Concentration in Early Childhood Education

master OF ARTS with Early Childhood General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement

Teachers standing in the hallway.

Who should apply?

  • Early care providers who teach in private programs and would like to increase their knowledge base and professional skills with a M.A. degree to become an administrator.
  • Elementary education certified teachers who would like to earn the ZS (Early Childhood General and Special Education) endorsement along with a M.A. degree.

State ZS endorsement requirements

  1. Completion of a total of 27 graduate credits, 15 credits (5 classes) of which must be early childhood courses.
  2. Professional experience at two of three early childhood levels (infants/toddler, preschool, kindergarten-grade 3).
  3. Passing grade on the state-level examination.

Program requirements

Foundation of Practice (12-15 hours)

  • ES 6330 - Education and Human Flourishing Credits: 3 hours
  • ES 6340 - Culture and Politics of Educational Institutions Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6010 - Introduction to Research in Educational Settings Credits: 3 hours

Select one:

  • ED 6790 - Capstone Research Project Credits: 1 to 3 hours
  • ED 7000 - Master's Thesis Credits: 6 hours

Area of Specialization (18 hours)

  • ED 6060 - Early Childhood Education Methods and Materials Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6080 - Seminar in Early Childhood Development Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6140 - Engaging Diverse Families in Educational Settings Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6110 - Assessment in Early Childhood Inclusive Education Credits: 3 hours

Electives (6 hours)

  • LS 5160 - Professional Symposium in Reading Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 5750 - Administration of Child Development Centers Credits: 3 hours

Download planned course rotation

Faculty