The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education program is designed for individuals who currently have or are seeking careers as educators of young children, birth through eight years of age. It focuses on educational issues and practices appropriate for this population. Coursework outside of the concentration strand has been designed to support and enhance the concepts presented. Students select the thesis option (33 credits) or non-thesis option (36 credits). Individuals who wish to pursue a research career, administrative position and/or doctoral degree in education are encouraged to select the thesis option. The program complies with the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The program is open to individuals who hold elementary teaching certification. Individuals with extensive backgrounds in child development who do not hold an elementary teaching certificate may also be considered for admission. Upon successful completion of the concentration, the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Test Code 106), and a minimum of 300 contact hours (150 with each of two of the age groups infant-toddler, preprimary, and K-3rd grade), graduates with teaching certificates from the State of Michigan will be eligible for a certificate endorsement in early childhood education (coded ZS in Michigan). |