MS in Education, Early Childhood Education
School of Public Service and Education
The Early Childhood Education specialization offers master’s students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve their teaching skills and ability to help young children learn. This specialization prepares students 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. Students 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 |
| ED5146 | Assessment and Evaluation in Education | 4 |
| ED5420 | Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting | 4 |
| ED5500 | Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | 4 |
| ED5551 | Developing Fluent Readers | 3 |
| RSCH7860 | Survey of Research Methods | 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 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students 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.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in Education, Early Childhood Education specialization.
Practicum/Internship Experience
Students 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. Students 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.
Students 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; students 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.
Students are required to pass the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) to successfully complete their program. Students must identify Capella University as a recipient to ensure the score report is sent to the university. Students are responsible for any costs associated with these examinations.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)