Early Childhood Education
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education includes three program options for teachers, administrators, other service providers and educators who wish to learn how to serve young children and their families. The Early Childhood (ZS) Endorsement and the Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion options are for those who are already certified elementary teachers. The Early Childhood Administration and Leadership option is for non-certified professionals who are interested in early childhood leadership and administration. Courses are offered with the working professional in mind. Most courses required for the master's degree are offered during evening and summer hours and include several online courses.
Admission Requirements & Application
Eligibility for regular admission includes:
- Completed application form
- $60.00 application fee
- Official transcript(s) from each college/university attended
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 (B) undergraduate/graduate grade point average or better
- Three professional letters of recommendation using required form
- Statement of purpose
- Valid state of Michigan teaching certificate if seeking the Early Childhood (ZS) endorsement
The university’s academic policies for graduate students apply.
Program of Study
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a 30 credit hour degree program that features two program options for teachers, administrators, or other service providers who wish to serve young children and their families.
Students are strongly recommended to elect at least one core class during the first year of work. Completion of all core classes is recommended within the first 20 credit hours. All core classes must be elected on the UM-Dearborn campus.
Masters of Arts with Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion is a non-endorsement program for teachers holding an Early Childhood (ZA/ZS) endorsement. The unique internship opportunities offered in partnership with the Early Childhood Education Center and the Beaumont Children’s Center for Exceptional Families focus on inclusive early childhood theories and practices. The program provides significant knowledge and skills for teaching children with disabilities using a trans-disciplinary inclusive approach. A minimum of 30 credit hours is required.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework | ||
| EDA 501 | Adv Social Fndations of Ed | 3 |
| EDC 505 | Learning Theories and Practices | 3 |
| EDK 500 | Intro to Research in Education | 3 |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| EDC 540 | Advanced Child Development | 3 |
| EDC 531 | Constructivist Education | 3 |
| EDD 536 | Grad Sem in Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
| EDB 523 | School Law | 3 |
| EDC 645 | Transdisc Appr: Assess/Collab | 3 |
| EDD 650 | Internship ECSE | 3 |
| EDD 546 | Intervention Strat EC Spec Ed 1 | 3 |
| or EDB 540 | School Budgeting and Finance | |
| or EDB 560 | Human Resources and Labor Relations in a School Setting | |
| or EDC 514 | Early Child Ed Special Needs | |
| or EDC 539 | Child Maltreatment and Trauma | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Students who have completed EDD 546 or its equivalent (EDD 446), must select EDB 540, EDB 560, EDC 514, or EDC 539. Students who have not completed EDD 546 or its equivalent must select EDD 546.
Note: Undergraduate and graduate transcripts will be evaluated for courses relevant to Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion.
Master of Arts in Early Childhood for Early Childhood Administration and Leadership
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education for Early Childhood Administration and Leadership program is designed for non-certified professionals who are interested in early childhood leadership and administration. In the Early Childhood field there is a growing need for administrators and leaders in early childhood. This program will serve professionals (Directors, Education Coordinators and Curriculum Specialists) who need further preparation in supervision, and field experience in administration and leadership. A minimum of 30 credit hours is required.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework: | ||
| EDA 501 | Adv Social Fndations of Ed | 3 |
| EDC 505 | Learning Theories and Practices | 3 |
| EDK 500 | Intro to Research in Education | 3 |
| Professional Studies: | ||
| EDB 522 | Lead Advoc Admin Early Child | 3 |
| EDD 536 | Grad Sem in Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
| EDB 523 | School Law | 3 |
| EDC 531 | Constructivist Education | 3 |
| EDC 540 | Advanced Child Development | 3 |
| EDD 537 | Administrative Intern in EC | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| School Budgeting and Finance | ||
| Human Resources and Labor Relations in a School Setting | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Note: Undergraduate and graduate transcripts will be evaluated for courses relevant to Early Childhood Administration and Leadership.
Learning Goals
- Knowledge of established research and best practices in early childhood/early childhood special education.
- Knowledge of evidence-based strategies to enable them to be effective leaders within their respective disciplines at the classroom, school, and/or district level.
- Skills to enable them to continue to develop their knowledge of research and best practices that lead to effective instructional strategies for all student achievement.