Administration, Management, and Leadership

Two Ways to Learn

Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:

^*May not be available for all programs

Course-Based Learning

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

• 33 total semester credits
  • Core courses (21 sem. cr.)
  • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
  • Capstone Seminar (Capstone (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 your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
	CORE COURSES
EDUC 6005	Foundations: Early Childhood Studies Show In this course, education professionals focus on leadership and professionalism in the early childhood field; analysis of current research; ethical considerations; and multiple theories of child development, teaching, and learning. Education professionals are introduced to the foundation of evidence-based research and decision making, which is interwoven throughout the program. Education professionals also build understanding of the philosophy, requirements, and community of Walden University, the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, and the MS in Early Childhood Studies program.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6160	Early Childhood Development Show Education professionals in this course critically examine typical and atypical physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development. They examine the powerful and important influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on the development of children from the prenatal stage through age 8. They also examine new findings related to the factors that foster and impede healthy development and learning, and they explore how adults can support healthy development. Additionally, education professionals have the opportunity to observe children in a variety of settings to gain practical insight on the developing child in the real world.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6161	Effective Programs and Practices Show Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6162	Issues and Trends in the Early Childhood Field Show Leaders in the early childhood field must have in-depth understanding of the critical issues and trends affecting young children, their families, and the field. Education professionals in this course explore changing demographics; political and economic influence on programmatic funding streams; current debates related to school success, effective assessment and the achievement gap; and brain research influence on early development, care, and education from a historical and current perspective. Sharing perspectives and making connections with the professional world, educational professionals post blogs to establish contacts with early childhood professionals; reach out to international contacts in the field to gain an understanding of poverty issues in different regions, issues related to excellence at the forefront of professional discussions, and insights on further development opportunities; and share web resources, such as websites and e-newsletters.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6163	Building Research Competencies Show Nearly all professionals benefit from the ability to understand, evaluate, and use research effectively. In this course, education professionals prepare to be knowledgeable consumers of research, understand the language of research, and apply research and inquiry skills to the early childhood field. They engage in a variety of conceptual and application-based assignments focused on building skills in analyzing trends, critically assessing emerging knowledge, and using a variety of tools to access and evaluate research. They also have the opportunity to practice and apply course concepts and theories through research on early childhood research topics of personal or professional interest.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6164	Perspectives on Diversity and Equity Show Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6165	Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field Show Professionals in the field of early childhood education must engage often with other colleagues, families, agencies, and government officials; therefore, communication and collaboration skills are essential to effective and productive work in the field. Education professionals in this course explore the use of tools and strategies to collaborate with others, such as building relationships, teaming, negotiating, problem-solving, resolving conflicts, and building consensus. They engage in coursework that emphasizes effective practices for working with diverse families, collaboration with colleagues to improve programs and services for children and families, and communication skills needed to advocate and work effectively with agencies and government officials. Through this course, education professionals learn and practice techniques essential to effective one-on-one interactions and group work while deepening their understanding of how cultural responsiveness influences successful communication and collaboration.	(3 sem. cr.)
	SPECIALIZATION COURSES
EDUC 6166	Developing People and Leading Teams Show The success of any manager is largely dependent on the leadership they provide their staff. Students in this course explore the roles and responsibilities of directors and/or administrators in effectively managing individuals and leading teams for early childhood programs. Education professionals in this course focus on staff recruitment, evaluation, and development, and they identify the skills and knowledge required to create positive environments and achieve individual and organizational goals. In this course, the educator will be challenged to consider the ethical, legal, and cultural implications of working with a diverse staff, with emphasis given to the importance of effective communication in maintaining productive relationships.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6167	Budgeting and Allocating Resources Show Administrators of early childhood programs must be able to effectively budget and allocate resources. Education professionals in this course explore the role of the administrator in budgeting and handling resource allocation for early childhood programs. They examine processes for effectively managing budgets and explore strategies designed to help them understand and communicate budgets to stakeholders. Education professionals also explore the various sources of funding and plan a budget for an early childhood education program.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6168	Planning and Managing Early Childhood Programs Show Effective early childhood directors/administrators are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to ensure quality experiences for the children and families they serve. In this course, effective administrators focus on the wide range of roles in which they must excel, including developing and maintaining the program's mission and vision, understanding regulatory and accreditation requirements, marketing, and providing all children proper nutrition and safety while in their care. Education professionals in this course also examine the importance of engaging in meaningful communication with parents, families, and communities.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6990	Capstone: Practical Application in the Early Childhood Field Show Through the master's capstone experience, education professionals are provided an opportunity to integrate and apply learning to real-world situations, issues, or problems. Education professionals choose a field project, issue, or problem related to their specialization that is of sufficient scope to enable them to apply theories, concepts, and practices from across their prior coursework. (Prerequisite(s): All other courses.)	(3 sem. cr.)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	Total *
Tuition	33 total semester credit hours	$600 per semester hour	$19,800
Technology Fee	Per semester	$210	$1,260
		TOTAL	$21,060
		Transfer up to 15 credits	$9,420
		Total with Maximum Transfer Credits†	$11,640

The tuition reflects the minimum credits to completion. Program completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, 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.

^†Maximum transfer credit total includes reduction in technology fee as related to reduced number of courses over time

Tempo Competency-Based Learning

Admissions 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.