Early Childhood Education, M.A.

General Program Information

Graduate School Contact:

Fiona Goodyear; goodyear@etsu.edu; 423-439-6148

Amy Malkus, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, Master’s Program
516 Warf-Pickel Hall
Box 70548
(401) 463-0841
e-mail: malkus@etsu.edu

Pamela Evanshen, Teaching and Learning Chair, Co-cordinator, Doctoral Program
303 Warf-Pickel Hall
Box 70548
(423) 439-7694
email: evanshep@esu.edu

Faculty:

Jane Broderick; Pamela Evanshen; Rosemary Geiken; Lissy Gloeckler; Kim Hale; Rebecca Isbell; Susan Lewis; Amy Malkus, Kathryn Sharp.

The Department of Teaching and Learning offers three Master of Arts degrees in early childhood education. These graduate programs provide specialized education preparation for those interested in young children’s development from birth to eight years of age and their families. They focus on promoting the optimal developmental environment for young children, birth to eight years of age. The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education - Initial Licensure leads to licensure in PreK-3 in Tennessee. The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education - Master Teacher and Researcher/Thesis programs train for leadership roles in early childhood education, teaching in quality programs for young children, administering programs, working with families, community services, research, and  instruction at the community college level.

Admission Requirements

Each applicant to the graduate program in early childhood education must complete the following:

1. Complete all the requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
2. Present a minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average or complete a probationary period in which the student achieves a grade point average of 3.0 and no grade lower than a B in the first 9 credits of graduate credit.
3. Be reviewed by the Early Childhood Admission committee. Those who do not have an undergraduate degree in early childhood education or a related field of study may be required to take selected undergraduate courses that will strengthen the applicant’s background in early childhood education.

The Early Childhood Core

The core courses are required of all candidates for the M.A. degree in early childhood education. These courses are designed to provide a foundation of knowledge concerning the young child birth - eight years of age. The core includes the study of typically developing children (birth - eight), their unique learning abilities, history and philosophy of early childhood education, parental influence, designing environments, and research methods.

Concentrations and Electives

The concentration and electives are chosen with the approval of the student’s advisor and provide for the individualization of the student’s program. These specialized courses can follow the student’s individual needs and interests in a variety of areas including: working with infants and toddlers, working with parents, directing programs, designing effective curriculum for young children, teaching kindergarten and primary grades/licensure in PreK-3, and other areas that relate to young children.

Online Cohort Program

Beginning in the fall semester, a cohort of students interested in securing an online master’s degree in Early Childhood Education is established. This cohort is specifically designed for individuals who are already certified in early childhood education or who do not want licensure, and who are interested in a master’s degree that can be obtained during a 4-semester plus two summer time period.

Note:

Those currently holding a Tennessee license may also enroll in the cohort to complete add-on PreK-3 requirements.