Program Overview

Why Our Online Early Childhood Education Degree Stands Out

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education online program at Eastern Michigan University is designed for those who are interested in supporting the education of children from birth through eight years of age. In consultation with an advisor, students will create a program of study that is aligned to the Michigan Department of Education’s Birth-Kindergarten (ZN) General and Special Education Teacher Preparation Standards and will allow them to pursue or further their careers as early childhood professionals.

Aligned to National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, the M.A. in Early Childhood Education at EMU provides an in-depth understanding of best practices in developing and implementing socially and culturally age-appropriate curriculum for young children.

Students in this internationally known EMU master's degree in education program will learn from our expert faculty who have extensive early childhood teaching, administration and scholarship experience. Learn to apply cutting-edge research and foster relationships with our large alumni network of educators and administrators across the U.S.

Certification and Endorsement Information

This program facilitates the following pathways to meet the State of Michigan’s teacher certification requirements.

• Initial Birth-Kindergarten General and Special Education teaching certificate (ZN)
• Add ZN endorsement to an existing teaching certificate
• Convert a ZA endorsement to ZS or ZN

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education online program will be able to:

• Explore educational leadership roles, staff development, supervision and advocacy in early childhood programs
• Create supportive, educational partnerships with students’ families and schools as a whole, and engage with the community
• Establish developmentally appropriate learning environments for children from birth through eight years, including those with special needs and from diverse cultures
• Prepare to teach children with exceptional needs in early childhood or to teach in early childhood special education classrooms
• Research different concepts and ethical issues in early childhood education using data-gathering methods, narrative inquiry and interpretive analysis

Early Childhood Education career opportunities:

Also available:

Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of graduate education programs and a post-master’s certificate online. Check out our other online education programs.

Calendar

See the Dates You Need to Know

The M.A. in Early Childhood Education online program features a convenient course schedule and multiple start dates each year. View the full calendar to locate the best class start for you, along with due dates for submitting your application, enrolling in classes and paying tuition.

Courses

Expand Your Knowledge in These Online Master of Arts Classes

In order to earn the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education online, students must complete 10 courses (30 credit hours), including 9 core courses (27 credit hours) and 1 research course (3 credit hours). Students also have the option to choose 1 elective (3 credit hours) with advisor approval. As an online student you will take all your classes with EMU instructors, just like you would if you were here on campus.

Elective Courses (optional)

If chosen, students may enroll in an elective course with advisor approval. Students may choose from ECE 590/591: Special Topics Courses; ECE 690, 691, or 692: Thesis Credit; ECE 697: Independent Study; or another course with approval from advisor.

• Core Courses
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  Students must complete the following core courses.

  • ECE 605: Foundations Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course examines the history of early childhood education in the United States covering historical, philosophical, and sociological frameworks from the early 1800s until today. Program approaches, philosophies, and curricular models are considered in relation to research implications and societal needs. A focus on traditionally marginalized groups or topics in early childhood will be emphasized.
  • ECE 608: Leadership and Advocacy Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course will explore leadership, staff development, supervision and advocacy in early childhood programs.
  • ECE 609: Development and Behaviors of Young Children Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Children's physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development during early childhood will be explored. Theories, principles, and strategies will be discussed, as well as adult roles and special problems of children's behavior. Students will conduct observations of children.
  • ECE 610: Supporting Children and Families in Diverse Communities Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Explores early educational interventions and resilience, understanding families; diversity of families, models of family, school, and community involvement; and communication strategies creating supportive educational partnerships will be explored.
  • ECE 616: Curriculum and Environments Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This class provides an in-depth examination for establishing a developmentally appropriate learning environment and then developing curriculum using standards in early childhood education. Materials from national early childhood and subject area organizations will be analyzed. Appropriate environments and curriculum for children from birth through eight years, including those with special needs and from diverse cultures, will be investigated.
  • ECE 641: Assessment Practices Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Examination of assessment practices and strategies applicable to the development and learning of the young child. Authentic assessment practices, standardized tests, and developmental screenings will be emphasized.
  • ECE 651: Inclusive Practices Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course prepares early childhood teachers to teach young children with exceptional needs in early childhood or early childhood special education classrooms. It addresses Special Education history, theory, models and laws pertaining to young children as well as inclusive curricular, assessment, and family approaches, teaming and collaboration and managing challenging behavior.
  • ECE 689: Colloquium and Internship Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This is a required State of Michigan supervised field experience occurring in an inclusive preschool classroom. The accompanying colloquium will link theory and practice.
  • ECE 695: Seminar Expand dropdown
    Duration: 15 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Systematic analysis of critical issues and research areas in early childhood education. Serves as the capstone experience in the Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Students complete a research project or literature review on a chosen topic.
• Research Courses Expand dropdown

  Students must complete one of the following research courses

  • EDPS 667: Principles of Educational Research Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course examines basic concepts in understanding and evaluating contemporary educational research, addressing both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The focus is on critical understanding of, rather than production of, research.