Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education
An early childhood education degree can help you instill a love for learning and lay the foundation for a child's lifelong success.
About This Program
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education is offered both online and residential.
The Early Childhood Education program prepares teachers to:
- Develop and engage in appropriate teaching strategies by studying, interacting, practicing, and reflecting
- Collaborate to identify and meet the broad range of goals for which schools are responsible today
- Model and encourage students to lead, problem-solve, and pursue lifelong learning
- Respect and serve culturally diverse populations and communities
Read on to learn about how the Master in Early Childhood Education at Ole Miss can prepare you to shape tomorrow's leaders.
What's the difference between an online and residential M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education?
Students can choose between an online or residential M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education. Depending on your schedule and day-to-day responsibilities, one may fit your life better than the other.
The choice is entirely up to you. Either way, you're getting the same quality education and the same degree. But, before you make your decision, there are a few things you should consider first.
Online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
The online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is ranked in the Top 15% of online programs by U.S. News & World Report. Our online program can give you the flexibility you need to pursue a graduate degree. Online students still have the same amount access to professors and academic resources that on campus students enjoy, only that it's all done virtually.
- Students take asynchronous online classes. In other words, students can take classes whenever they find the time in their busy schedules.
Residential M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
The residential M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education takes place on the University of Mississippi's Oxford campus. Students attend class in person, which can allow them to interact directly with professors and other members of their cohort.
- Residential classes can offer the student a more structured environment with immediate, physical access to resources such as libraries and other academic resources—not to mention UM's vibrant campus life.
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Master's Program
Area of Study
Education
School
Duration
2 years
Degree
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Required Credit Hours
30
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Our M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education helps teachers, administrators and others utilize the best practices and latest research related to the cognitive, social and emotional development of young children.
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education requires the following courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
To complete the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, students must complete:
- 3 hours of Professional Core Courses
- 27 hours of Specialization Courses in Early Childhood Education
Professional Core Courses (3)
- EDRS 605 Educational Research I
Specialization Courses (27)
- EDEC 600 Child Development: Pre-birth to Age 8
- EDEC 601 Language & Literacy Development in Young Children
- EDEC 602 Theoretical Foundations of Early Childhood Curriculum
- EDEC 603 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in ECE
- EDEC 604 Function & Theory of Play in Early Childhood Education
- EDEC 605 Integrating the Arts in Early Childhood Education
- EDEC 606 Social Contexts in Early Childhood
- EDEC 607 Issues & Trends in Early Childhood Education
- EDEC 608 Diverse Needs in Early Childhood Education
Other Academic Requirements
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education candidates must successfully complete a minimum of 45 hours of advisor-approved field experiences.
- An undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of their coursework.
- A teaching license OR the results from a national standardized achievement/aptitude test predictive of the ability to complete a graduate program successfully.
- These may include but aren't limited to: a passing score on the Praxis II Content Field or on the Praxis II PLT, or a competitive GRE score (all sections), or a valid teaching license.
There are two tracks for the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education:
Track 1: Requires a valid teaching license for admission into the program, and program completion can lead to advanced licensure. Candidates admitted to Track 1 will complete field experience requirements, which will enable them to add early childhood education to their license as a content area.
Track 2: Does not require a teaching license or field experience requirements. While program completion can lead to advanced licensure, candidates admitted to Track 2 will NOT be able to add early childhood education to their license as a content area.
We're here for you!
If you have any questions about the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, don't hesitate to reach out!
Burhanettin Keskin
Professor of Early Childhood Education
How much more can you make with a master's degree in Early Childhood Education?
According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, a "master's degree earns teachers an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor's degree."
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?