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Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education), MEd

Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education), MEd

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education), MEd

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ENDORSEMENT, Early Childhood, Education, edugte, online, teachers college

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Students interested in this program should apply to the Early Childhood Education MEd or the Early Childhood Education (Teacher Certification) MEd.


No matter where you're located, you can earn your master's degree online, prepare to build a solid learning foundation for children during their most formative years, and add professional experiences to your coursework in preparation for obtaining Arizona teacher certification after graduation.

Program description
Degree awarded: MEd  Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education)

The MEd in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in early childhood education prepares individuals to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of children from birth through age 8 or grade 3.

This master's degree program is appropriate for students interested in learning about early childhood education research and working with infants and children, and can help advance the professional development of students who already have a teaching certificate and are interested in deepening their knowledge, strengthening their skills or pursuing doctoral studies.

Through online coursework and applied activities, the program equips students with specialized skills and advanced knowledge in early childhood pedagogy, community collaboration, technology, administration, policy analysis and advocacy.

Students can also choose to add in-person professional experiences to their degree program that prepare them to enter the teaching profession after graduation. Students pursuing teacher certification complete internships and full-time teaching residencies to gain experience in two levels: preK and grades K-3. Faculty members and highly qualified certified mentor teachers provide guidance and support along the way.

Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification as Early Childhood, Birth-Age 8 or Grade 3 teachers. To teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.

At a glance
Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ECD 593)

Students in this program complete an applied project within their plan of study as a culminating experience.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. personal statement
  5. resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program.

The personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.

GRE scores are not required for admission.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Students gain skills in teaching, conducting research, using technology and analyzing policy --- all of which prepare graduates to expand or pursue educational careers working with young children and their families.

Career examples include:

  • child care worker
  • education administrator
  • family social worker
  • preschool teacher or director
Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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