Master of Science in Education Early Childhood Education Policy

Advance in a high-demand field.

Due to recent workforce shifts during the global pandemic, early childhood educators have emerged as an essential resource, and there exists a dire need for early childhood education advocacy in the larger legislative and education policy arena. With the Early Childhood Education Policy program, students will learn the essential interdisciplinary insights necessary for successful cross-sector collaboration to address early childhood education system solutions. Through study in this program, students will become policy leaders ready to work with schools, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, advocacy groups, and institutes of higher education to focus on inclusion and support for all children and families. The 30-credit program is designed for both professionals and recent college graduates who aspire to advance their careers through a focus on policy studies.

The MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy degree requirements have been designed for both professionals and recent college graduates who aspire to advance their careers through a focus on policy studies. Program learning outcomes span constructivist, ecological, behaviorist and critical understandings of learning.

Building on this foundation, the MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy centers interdisciplinary knowledge and acknowledges historical, theoretical, political, and cultural influences in early childhood education. This program is 30 credits, and can be completed in as few as 15 months.

Through the graduate coursework, students will interrogate the reciprocal impact of identity self-awareness within systems of privilege and oppression including course topics such as unequal childhoods, racial equity, and the history of equity in early childhood policy.

MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy professionals with advanced credentials are in high demand. Just a few positions and organizations are listed below.

Positions:

• Analyst
• Research Associate
• Teacher Educator
• Director
• Counselor
• Agency Liaison

Organizations:

• Schools
• State and National Associations (NAEYC)
• Governmental agencies
• Advocacy groups
• 2 and 4 year Higher Education Institutions

Graduates of the program will impact the policy context in early childhood education through application of the ten learning outcomes. Application culminates in an in-depth study of a policy issue through an action research project explored during the practicum.

Practicum sites will include those serving diverse populations in both urban and rural settings and led by individuals representing the populations we wish to serve (e.g., tribal communities, ethnically, linguistically, and racially diverse, economically challenged).

By the end of this program, students completing the degree will:

• Discuss the influence of social, political, historical, and economic conditions on early childhood educational practice and policy.
• Work as a change agent and advocate for children, families, and early childhood education professionals by leading and supporting policy efforts to move towards a targeted improvement or goal.
• Explore, analyze, and synthesize an understanding of the context of early childhood education in relation to identity politics and access to education for all children, families, and community members.
• Demonstrate an ability and commitment to engage in professional, collaborative relationships with children, families, administrators, policy leaders, legislators, and community members.
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the legal and ethical norms of early childhood education.
• Present evidence and communicate effectively in written, visual, oral, and online formats to achieve desired outcomes in the field of early childhood education and policy.
• Articulate a personal philosophy of early childhood education as it relates to policy systems and practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to design investigations that yield useful information related to early childhood education and policy.
• Identify a salient issue/problem, analyze current research, and apply it to practice in early childhood education and policy.
• Create and implement relevant plans for early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.

To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy students must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and minimum GPA of 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA or 2.90 in last half of undergraduate degree or 3.0 in graduate level coursework. Prior to applying to the program, review the graduate admission requirements.

If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis. International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.

There are no additional requirements for admission to the MSE in Early Chldhood Education Policy program.