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Online MS in Early Childhood Studies

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Learn to shape positive learning experiences for young children with our online master’s in early childhood education program.

Next start dates
  • Course-Based Courses with a set schedule June 13, 2022
  • Tempo Learning® Go at your own pace June 06, 2022
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

Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on June 6, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Get Started Now

Program 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 Professionalism

What 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 Child

Research 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 Partnerships

Traditions, 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 Creativity

Play 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 Environments

Early 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. (This course requires 10 hours of field experience focused on developing and taking part in meaningful learning experiences in an infant/toddler, preschool or K-3 setting.)

Prerequisites

  • EDUC 6003
  • EDUC 6101
  • EDUC 6102
  • EDUC 6103

 (3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6106
Meaningful Curriculum P–3

In 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 0–8

Early 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. (This course requires 10 hours of field experience focused on developing and taking part in meaningful learning experiences in an infant/toddler or preschool setting.)

Prerequisites

  • EDUC 6104
  • EDUC 6106

 (3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6108
Intentional and Responsive Practice in the Content Areas P–3

Early 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–3

Early 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. (This course requires 20 hours of field experience focused on developing and taking part in meaningful learning experiences in a preschool or K - 3 setting.)

Prerequisites

  • EDUC 6107
  • EDUC 6108

 (3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6918
Capstone: Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field

The 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

  • EDUC 6109

 (3 sem. cr.)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less 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

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 Save

Program Savings

Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on June 6, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Get Started Now

Specializations

Administration, 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

  • Patricia Hampshire

    Patricia Hampshire

    Contributing Faculty

    Dr. 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.

  • Johnna Darragh Ernst

    Contributing Faculty

    Dr. 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.

  • Lisset Bird-pickens

    Contributing Faculty

    Dr. 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.

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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