MS in Education, Early Childhood Education

School of Public Service and Education

The Early Childhood Education specialization offers master’s learners the opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve their teaching skills and ability to help young children learn. This specialization prepares learners for professional instructional roles in the field of early childhood education through relevant learning experiences that incorporate personal knowledge, critical dialogue with peers, faculty expertise, research-based curriculum, and interdisciplinary instruction. Learners evaluate early childhood education theory, research, and curriculum, and examine the learning styles of young children, the educational needs of exceptional children, and the role of family relationships in childhood education. The curriculum reflects nationally recognized standards, including the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s)

Minimum of 80 practicum hours. See the Practicum/Internship Experience section below for more information.

Additional Program Requirements

Core courses

ED5010	Foundations of Master's Studies in Education	4
ED5006	Survey of Research Methodology	4
ED5420	Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting	4
ED5500	Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment	4
ED5501	Assessment and Improvement of Instruction	4
ED5503	Classroom Management Strategies	4

Specialization courses

ED5405	Infant and Child Development	4
ED5410	The Early Childhood Learning Environment	4
ED5430	Children, Families, and Society	4
ED5440	Early Childhood Reading and Literacy Instruction	4
ED5450	Early Childhood Education Practicum	6

Total

At least 46 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Practicum/Internship Experience

Learners enrolled in the MS in Education, Early Childhood Education degree program must complete 80 hours of supervised practicum experience as a requirement of their program. The practicum course (ED5450) serves as the culmination of their program. Learners apply the skills developed through the course of the program at approved sites and develop a final portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in early childhood education. Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can't be verified for licensure or transfer of hours.

Learners in the MS in Education, Early Childhood Education specialization are required to complete ED5010 with a grade of “B" or higher as a condition of continued enrollment in the program.

Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.

Learners are required to pass the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) to successfully complete their program. Learners must identify Capella University as a recipient to ensure the score report is sent to the university. Learners are responsible for any costs associated with these examinations.

Arkansas and Kentucky residents are not eligible to enroll in this specialization.

Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)