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Online MS in Early Childhood Studies
Request InformationLearn to shape positive learning experiences for young children with our online master’s in early childhood education program.
Next start dates
- Tempo Learning® Go at your own pace November 01, 2021
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule November 01, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 15 Credits
Learn From a Leader in Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degrees¹
Are you ready to impact children’s learning and development in a bigger way? Choose Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies non-licensure program and grow as a leader, mentor, and advocate.
Our master’s in early childhood education program is grounded in the most contemporary developments in the field, including play and creativity and trauma-informed teaching. Expand your expertise and grow your knowledge as you learn to make an even more profound difference in your students’ lives.
A master’s in early childhood education prepares students to pursue teaching, advocacy, and leadership roles in school settings and beyond.
Why Walden
Learn From an ECS Expert
Walden University is proud to be recognized as the No. 2 granter of early childhood education master’s degrees. 1
Explore Cutting-Edge Topics
Examine the role of play in healthy development and the impact of trauma and mental health issues on children and families.
Find Your Voice
Our master’s in early childhood education program facilitates your development as a leader and advocate in the early childhood field.
Master Current Best Practices
Our program is aligned with professional guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Program Savings
Course-Based: Receive up to a $3,000 Walden Live & Learn Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowProgram Details
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 30 semester credits
- Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
- Core courses (24 sem. cr.)
- Capstone course (3 sem. cr.)
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 6003 |
Foundations of Early Childhood ProfessionalismWhat does it mean to be a professional in the diverse and dynamic early childhood field? Why is considering the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every child, family, and colleague integral to professionalism as well as healthy growth and development? How are early childhood professionals making a difference as advocates and leaders? Early childhood professionals in this course begin a rich and complex journey examining the breadth and depth of the field; what it means to be a professional guided by a code of ethical conduct; and the critical role research plays in illuminating how early childhood professionals can work as leaders and advocates to help young children, families, and the field grow and thrive. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6101 |
The Developing Brain and the Young ChildResearch on how the brain develops in utero and throughout early childhood provides insights and guidance critical to young children's healthy development. As brains develop, early experiences affect brain architecture in ways that promote or impede healthy relationships, self-concepts, growth, and learning. Early childhood professionals, as leaders and advocates in the field, study current, fascinating research on brain architecture, child mental health, and the ways toxic stress, trauma, and resilience influence child development across domains. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6102 |
Family and Community PartnershipsTraditions, cultures, structures, interactions, and values all influence the developing child. Understanding family context, at the heart of which is respecting each family's dignity, worth, and uniqueness, is key to developing partnerships that help young children thrive. However, building partnerships with families is not a simple, one-size-fits-all process. In this course, early childhood professionals study the components and nuances of family context and ways to build and sustain culturally responsive, reciprocal relationships with families. Such relationships foster effective family collaboration within early childhood settings and in efforts to partner with community organizations to foster children's healthy development and learning. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6103 |
Play and CreativityPlay is a time when children explore, discover, and imagine; they express themselves, lose themselves, and find themselves all over again. Creativity may involve seeing the world in new ways, finding new ways to solve problems, and giving birth to ideas based on who each child is, what they feel, and how they learn, think, and interact. Early childhood professionals recognize that both play, and creativity are integral to healthy human development. And, both flourish in environments where children feel respected, are encouraged to take risks, and have time to live in what they are experiencing. In this course, early childhood professionals, as leaders of and advocates for effective practice, study international research and perspectives on the value of play and creativity and how to advocate for the infusion of play and creativity into early childhood teaching and learning. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6104 |
Engaging EnvironmentsEarly childhood environments have the power to invite learning, foster curiosity, and empower meaning-making. Such environments offer spaces for children to be quiet and introspective as well as interact in robust play. The aesthetics of early childhood environments can nurture children's appreciation of the many aspects of beauty, while the soul and feel of environments can help children and families be comfortable with who they are. In this course, early childhood professionals analyze the role of the environment as the third teacher, the ways early childhood environments support community and belonging, and the value of leading early childhood teams to create effective early childhood environments that nurture discovery, wonder, and awe. (Field Experience) Prerequisites
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(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6106 |
Meaningful Curriculum P–3In order to design and implement meaningful learning experiences for and with young children, early childhood professionals must understand the principle content strands that comprise each academic discipline as well as the key concepts and methods of inquiry across academic disciplines. This course supports professionals, as advocates of meaningful curriculum, in leading efforts to apply knowledge of content and pedagogy to designing learning experiences that are engaging and challenging, and that reflect children's individual, cultural, and linguistic diversity. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6107 |
Observation and Assessment 0–8Early childhood professionals understand that observation is a critical method of assessment in early childhood settings. Thoughtful, ongoing observation and documentation are authentic approaches that provide a holistic picture of children and help to guide developmentally appropriate planning, interactions, and instruction. In this course, early childhood professionals consider their roles as leaders and advocates of effective observation and assessment practices who model and mentor the process of analyzing assessment strategies, methods, and data to support children's healthy development and learning. They are challenged to critically examine and lead effective collaboration with families and other professionals to promote ethical and meaningful assessment practices, including early intervention. (Field Experience) Prerequisites
|
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6108 |
Intentional and Responsive Practice in the Content Areas P–3Early childhood professionals understand that positive and supportive interactions with young children rightly place the young child at the heart of the learning and teaching process. In this course, early childhood professionals analyze developmentally appropriate approaches that reflect knowledge of how children develop and learn. In the role of leaders, they advocate and mentor by applying this knowledge to the planning of differentiated learning experiences that are responsive to young children's individual strengths and needs as well as their family and cultural contexts. They examine concepts and evaluate models of quality inclusive care and education for young children. They build awareness throughout the field of the vital importance of reflective, responsive, and intentional practice to support and nurture the healthy growth and learning of each individual child. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6109 |
Meaningful Learning Experiences: P–3Early childhood professionals employ a broad repertoire of skills and strategies that are appropriate for the young children in their settings. In this course, they apply their knowledge of young children's characteristics, needs, strengths, and family and cultural contexts to planning and instruction in an authentic P–3 classroom setting. They intentionally plan differentiated learning experiences to ensure challenge and meaning for each child as well as for the group. As they engage in the planning, learning and teaching, and assessment cycle, early childhood professionals collaborate with host teachers and other colleagues to sharpen their instructional skills, deepen reflection on their own practice, and lead professional development to promote effective practice in P–3 settings. (Field Experience) Prerequisites
|
(3 sem. cr.) |
| EDUC 6918 |
Capstone: Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Childhood FieldThe master's capstone experience provides the opportunity to integrate and apply program learning to real-world situations in the early childhood field. Early childhood professionals identify and research issues or problems that impact young children and families in their local communities. In collaboration with families, colleagues, and/or community partners, they design projects that demonstrate their leadership and advocacy skills in the early childhood arena. The capstone experience culminates with implementing the projects, in whole or in part, and reflecting on how these projects represent growth as early childhood professionals, leaders, and advocates. Prerequisites
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(3 sem. cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Flexible Learning
Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:
| Course-based learning |
Tempo Learning® |
|
|---|---|---|
| The standard, guided pace to earn your degree |
The flexible pace, ideal for some students |
|
| Time | Structured schedule |
Flexible schedule |
| Pace | Deadlines to make steady progress |
Set your own pace, and speed up or slow down when needed |
| Tuition | Pay by the course |
All-you-can-learn subscription fee |
| Support | Faculty guide you through your courses as you earn your degree |
Faculty support when you need it and a personal academic coach |
| Expert Walden Faculty |
✔ |
✔ |
| Payment Plans and Scholarships* |
✔ |
✔ |
*May not be available for all programs
Tempo Learning®
Tempo Learning® is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition and Fees
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost amount Tuition 30 semester credit hours $600 per semester hour $18,000 Technology Fee Per semester $210 $1,050
$19,050*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 12 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost amount Tuition 36 semester credit hours $600 per semester hour $21,600 Technology Fee Per semester $210 $1,260
$22,860*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 12 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveProgram Savings
Course-Based: Receive up to a $3,000 Walden Live & Learn Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowAdministration, Management, and Leadership (Tempo Learning®)
Get the knowledge and skills you need to create child-centered programs that promote positive learning experiences for all children.
Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership (Course-Based)
Develop essential business skills related to running and managing an early childhood program or facility.
Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings (Tempo Learning® )
Deepen your understanding of the ways diversity affects development and learning in early childhood.
Program Outcomes
Master the Mechanics of Teaching and Learning
In Walden’s master’s in early childhood education program, you’ll explore how children’s brains develop and how early experiences affect learning and social emotional development. Gain strategies to advocate for the infusion of play and creativity into early childhood teaching and learning. Apply your skills in field experiences in varied areas of expertise, from infants and toddlers to children in grades P–3.
What’s the Career Impact of Earning an Early Childhood Master’s Degree?
America needs more qualified professionals to prepare children with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school—and in life. According to job market data gathered by Burning Glass Technologies, demand for early childhood studies practitioners grew 144% from 2010 to 2018.2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment for preschool and childcare center directors will rise at a rate of 7% through 2028.3
What Can I Do With an MS in Early Childhood Studies?
With a master’s degree, you can start a new chapter in your career—or build on your prior experience to become a leader and innovator in the early childhood field. Career options range from postsecondary teaching and advocacy roles to administrative and leadership positions within early childhood learning environments. Potential occupations include:
- Child and family advocate
- Public policy coordinator
- Child development instructor
- Professional development facilitator
- Lecturer in early childhood studies
- Childcare administrator
- Assistant director of a childcare center
- Director of a childcare center
- Owner of a childcare center
- Preschool director
- Program administrator for early childhood programs
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this early childhood studies master’s degree program.
Resources
Meet Your Academic Team
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Patricia Hampshire
Contributing FacultyDr. Hampshire is a contributing faculty member in Walden’s master’s in early childhood education program. She currently works as an associate professor of Early and Special Education at Boise State University. Dr. Hampshire received her PhD in Special Education from Indiana University in 2011.
Read Patricia's Bio -
Johnna Darragh Ernst
Contributing FacultyDr. Darragh Ernst has been working in higher education for more than 20 years. The author of two books for early childhood practitioners, she is invested in the areas of professional development and inclusion.
Read Johnna's Bio -
Lisset Bird-pickens
Contributing FacultyDr. Bird-Pickens has taught at the university level since 2006. Her academic background is in early childhood education, educational leadership, and child and family development. She is also a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, and nationally certified school counselor.
Read Lisset's Bio
Testimonials
Walden is so much more than an online university; it is a university that cares about your success as a person.
Seletha Tucker MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate
I love Walden for the education and support I have received from every instructor.
Jay Rodriguez MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate
If I talk to others who are looking to pursue their degree, I always talk to them about Walden and online learning.
Teri Peasley M.S. in Early Childhood Studies Graduate
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What's the Importance of Early Childhood Education?
FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Early Childhood Studies Program
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While early childhood education continues to be of high importance to parents, policymakers, and the public, many incorrectly identify this critical period as birth through preschool or kindergarten. Although the brain develops the majority of its neurons between birth and 3 years old, early childhood education is defined as the period of birth through 8 years old, correlating with the second- or third-grade level.
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Online or on campus, the right degree program can empower you with a deepened understanding of child development and learning, equipping you with the knowledge and professional competencies to help prepare you for roles in and out of the classroom.
A master’s in early childhood studies program can also help you link the importance of early childhood education to issues of equity and inclusion, helping students learn and grow in a variety of environments. You’ll examine trends, apply cutting-edge research to the field’s most pressing issues, and become a skillful collaborator with families, colleagues, and agencies.
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The career outlook for those with a master’s degree in early childhood education shows growth in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool and childcare directors will grow by 7% through 20281.
1Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm; national long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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From public policy to professional development, the jobs for someone with an MS in Childhood Studies are as diverse as individuals and their reasons for pursuing an early childhood education degree. Below is a sample of potential career options:
- Child and family advocate
- Public policy coordinator
- Child development instructor
- Professional development facilitator
- Lecturer in early childhood studies
- Childcare administrator
- Owner, director, or assistant director of a childcare center
- Director or assistant director of a childcare program
- Preschool director
- Program administrator for early childhood programs
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.
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Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal preferences and time-management needs. Many enrolled in online master’s in early childhood studies programs find that online learning allows them to more easily balance work and personal commitments along with their academics. Others prefer the familiarity of a traditional brick-and-mortar institution. The choice is up to you.
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Yes. When you enroll in an MS in Early Childhood Studies program, you will learn how children’s brains develop throughout childhood, including which early experiences promote or impede development. You will also gain an understanding of the many influences on child development, including brain architecture, mental health, toxic stress, trauma, and resilience.
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Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies is a non-licensure degree program that is designed for existing licensed teachers or those in education who do not wish to teach in the classroom but are focusing their career on the importance of early learning. Many early childhood studies degree-holders work as advocates or take on leadership roles in early learning environments. Early childhood education degrees, on the other hand, are generally designed for first-time educators who wish to teach in the classroom and need a program that leads to licensure.
Questions about our MS in Early Childhood Studies?
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