Early Childhood Education (M.S.) (2008)
Administered by the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Effective Fall, 2008
Admission. The following admission requirements, which apply to both the Master of Science in Early Childhood Education program and to the master's program with an Early Childhood Education Certification, must be met in addition to the general admission requirements for the School of Graduate Studies. Undergraduate work need not be in a specific field of study.
An interview and a review of academic credentials are required. Applicants who lack an undergraduate QPA of 3.0 will be admitted on a provisional basis.
All applicants will take the Miller Analogies Test. A minimum score of 30 is required. Waivers may be granted to graduate students that score lower but have excellent academic records.
Certification Requirements
- Three recommendations from any of the following persons: undergraduate or graduate faculty, direct-line supervisors, administrators, and other individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic abilities and personal qualities. Recommendation forms are available from the program coordinator for early childhood education.
- Written completion of a 10-day field experience. Forms are available from the observation/program coordinator.
- Written completion of a 14-day participation experience. Forms are available from the program coordinator.
- Passing and/or remediation of speech and hearing tests, and vision tests. TB tests are required. Forms are available from the program coordinator.
- Passing the National Teacher Examination core battery and the specialty area of early childhood education. Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all certification applicants to pass the Praxis Series of Examinations (NTEs) for certification. It is the graduate student's responsibility to register, complete and earn a passing score on the examinations.
Retention. Students must maintain a QPA of 3.0 throughout their program. Courses in which a grade of B- or lower is obtained must be repeated with a grade of B or higher. Nine graduate credits may be transferred into the program.
State Police checks (Criminal, Act 34 and Abuse, Act 151) required by the Department of Health and Welfare and the Bureau of Certification must be obtained prior to student teaching in private and public schools, Head Start programs, and day care centers in Pennsylvania.
All students will take and pass a comprehensive examination, which is administered when they have completed 12 to 15 semester hours of graduate work. The examination consists of written and oral requirements. An appointment is made with the program coordinator.
Graduation. The Master of Science in Early Childhood program consists of 30 semester hours; 12 additional semester hours in course work and practicum are required for the Level I Certification, N, K-3. Students must complete 6 semester hours in foundation courses, 18 to 30 semester hours in early childhood education core courses, and 6 semester hours in related studies courses.
Programs of Study
Students seeking a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education must complete 30 semester hours with a 3.0 QPA. Students seeking a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education with N, K-3 certification must complete 42 semester hours with a QPA of 3.0.
A departmental paper, thesis, comprehensive project, or the comprehensive examination is required for completion of the degree program. Specific guidelines are available from the program coordinator. All papers must be written following the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. A five chapter format is preferred.
All program requirements must be completed within six years after admission into the program. Students are required to complete their programs within four years after passing their comprehensive exam. Extensions may be granted in certain situations. Students who fail to enroll and complete a course within a two-year period are placed in an inactive file. Inactive students must reapply for admission, retake the comprehensive examination. Courses older than six years will not meet the degree requirements. All deficiencies, tests, if applicable, monetary and academics, must be satisfied before the degree can be granted.
Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education without Certification
Required
60.512 Computer Media
62.522 Curriculum Trends in Early Childhood Education
62.523 Practices in Teaching the Young Child
62.590 Current Research and Development of the Young Child
62.591 Learning and Development of the Young Child
62.592 Identification and Prescription of the Needs of Young Children
62.593 Organization and Administration of Educational Programs for Young Children
Elective
Nine credits of electives.
Degree in Early Childhood Education with N, K-3 Certification
Required
62.510 Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education I
62.520 Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education II
62.522 Curriculum Trends in Early Childhood Education
62.523 Practices in Teaching the Young Child
62.590 Current Research and Development in Early Childhood Education
62.591 Learning and Development of the Young Child
62.592 Identification and Prescription of the Needs of Young Children
62.593 Organization and Administration of Educational Programs for Young Children
*62.594 Practicum in Early Childhood Education - 6 credits, OR **62.596 Practicum in Early Childhood Education - 3 credits,
Elective
* If 62.594 is taken (for 6 credits) the 9 credits of electives are required.
** If 62.596 is taken (for 3 credits) the 12 credits of electives are required.