Master of Arts in Education
Graduate Programs in the College of Education
Master of Arts in Education
Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
Program Objective
Early Childhood Education is the term given to the teaching of children from birth to age eight. Professional practices of early childhood educators focus on teaching strategies based on child development and learning styles; creating developmentally, individually, and culturally appropriate practices; assessing children's development and learning; and developing positive relationships with children and families. Learners in the MA program will design research and apply the results to a practical problem, understand and articulate developmentally appropriate practices, focus on advocacy and leadership within early childhood education.
Course Descriptions
ECE523 Topics in Early Childhood Education 2 credits
This course is a study of current issues in early childhood education in an historical context, emphasizing their relevance to and impact on today's programs for children ages eight and under.
FAS532 Navigating Oceans of Data 3 credits
The course is designed to introduce the scope and function of information and the research process in early childhood. The course will introduce students to types and fundamental concepts and process in the research literature. Problem solving is viewed as one of the primary functions of the research literature information, leading to strategies and action for solutions and change. Students will gain experience developing a framework for consuming the research literature amd information in eary childhood.
ECE526 Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
Along with the presentation of curriculum and instruction theory, this course will explore the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum and instruction. The link between assessment and program evaluation will be made.
ECE527 Observation and Assessment 3 credits
The various methods of child study and observation strategies are studied as a way to assess children's growth and development of knowledge and skills. In addition, the physical environment can be observed in an effort to identify any potential changes that could benefit children.
ECE522 Play: Theory and Applications 3 credits
This course is a study of the various theoretical foundations of play and their application to young children's development and learning. Students examine the role of the teacher in children's play, analyze play environments, and review the issues and research affecting children and curricula.
ED500 Seminar A 2 credits
This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
ECE544 Language Development and Emergent Literacy 4 credits
Current research is studied in regard to emergent literacy and language development in children with implications for the classroom teacher. Whole language strategies are explored for children from birth through age seven.
FAS501 Family Systems 3 credits
This course is an analysis of the family. It investigates the family as a system of relationships that interact across the family life cycle. It includes a survey of current developments in the study of the family and analysis of changes in American society and their influence in family life. Included is an emphasis on the impact of the family on education.
ECE541 The Diverse Classroom 2 credits
This course presents studies in education in multicultural settings. Students explore the values, beliefs, customs, and perceptions of racial and ethnic groups which affect social life and the education of children. Concepts of culture, social class, and power are developed.
ED582 Ethics for Educators 2 credits
This course is a study of ethics and moral philosophy with applications to making decisions regarding current social and personal problems.
ED505 Seminar B 2 credits
This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
FAS534 Reflexive Assessment and Evaluation 3 credits
This course reviews the connection between research methods and the research question or problem. Students will explore the role of assessment and evaluation in early childhood education. Various forms of assessment will be considered with an emphasis on the recursive nature of assessment. Students will experience the process of establishing strategy for a program in early childhood education.
FAS576 Methods in Programming 3 credits
This course provide a pedagogical framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation of programming for parent and family education.
ED539 Legal and Legislative Issues 2 credits
This course will deal with law and legislation that affects early childhood education. Children and child care are presented as issues of public policy. The skills and strategies of child advocacy are discussed, and students are challenged to become active in public advocacy for children.
ED510 Seminar C 2 credits
This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning.
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