| EDUU 600 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| EDUU 605 | Democracy, Education and Social Change | 3 |
| EDUU 606 | Seminar in Learning Theory | 3 |
| EDUU 607 | Seminar in Comparative Education | 3 |
| EDUU 608 | Seminar in the Social Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDUU 609 | Seminar in Curriculum Studies | 3 |
| Core Courses Subtotal | 18 | |
MA in Education, Early Childhood Education
Become a transformative, leader, advocate, trainer or supervisor. With a Masters in Early Childhood Education, students will strengthen their existing skills while engaging in critical curricular experiences in this innovative program.
Become a Voice for Our Youngest Learners
Investment is increasing to improve early education programs and systems providing services to the under-five population. This positive growth creates a need for leaders who are prepared academically and can leverage learning to meet the needs of young children, families, staff members, and key stakeholders. In this MAE, you'll learn the necessary skills, from conducting quality program analysis to implementing collaborative strategies that will prepare you to impact local agencies while leading change in early childhood education programs. This MAE program also provides the academic rigor to boost your career while contributing to local communities.
- 100% Online
Our online coursework is designed for adult learners, allowing the flexibility you need. - Focused on the Individual
Faculty connect with students individually, teaching skills and relevant knowledge directly applicable to real-world issues, problems, and applications. - NAEYC Aligned
Our program is aligned with the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), aimed at excellence in care, education, leadership, and practices. - Increasing Investment
Positions students to become equity-minded advocates and transformative leaders, influencing the direction of funding for early childhood education in the national Build Back Better Act along with various California and global initiatives.
- Developing Tomorrow’s ECE Leaders
This program produces thought leaders informed through the lens of diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusive leadership practices, preparing them to adapt to diverse audiences and environments locally and globally.
Next Session
Summer II (Jun 24, 2024)
Estimated Tuition
$709/Credit
Help me estimate my costWays to Learn
Online
Program Benefits that Benefit You.
Legacy of Learning
Legacy of Learning UMass Global — 65-year academic legacy of educating adult students; 15 years pioneering online education.
Scholarships, Grants, Other Discounts
Save money and time by transferring credits, applying for up to $20k in scholarships/grants, and through possible employer discounts.
Consistent Rankings
UMass Global perennially ranks among the best universities for online graduate education programs by U.S. News & World Report
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.
Imagine Your Future In Education: Leadership in Early Childhood Education
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Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program
One word that comes to mind in thinking about my educational journey at UMass Global is 'self reflective'. No matter what course I took, self-reflection was always included as an aspect of each course. I was provided opportunities to consistently reflect on myself, my values, my beliefs, my education, my practices and the field of early childhood education as a whole.
Ruby G.
MAE, Leadership in Early Childhood Education, PBIS Support Specialist, Stanislaus County Office of Education
MAE, Leadership in Early Childhood Education, PBIS Support Specialist, Stanislaus County Office of Education
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
- Completed application
- 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
- Hold one of the following certifications: California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher, Single Subject Credential Home Economics, Child Development Associate Credential or a comparable credential
California Residency
This program is only available to California residents.
Graduate Level Exams
For information about exam/test score requirements, please reference the University of Massachusetts Global Catalog
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MASTER'S IN ECE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>
Master of Arts in Education Program Curriculum
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Course List Code Course Name Credits Emphasis Required Courses EDUU 640 Foundations of Leadership in Early Childhood Settings 3
EDUU 641 Public Policy and Fiscal Planning for Early Childhood Leaders 3
EDUU 642 Leadership and Human Resources in Early Childhood Settings 3
EDUU 643 Leading Change in Early Childhood Programs: Capstone 3
Total Credits 12
Ways to Get Started
Meet Our Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the UMass Global MAE in Early Childhood Education.
MA Education in Early Childhood Education
What is early childhood education?
Early childhood education (ECE) refers to the formal and informal early learning programs, care, and practices that support young children's development from birth to age eight. ECE is a critical period in a children’s development as the brain experiences rapid growth enabling the acquisition of foundational skills, attitudes, and knowledge that will shape their lifelong learning, health, and well-being.
Early childhood education encompasses a range of settings, including nurseries, preschools, kindergartens, and early elementary grades. It can be offered as a full-day, part-day, home-based program, or co-op setting. ECE programs aim to support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
What can you do with an early childhood education degree?
An early childhood education degree can prepare you for various careers working with young children in different capacities. One of the most common paths is becoming a preschool teacher in a typical program serving birth to five-year-olds. You could also pursue a career as an elementary or special education teacher. Other potential job opportunities include becoming a family childcare provider, a child development specialist, a curriculum developer, an adjunct instructor, a program director, a regional manager, a parent educator, or an educational consultant. With an early childhood education degree, you will have the skills, knowledge, and disposition to work with young children in diverse settings, helping them learn and grow during their formative years.
How long does it take to become a qualified ECE teacher?
The length of time it takes to become a qualified early childhood education teacher can vary depending on several factors, such as the level of education required for the position, the program's structure and format, and the individual's prior education and experience. Depending on the program's design and intensity, a certificate or diploma can take a few months to a year to complete. Assuming full-time enrollment, an associate degree program typically takes two years to complete. A bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years to complete. A graduate degree program, such as a master’s, can take up to two years, and a doctoral program can take one to four years or more to complete, depending on the program’s structure and intensity.
What is the highest degree in early childhood education?
The highest degree in early childhood education is typically a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Early Childhood Education. These programs are designed for individuals who wish to pursue research, teaching, or administrative positions in early childhood education.
What is the difference between a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching?
A Master of Arts in Education (MAE) degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree are both graduate-level educational programs but have different focuses and goals.
A Master of Arts in Education degree typically focuses on advancing a teacher's knowledge of educational theory, research, and policy. The program is designed to give teachers a deeper understanding of the broader context of education, including topics such as educational psychology, curriculum development, assessment, and educational leadership. Graduates of MAE programs may go on to pursue careers in education administration, curriculum development, policymaking, or research, as well as teaching positions.
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is designed to provide students with advanced teaching skills and strategies. The program is often geared toward individuals with bachelor's degrees in a field other than education and who want to become licensed teachers. MAT programs typically focus on practical teaching skills and may cover classroom management, instructional design, assessment, and differentiated instruction.
Want More Information About Getting a Master’s in Education?
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