We believe in the benefits of working with a variety of research methods and theoretical approaches, learning with multiple mentors, and knowing how to think about children, families, and social justice as they apply to local and transnational contexts.

Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements

• Evidence of a master’s degree in early childhood or related field. Transcripts must include at least one introductory course in statistics.
• Scores on the Graduate Record Examination Combined Aptitude Test (GRE). All students must submit the general GRE scores even if they have a master’s degree. We do not accept the MATs.
• For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper), 250 (computer based), or 100 (Internet based), with a minimum score of 23 on the speaking section or an IELTS score of 7.0.
• Short [3-5 page] writing sample: Any substantial piece of academic writing of which the applicant is the sole author.
• What are your career objectives?
• How will a PhD in Early Childhood Education and Care advance those objectives?
• In what ways does the UMass Boston Early Childhood Education and Care program address your particular academic, career, and personal goals?
• What professional, personal, and academic experiences or strengths have especially equipped you for the challenges of pursuing a doctorate?
• What research issues are you interested in pursuing at UMass Boston? Which professor(s) would you like to work with in this program?

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 15 for Fall.

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Core Courses (15 Credits)

• ECHD 701 - Early Education and Care Policy and Practice 3 Credit(s)
• ECHD 702 - Advanced Child Development and Early Learning 3 Credit(s)
• ECHD 704 - Leadership and Change in Early Education and Care 3 Credit(s)
• ECHD 705 - The Science of Early Learning 3 Credit(s)
• ECHD 706 - Historical and Theoretical Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Care. 3 Credit(s)

Research Methods Courses (18 Credits)

Complete one introductory course, one quantitative course, one qualitative course, and three advanced qualitative research electives.

Introductory Course:

• ECHD 703 - Translating Early Education Research into Practice 3 Credit(s)

Qualitative Courses (choose one):

• PPOL-G 609L - Qualitative Methods and Field Research 3 Credit(s)
• EDLDRS 740 - Research Methods in Educational Leadership I 3 Credit(s)
• HIGHED 752 - Research Methods in Higher Education: Qualitative Analysis 3 Credit(s)

Quantitative Courses (choose one):

• EDLDRS 741 - Research Methods in Educational Leadership II 3 Credit(s)
• CSP 708 - Intermediate Statistics in CSP 3 Credit(s)
• HIGHED 751 - Research Methods in Higher Education: Quantitative Analysis 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Quantitative Research Courses (choose three):

• EDLDRS 743 - Measurement and Research Instrument Design 3 Credit(s)
• PPOL-G 605L - Statistical Methods in the Analysis of Social Problems II 3 Credit(s)
• CSP 770 - Advanced Statistics in Counseling and School Psychology 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 704 - Advanced Discourse Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 705 - Advanced Ethnography 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 655 - Evaluation Research 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 660 - Fundamentals of Survey Methodology 3 Credit(s)

Teaching Seminar (3 Credits)

• ECHD 707 - Teaching Early Childhood Education and Care in Higher Education 3 Credit(s)

Doctoral Seminars (6 Credits)

• ECHD 709 - ECEC Doctoral Seminar I 3 Credit(s)
• ECHD 710 - ECEC Doctoral Seminar II 3 Credit(s)

Research Team Seminars (3 Credits)

Complete two semesters.

• ECHD 708 - Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Research Team Seminar 1.5 Credit(s)

Concentration Courses (9 Credits)

Take three courses from one of the concentrations below.

Learning and Teaching in the First Five Years Concentration

Example courses.

• PSYCLN 710 - Child Assessment 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 605 - Theories and Principles of Language Teaching 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 614 - Foundations of Bilingual/Multicultural Education 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 707 - Current Research on Language and Pedagogy 3 Credit(s)

Capstone Requirement

Leadership, policy and finance concentration.

• PPOL-G 611 - Public Policy Processes: Environments, Power and Outcomes 3 Credit(s)
• PPOL-G 612 - Approaches to Policy Analysis: Epistemology, Theory and Institutions 3 Credit(s)
• PPOL-G 621 - Microeconomics for Policy Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• PPOL-G 760 - Sociological Perspectives on Public Policy and Social Justice 3 Credit(s)
• EDLDRS 732 - Organization and Leadership in Educational Institutions 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 741 - Health Policy I 3 Credit(s)

Urban, Multilingual and Global Contexts Concentration

• CSP 705 - Social and Cultural Psychology 3 Credit(s)
• CONRES 624 - Cross-Cultural Conflict 3 Credit(s)
• EDLDRS 720 - Teaching, Learning and Curriculum in Urban Contexts 3 Credit(s)
• EDLDRS 730 - Historical Roots of Contemporary Urban Schooling 3 Credit(s)
• PSYCLN 610 - Culture and Mental Health 3 Credit(s)
• PPOL-G 753L - Epidemiological Thinking and Population Health 3 Credit(s)
• HLTH 644 - Global Perspectives on Health; Exploring the Intersection of Equity, Economics and Culture 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 603 - Language, Culture and Identity 3 Credit(s)
• APLING 665 - Immigration and Education 3 Credit(s)
• SPE G 630 - Building Collaborative Partnerships with Families of Students with Disabilities 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 605 - International Responses to Social Inclusion 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 606 - Research and Evaluation in Diverse Settings: Methods and Implications 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 608 - Ethics and Professionalism in Global Inclusion and Social Development 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 609 - Justice: A Global Transdisciplinary Framework for Culture and Innovation 3 Credit(s)
• GISD 610 - Strategies for Systemic Change 3 Credit(s)

Individual Concentration

Complete nine credits of coursework chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 63 credits from 19 courses including five core courses, six research methods courses, one teaching seminar, two doctoral seminars, two research team seminar, and three concentration courses; as well as a nine credit dissertation.

Doctoral candidacy: Completion of a comprehensive examination. Dissertation: Compose and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Statute of limitations: Nine years.

Graduate Program Director Songtian (Tim) Zeng songtian.zeng [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6409

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University of missouri, early childhood education (phd).

This degree is a Doctorate of Philosophy in the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education .

This degree is part of the  Early Childhood Education Program  housed in the  Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum .

Goals of the PhD Program:

These goals are achieved through a combination of course-work, internships and authentic experiences with research, development and teacher education.

• Understand the field of early childhood education in terms of research, curriculum, policy, teacher development and student learning.
• Develop, carry out and report independent research in some area of early childhood education.
• Become outstanding teachers/advisors of college students.
• Understand the role of service in the university setting.

This degree is only offered on campus and does not lead to certification.

Degree Requirements

To receive a PhD degree in early childhood education, you must complete a minimum of 72 hours of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. This includes at least 18 hours of early childhood education core course and a minimum of 12 hours of research methodology.

Admission Requirements

You must meet two sets of minimum qualifications in order to be considered for admission:

• LTC requirements
• Office of Graduate Studies requirements

A committee of faculty members reviews your application’s credentials. You are not guaranteed admission even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

How to Apply

In addition to completing the Graduate Studies application , you must submit the following materials to the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum :

• Unofficial transcript
• Statement of Purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL scores (international students only)

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Early Childhood Education Specialization

This specialization is designed to provide candidates with a strong background in research, theory, issues, policies, advocacy and practical experiences in early childhood.

The Concordia University Chicago Leadership PhD program with a specialization in  early childhood education  focuses on the preparation of confident and competent leaders who can provide the voice for young children and who will dedicate themselves to ensuring all young children have access to equitable, appropriate and quality opportunities for care and learning at every age and in every environment.

The degree is built upon the candidate’s prior work in the field. The program provides a theoretical and practical framework for advanced work and leadership in the field of early childhood with an emphasis on current research.

The PhD program provides the opportunity for current and future leaders in the field to extend knowledge in early childhood education and develop understandings of current and future issues in the field. These opportunities are organized into coursework, practical experiences in the field and research.

The focus of this program is to prepare early childhood professionals to assume leadership roles in three major areas:

• Higher education (including teaching, service, and research)
• Leadership and administration of organizations
• Policy, advocacy and politics

Recent graduates of the program have become early childhood leaders in universities, multisite programs, educational planning, and governance and management.

The course work provides the opportunity to receive a high-quality educational program that encourages the development of skills and competencies needed throughout the candidate's professional career as an accomplished early childhood educator, administrator, researcher, policy and advocacy specialist or other leadership roles.

Learning Objectives and Competencies

Upon completion of all coursework and dissertation requirements, candidates will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the following:

• Leadership and advocacy skills in early childhood education that will support the ongoing development of the field.
• An understanding of the methodology and appropriate practices, and problems in public and private early childhood programs with an emphasis on communicating new knowledge and skills within the field and to policy makers and business leaders who collaborate with early childhood professionals in effecting positive change.
• Application of child development of early childhood education to current practice and research.
• Analysis of contemporary early education issues across the country with the goal of identifying research and advocacy needs in the field that will lead to ongoing solutions and best practices.
• Rich experience in ongoing educational research that will further the development and maturation of early childhood education as an important educational field.
• Synthesis of early childhood curriculum, teaching and pedagogy into effective teacher leadership across the range of early childhood policy and practice.
• Design and implementation of appropriate strategies for improved teaching and leadership practice that will then be communicated to the next generation of early childhood professionals through teacher education, advocacy and policy development.
• Development of professional habits and sense of responsibility for reflective practice, providing a model for that reflection to colleagues and community and society.

Throughout the program, candidates will be required to reflect on their beliefs and practices as they relate to early education. That reflection will emphasize the development of competency and servant leadership within the context of integrity and Christian values.

See Academic Catalog for curriculum details on this specialization

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Early Childhood

Master's Programs

• Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship
• Education Policy and Analysis
• Human Development and Education
• Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology
• Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Personalize your  HGSE Ed.M. program by choosing a concentration in Early Childhood.

The Early Childhood (EC) Concentration prepares you for work in roles across the early childhood education sector — from early childhood teachers to preschool directors, from curriculum developers to tech entrepreneurs, from foundation program officers to policy analysts, and from counselors to advocates. You and your fellow cohort members can select a core course from topics that include a range of child development domains (language and literacy, social-emotional learning, etc.), early childhood policy (in domestic and global contexts), and educator development and support. In addition, you will participate in a seminar where you can interact with experienced professionals and develop opportunities to build your network for important long-term professional action.  

“From early childhood courses to apprenticeships at the Saul Zaentz Academy for Professional Learning to research opportunities through the Harvard Early Learning Study, HGSE has organized around the notion that the years before formal schooling are crucial. Students in this Concentration will participate in, and benefit from, this commitment and will become part of a strong network of professionals who are contributing to today’s ambitious early education agenda.” Stephanie Jones Faculty Co-Chair

Concentration Co-Chairs

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard. The faculty co-chairs for Early Childhood are below.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Hadas Eidelman

Hadas Eidelman focuses on special education policy, developmental process, and data analysis and statistical methods.

Stephanie M. Jones

Stephanie Jones focuses on the effects of poverty and exposure to violence on children’s development and assesses the impact of social-emotional learning interventions.

Cohort and Community

As you explore the EC Concentration, you will meet and collaborate with fellow cohort members who share a commitment to early childhood education research, practice, and policy. Through interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds, networking opportunities, and activities drawn from throughout the university, you will build a robust and vibrant community of next-generation scholars and practitioners, dedicated to transforming the field of education. 

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Master's Programs

Early Childhood Education Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 233 results

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

New York, NY •

New York University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.32 out of 5   28 reviews

Master's Student: So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and encourages me to stay on top of asynchronous work for my zoom meets. Another big plus about this program and why I chose it is that I did not graduate with a bachelor’s in speech or CSD. This program offers most prerequisite classes that extend your plan of study but is so worth it. The only down side is the prerequisites required by ASHA cannot be taken through their program. So while I have taken statistics, a biological and behavioral /social science during my undergrad I will need to take a physical science outside of the program before I start my clinic/practicums. Overall, many of my peers seem to enjoy the program too and even though the program is online for me, the helpfulness and acceptance from professors is truly unmatched. ... Read 28 reviews

New York University ,

Graduate School ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far I’m almost a year into NYU Steinhardt’s online speech program and I love it! For those who don’t mind online learning and can time manage, this is for you. It gives me more flexibility and... .

Read 28 reviews.

Lynch School of Education

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: I am preparing to start my studies in this program. As of now, all staff has made this process extremely stress free and easy. My classes have been planned out for my entire time in the program. This is helpful in knowing what is to coming and planning for the future. My advisor has done an exceptional job of working with me to ensure I am taking the correct classes in conjunction to feel prepared for my MTELS. I am looking forward to all there is to come in this program. ... Read 4 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am preparing to start my studies in this program. As of now, all staff has made this process extremely stress free and easy. My classes have been planned out for my entire time in the program. This... .

Read 4 reviews.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY •

HAMILTON, NY ,

School of Education - American University

American University •

Graduate School •

WASHINGTON, DC

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, TX

• • Rating 4.59 out of 5   115

School of Arts, Sciences and Education - D'Youville

D'Youville University •

BUFFALO, NY

University of Florida College of Education

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: The academic experience in the University of Florida's online graduate program Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Technology has been exceptional. I have gained a deeper understanding of effective instructional strategies and innovative technology resources that can be applied in my teaching career and to my future curriculum design endeavors. ... Read 8 reviews

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University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The academic experience in the University of Florida's online graduate program Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Technology has been exceptional. I have gained a deeper... .

Read 8 reviews.

Wheelock College of Education and Human Development

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: My experience with Wheelock College has been limited since I have not officially started at the University. I have limited experience with the school and faculty. In terms of the counseling department, and the admissions team have been extremely helpful and overall thorough. The faculty seems quite kind and open as well. Wheelock college is definitely a welcoming and unique place for one to take opportunities. ... Read 5 reviews

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience with Wheelock College has been limited since I have not officially started at the University. I have limited experience with the school and faculty. In terms of the counseling... .

Read 5 reviews.

College of Education - University of Illinois

Champaign, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

CHAMPAIGN, IL ,

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University of Georgia College of Education

Athens, GA •

University of Georgia •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   6 reviews

Doctoral Student: This program has challenged me in many ways, both positively and negatively; however, even the negative experiences have assisted my personal and professional growth for the better. The best parts of this program are the connections I have made with colleagues and friends, as well as faculty who hold high status in the field. Additionally, this program has helped me develop into a competent future counseling psychologist and one who has a decent grasp of multicultural and social justice competency, which is important to me and vital to our field. That said, the worst parts of my experience relate to this, in that I do not feel we have enough formal training when it comes to social justice/multicultural competence. I and others in my program have also experienced the negative impacts of COVID-19 and its impact on departmental organization, which has affected our educational trajectories. This has made all of us resilient, however, and we are all on track for success! ... Read 6 reviews

University of Georgia ,

ATHENS, GA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says This program has challenged me in many ways, both positively and negatively; however, even the negative experiences have assisted my personal and professional growth for the better. The best parts of... .

Read 6 reviews.

Warner School of Education and Human Development

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: The inclusion classes are great. Some of the professors exhibit some microaggressions, but for the most part the education is good. It is a smaller school, so everybody knows each other, which can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Overall a pretty good school, but my undergrad was better so I tend to compare the two. ... Read 1 review

University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The inclusion classes are great. Some of the professors exhibit some microaggressions, but for the most part the education is good. It is a smaller school, so everybody knows each other, which can be... .

Read 1 reviews.

University of Pittsburgh School of Education

Pittsburgh, PA •

University of Pittsburgh •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   6 reviews

Master's Student: I love being a student at Pitt. As a graduate student, it is definitely busy and overwhelming at times, but I have wonderful, supportive classmates and professors. The best part of this year-long Master's program is definitely the student teaching experience. I have loved building connections with students and learning how to effectively employ teaching strategies. The worst part of my experience has been that the workload at my teaching site often ramps up at the same time as my Pitt classes, which makes that time extra stressful. Overall, though, it has been truly amazing. ... Read 6 reviews

University of Pittsburgh ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I love being a student at Pitt. As a graduate student, it is definitely busy and overwhelming at times, but I have wonderful, supportive classmates and professors. The best part of this year-long... .

College of Education and Human Development - University of Delaware

Newark, DE •

University of Delaware •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Alum: The University of Delaware Doctoral Program is a competitive program which prepares student's for future leadership writing, roles and experiences. The instructors are helpful, well-educated and caring. As a college leader, the program does provide a solid infrastructure to hone leadership skills overall, but could focus more specifically on creating tracks to best suit the type of educational leadership role. The current program is mostly geared towards K-12 educators, however, they are a great deal of college leaders in the program as well. It also is a traditional 16-week structure, where many other schools are moving towards (or already at) seven-week class structures which better support working professionals. However, it's the best in the state and most likely in the region, despite these recommendations. I would highly recommend. ... Read 6 reviews

University of Delaware ,

NEWARK, DE ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The University of Delaware Doctoral Program is a competitive program which prepares student's for future leadership writing, roles and experiences. The instructors are helpful, well-educated and... .

University of South Florida College of Education

Tampa, FL •

University of South Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Alum: I earned my Early Childhood Education degree from USF in 2002. I was enrolled in an education program with a cohort, full-time. The professors were knowledgeable and caring, and my classmates were amazing human beings. My internships provided me with the knowledge and experience needed to become a successful classroom teacher. I am returning now to earn a Master of Social Work to become a trauma therapist. I will begin online in January 2023. Proud to be a USF Bull! ... Read 3 reviews

University of South Florida ,

TAMPA, FL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I earned my Early Childhood Education degree from USF in 2002. I was enrolled in an education program with a cohort, full-time. The professors were knowledgeable and caring, and my classmates were... .

Read 3 reviews.

The College of Education - The University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT •

University of Utah •

University of Utah ,

SALT LAKE CITY, UT ,

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School of Education and Health Sciences - University of Dayton

Dayton, OH •

University of Dayton •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: The Ed.D. program is engaging and allows a student to examine organizational leadership through the lens of social justice and equity. The work is rigorous and rewarding. The people professors are caring and willing to guide you. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Dayton ,

DAYTON, OH ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The Ed.D. program is engaging and allows a student to examine organizational leadership through the lens of social justice and equity. The work is rigorous and rewarding. The people professors are... .

College of Education - The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL •

The University of Alabama •

The University of Alabama ,

TUSCALOOSA, AL ,

Washington, DC •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I am just starting my Education Policy and Leadership program this August. I am incredibly excited and nervous to start because I hope this is the path I'm meant to be on. I am eager to learn new things and expand my knowledge on what I already know. ... Read 5 reviews

American University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am just starting my Education Policy and Leadership program this August. I am incredibly excited and nervous to start because I hope this is the path I'm meant to be on. I am eager to learn new... .

College of Education - University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC •

University of South Carolina •

University of South Carolina ,

COLUMBIA, SC ,

College of Community Innovation and Education - University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL •

University of Central Florida •

• • Rating 4.62 out of 5   13 reviews

Master's Student: The program was informative and engaging engaging and provide a meaningful opportunities to engage in real world practices and educational leadership. The professors were knowledgeable and supportive throughout the program. I would have liked to see more preparation opportunities for the state certification exam that costs a lot of money to take. Overall, the Masters of Educational Leadership program that requires certification for graduation could offer a lot more opportunity to help graduate students be better equipped for the state leadership exam. ... Read 13 reviews

University of Central Florida ,

ORLANDO, FL ,

13 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program was informative and engaging engaging and provide a meaningful opportunities to engage in real world practices and educational leadership. The professors were knowledgeable and supportive... .

Read 13 reviews.

Graduate School of Education - University at Buffalo, SUNY

Buffalo, NY •

University at Buffalo, SUNY •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: Great academics at a great price. Great challenge at a great price. Great experience at a great price. Great return for a great investment. ... Read 2 reviews

University at Buffalo, SUNY ,

BUFFALO, NY ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Great academics at a great price. Great challenge at a great price. Great experience at a great price. Great return for a great investment. .

Read 2 reviews.

School of Education - University of Mississippi

University, MS •

University of Mississippi •

Alum: I like the atmosphere of the instructors in the School of Education. They exemplified a positive attitude and concern about the directions each student wanted to go relative to their major and field of instruction. The Campus is situated where you have easy access to your classes whether walking or in vehicles. The campus has many places outside where you can study, eat and visit with other classmates, family and friends. The town where the university is provide a home/community atmosphere for students coming from other states, towns, and cities. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Mississippi ,

UNIVERSITY, MS ,

Featured Review: Alum says I like the atmosphere of the instructors in the School of Education. They exemplified a positive attitude and concern about the directions each student wanted to go relative to their major and field... .

College of Education - San Diego State University

San Diego, CA •

San Diego State University •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Niche User: The courses in SDSU's STE are engaging, while ensuring that teacher candidates are prepared to face the teaching world- both online and in person. ... Read 3 reviews

San Diego State University ,

SAN DIEGO, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says The courses in SDSU's STE are engaging, while ensuring that teacher candidates are prepared to face the teaching world- both online and in person. .

University of Alabama - Birmingham School of Education

Birmingham, AL •

University of Alabama - Birmingham •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: UAB is the perfect school for students that want to immerse themselves in a small-feeling large city environment while also being among a community of diverse and driven students. Everyone at UAB is very laser-focused on their own path, but it is easy to find just about anyone ready to support you in your own journey. I have loved my MPA program at UAB and all the students and faculty I've met along the way. ... Read 5 reviews

University of Alabama - Birmingham ,

BIRMINGHAM, AL ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says UAB is the perfect school for students that want to immerse themselves in a small-feeling large city environment while also being among a community of diverse and driven students. Everyone at UAB is... .

Graduate School of Education - Fordham University

Fordham University •

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: the best part about this experience is all of the hands-on experience we get. i am in th mental health counseling program, and most of our work is split between educaitonal courses and practicum courses, where we can actually practice our therapy skills. It is very helpful for someone like me, who wants to be a therpist but does not have much individual counseling experience. The only downside that I can identify is the lack of guidance when it comes to certain administrative things, such as course registration. the class schedule is layed out perfectly for us., but registration is a bit difficult due to some unorganization on some peoples part. ... Read 10 reviews

Fordham University ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says the best part about this experience is all of the hands-on experience we get. i am in th mental health counseling program, and most of our work is split between educaitonal courses and practicum... .

Read 10 reviews.

DePaul University College of Education

Chicago, IL •

DePaul University •

Doctoral Student: The academics are robust, yet engaging. Students are prepared to lead in their field. The courses are paced perfectly to fit everyone's schedule. Students that attend DePaul will be prepared to serve in their area of choice. ... Read 2 reviews

DePaul University ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The academics are robust, yet engaging. Students are prepared to lead in their field. The courses are paced perfectly to fit everyone's schedule. Students that attend DePaul will be prepared to... .

School of Education - Biola University

La Mirada, CA •

Biola University •

Master's Student: I felt supported by my professors and staff throughout my time in the graduate program. My advisor and professors were all very willing to work with me and help me plan a realistic timeline of the classes I would take in my program. I also love attending a Christ-centered university because I know I can receive encouragement and prayer whenever needed. ... Read 3 reviews

Biola University ,

LA MIRADA, CA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I felt supported by my professors and staff throughout my time in the graduate program. My advisor and professors were all very willing to work with me and help me plan a realistic timeline of the... .

Duquesne University School of Education

Duquesne University •

Master's Student: Coursework was very engaging and helped me understand the field of counseling. The courses are designed to develop our counseling skills and our understanding of the profession. ... Read 5 reviews

Duquesne University ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says Coursework was very engaging and helped me understand the field of counseling. The courses are designed to develop our counseling skills and our understanding of the profession. .

University of Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT

• • Rating 4.55 out of 5   38

Merrimack College

NORTH ANDOVER, MA

• • Rating 4.38 out of 5   39

Erikson Institute

CHICAGO, IL

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   83

Showing results 1 through 25 of 233

Human Development and Family Sciences

Supporting early childhood education teachers.

With a new associate degree in early childhood education, the University of Delaware is helping working professionals advance their careers and deliver high-quality care

Excellent early care and education (ECE) often begins with great teachers. Yet, according to research by University of Delaware faculty, just over one-third of all ECE centers meet national benchmarks for teacher degrees, and even fewer can prioritize staff professional development.

With a  new associate degree in early childhood education , University of Delaware’s  College of Education and Human Development  (CEHD) is working to meet the demand for high-quality ECE teachers through a flexible, accessible and primarily online degree program designed for working professionals.

This degree offering also comes at a critical time for Delaware teachers. To raise the overall quality of early childcare in the state, the Delaware Department of Education will soon require ECE professionals to hold a certificate in child development or an associate degree.

ECE professionals in high-demand

According to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2023 brief, employment in the childcare industry dropped by more than one-third during the first two years of the pandemic. Across the nation and within Delaware, many families still wait for months on early childcare waitlists, hoping that a coveted spot for their child will open up.

At CEHD’s  Early Learning Center  (ELC), co-directors Kelly Freel and Jessica Peace are excited about CEHD’s associate degree in early childhood education program. The program, they hope, will help encourage new professionals to enter the ECE field and help teachers deliver high-quality care in their current ECE centers.

“High-quality care is only possible with a great team,” Freel said. “The heart and soul of the ELC are the teachers who partner so intimately with families and young children.”

Leia Heckman, a pediatric speech, language and feeding therapist and an ELC parent, couldn’t agree more. All three of her children have attended the ELC, and she is grateful for the excellent care and education that they have received.

“Knowing that my kids are not only safe and cared for but also being educated is extremely important to me,” Heckman said. “It’s so important for our teachers to be educated. It’s one thing to keep a child safe, but it’s another thing to help them reach their developmental milestones and be kindergarten-ready. As a parent that works full time, I would not be able to do that.”

Please click here to view the full article.

Department of Human Development & Family Sciences •  111 Alison Hall West •  Newark, DE 19716 • Phone: 302-831-6500 • Fax: 302-831-8776 • [email protected]

Master’s in Early Childhood Education | M.Ed. Online Educate Young Scholars

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Build Up Young Minds with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Curriculum

Children are highly impressionable. What they learn at a young age has the potential to influence them for years to come. That’s why teachers play such a critical role in the lives of children. Early childhood educators in particular have an enormous responsibility — to teach and care for young students in a way that helps them develop life skills and prepare for future success.

With Liberty’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Education degree, you can strengthen your teaching skills and learn the best methods for instructing young children. Our program covers the essentials of lesson planning and curriculum design so that you can engage children’s curiosity, foster their growth, and teach them valuable knowledge and skills. You may already have an early childhood education bachelor’s degree — but earning an M.Ed. can further equip you to serve society’s youngest students in a loving, Christ-like manner.

Upon successful completion of Liberty University’s Virginia state-approved Master of Education – Early Childhood program, you may apply for add-on endorsement in another state through reciprocity, which may or may not result in additional requirements based on your state’s Department of Education regulations .

Please note: This program includes the steps necessary to pursue add-on endorsement, which requires initial licensure in teaching. If you do not have a teaching license yet, please see the Master of Arts in Teaching program .

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty University’s Early Childhood Education Master’s Program?

Successful educators do more than teach children textbook knowledge. They seek to build positive relationships with their students and to help children love learning. That’s why at Liberty, you won’t just learn how to develop a curriculum — you’ll be equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of your students. You can help train up a generation of children who find joy in learning about the world around them.

Choosing Liberty means choosing…

An education that works for you — Your educational journey is especially important to us. We want to help you reach your goals in a way that’s flexible and affordable. That’s why we’ve designed our master’s in early childhood education program to be entirely online. You can complete your degree from the comfort of your home, log into your courses on your own time, and easily access your study materials whenever you need them.

Most importantly, you can focus on what really matters — like your family, job, and community — while still earning a degree that can take your career to the next level.

An education from professors who care — Our online early childhood education courses are taught by seasoned professors who have extensive experience working in the education sector. Drawing on what they have learned in their own careers, they can help enhance your skill set and equip you to lead as an effective educator.

Our faculty are passionate about what they do, knowledgeable about best teaching methods, and invested in your professional growth and personal well-being.

An education with far-reaching application — At Liberty, we don’t just help you get a degree — we also equip you to live out biblical principles in the workplace. We are dedicated to Training Champions for Christ , which is why all of our courses are taught from a biblical worldview.

With a challenging program that fosters both spiritual and academic growth, you’ll be prepared to positively impact the modern education system.

What Will You Study with Our Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction?

Our M.Ed. program dives into both foundational education theory and practical methods for teaching young students. You’ll receive training that prepares you to lead with confidence in a variety of school and classroom settings.

Discover tools for helping children learn essential skills and knowledge. Our early childhood education courses will teach you how to plan lessons and assignments, evaluate curriculum effectiveness, and integrate educational technology to enhance student learning. You’ll also learn about the cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young children — knowledge that can bolster your effectiveness as an early childhood educator.

Our program also teaches best practices for serving students with special needs. By learning about the instructional methods, documentation, and legal issues related to special education, you can help all types of students achieve their full potential.

Throughout this program, you will explore practical methods for organizing and operating daycares, preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools. Our professors can teach you how to manage behavior in the classroom and how to develop a curriculum that fosters children’s curiosity and well-being. You’ll have the opportunity to apply these concepts to real-world challenges by completing a directed practicum.

Partner with us and prepare to make a difference in the lives of today’s youngest learners.

Potential Career Opportunities

By completing a master’s in early childhood education, you can pursue a variety of job opportunities in the education sector. Some of the roles you may qualify for include:

• Academic director
• Child services provider
• Curriculum designer
• Daycare operator
• Educational consultant
• Education program specialist
• Instructional coach
• Preschool administrator
• Vice principal

Featured Courses

• EDUC 501 – Advanced Child Development
• EDUC 518 – Educational Research and Assessment
• EDUC 624 – Instructional Methods for Behavior and Learning
• EDUC 675 – Elementary Curriculum and Methods

Degree Information

• This program falls under Liberty University’s School of Education .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides ( login required ).
• The Education Department will verify that students have completed one of Liberty’s Virginia state-approved teacher licensure programs.
• Students should verify any additional licensure requirements with their home state.
• Students pursuing this advanced licensure must already hold an initial teaching license in elementary education or special education early childhood education.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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Admission Information for Liberty’s Master of Education Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Please note: Licensure requirements vary by state. Be sure to research the licensure requirements for becoming a teacher in your state.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
• If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program include hands-on learning.

You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience by completing a directed practicum at the end of this master’s in early childhood education online program.

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Early Childhood Education Pre-Primary Endorsement Certificate

Our online one-year program to add 3-6 license onto a current K-6 or K-12 teaching license.

Taught within the Early Childhood Education program, you will learn about foundational pedagogy for ECE and how to meet the needs of diverse learners in the 3-6 setting.

Grounded in Montessori Philosophy and Practices to Become a More Effective Classroom Leader

Gain real-world experience to prepare you to develop your teaching pedagogy with an individualized, anti-bias and anti-racist teaching approach influenced by Montessori philosophy that honors the whole child.

By engaging in critical self-reflective activities, you will become an ethical and influential educational leader as informed by the philosophy of Maria Montessori and her vision of peace and social justice to develop a greater understanding of themselves, children, and the world.

Courses are housed within the Early Childhood Education program and many are taught from the elementary point of view. Our education program faculty bring a lot to the learning experience and are here to guide you throughout the program.

Program at a Glance

Classes meet: Online

Start: Fall Term

Time to completion: 1 year

Cost per credit: 18

Tuition per credit: TBD

Total tuition: TBD

Rates are subject to change each June 1.

Tuition and fee information

Accreditation

MN State licensure through PELSB (Professional Licensing & Standards Board)

Career Outcomes

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Application requirements, deadlines, and instructions.

Transfer Students

Find out how your courses will transfer with a free custom transfer evaluation.

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Ask questions, meet faculty, and more.

Financial Aid

Apply for aid from federal and state governments, University grants and scholarships, and educational loans.

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St. Catherine University

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Supporting Early Childhood Education Teachers

Article by Jessica Henderson Illustration by Jeff Chase May 06, 2024

With a new associate degree in early childhood education, the University of Delaware is helping working professionals advance their careers and deliver high-quality care

Excellent early care and education (ECE) often begins with great teachers. Yet, according to research by University of Delaware faculty, just over one-third of all ECE centers meet national benchmarks for teacher degrees, and even fewer can prioritize staff professional development. 

With a new associate degree in early childhood education , University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is working to meet the demand for high-quality ECE teachers through a flexible, accessible and primarily online degree program designed for working professionals. 

This degree offering also comes at a critical time for Delaware teachers. To raise the overall quality of early childcare in the state, the Delaware Department of Education will soon require ECE professionals to hold a certificate in child development or an associate degree. 

ECE professionals in high-demand 

According to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2023 brief, employment in the childcare industry dropped by more than one-third during the first two years of the pandemic. Across the nation and within Delaware, many families still wait for months on early childcare waitlists, hoping that a coveted spot for their child will open up.

At CEHD’s Early Learning Center (ELC), co-directors Kelly Freel and Jessica Peace are excited about CEHD’s associate degree in early childhood education program. The program, they hope, will help encourage new professionals to enter the ECE field and help teachers deliver high-quality care in their current ECE centers. 

“High-quality care is only possible with a great team,” Freel said. “The heart and soul of the ELC are the teachers who partner so intimately with families and young children.”

Leia Heckman, a pediatric speech, language and feeding therapist and an ELC parent, couldn’t agree more. All three of her children have attended the ELC, and she is grateful for the excellent care and education that they have received. 

“Knowing that my kids are not only safe and cared for but also being educated is extremely important to me,” Heckman said. “It’s so important for our teachers to be educated. It’s one thing to keep a child safe, but it’s another thing to help them reach their developmental milestones and be kindergarten-ready. As a parent that works full time, I would not be able to do that.” 

Program experiences 

Designed for both working professionals and traditional students, the associate degree in early childhood education program gives students the skills to deliver high-quality ECE for children from birth to age 5 in center-based and home-based settings.

Through small classes, practical field experiences and partnerships with community early childhood programs, the program helps students advance their careers, facilitate high-quality care, gain real-world experience and join a supportive network of early childcare providers.

Jessica Slade, assistant professor in CEHD’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and associate in early childhood education program coordinator, emphasizes that CEHD designed the program with particular attention to first-generation and non-traditional students, including those who have already worked in the ECE field for many years. 

“It’s unfortunate, but many ECE professionals are often told that they’re not ‘meant for college’ and that the work that they do is not valued by our society,” Slade said. “We want to change that perception and provide a degree program that is not only accessible to them, but meaningful as well.” 

For this reason, flexibility is a key aspect of the program. Students can choose fully online courses without set meeting times, hybrid courses with some in-person meeting times during the evenings or weekends or traditional in-person courses during the day. Depending on their schedules and career goals, they can complete the program part-time or full-time. 

Significantly, students working in an early childcare setting can also complete their field experience requirements at their workplace. If they are not working, they can complete their field placement on CEHD’s Children’s Campus, at the ELC or Lab School . 

“The program allows students to use their classroom experience to support their learning in their UD classes,” Slade said. “For example, after they’re introduced to a new concept, they can look within their own classroom and their own practices to complete their assignment in a meaningful, personalized way based on what they’re observing and experiencing in that moment. The curriculum is open-ended in nature to allow for that individuality, but still stays true to the learning objectives of the course.”

The program also offers supportive, developmental advising from UD faculty, which considers students’ current skill sets and places them in courses that best suit their needs. 

Supporting ECE professionals 

UD and the state of Delaware are also working to ease the financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing a college degree. For example, Delaware residents can apply for funding through the state’s Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) scholarship program. SEED scholarships, funded by the state, cover tuition for eligible full-time students enrolled in UD’s associate degree programs. Students who complete their associate degree at UD can continue to a UD bachelor’s degree program and use SEED funds to cover an additional year of education. 

Similarly, Delaware’s Early Childhood Innovation Center also offers a statewide scholarship and incentive program to support members of the early childhood workforce in attending college. And, UD offers need-based financial support for associate degree students through federal grants and loans. This financial aid can cover tuition or other costs, like textbooks and supplies.

CEHD is also working to support the ECE field broadly. In February 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded CEHD’s DIEEC and five other partners a cooperative agreement to establish and operate the first-of-its-kind National Early Care and Education Workforce Center . With a $30 million investment over five years, the center will provide technical assistance and research to advance the recruitment and retention of a diverse, qualified and effective early childhood care and education workforce.

Visit the CEHD website to learn more about the associate degree in early childhood education program and how the college supports  children, families, and ECE professionals .

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