Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development, M.Ed.
The synchronous online Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development is offered jointly by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Specialized Education Services. The program prepares students to assume leadership roles in diverse settings (both education and community-based) that develop and implement programming for young children with and without disabilities, ages birth to five, and their families. The degree consists of a minimum of 37 credit hours of graduate course work beyond the bachelor's degree.
Two concentrations are offered: one in Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure and another in Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration.
The concentration in Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure is designed for students with a Standard Professional I or initial license seeking education in early childhood leadership and an advanced teaching license. Those with an initial license in another field of education must satisfy prerequisite requirements and complete eight weeks of student teaching (which adds 6 credit hours to the program). Students are eligible for the "M" advanced license in BK upon successful completion of the program.
The concentration in Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration equips teachers, directors/administrators, technical assistance providers, and other professionals working closely with early childhood educators to be leaders in the field. It includes advanced training in a variety of areas, including personnel development and support, financial management, early childhood systems and policy, leadership and mentoring, child and program assessment, and curriculum within the context of family-centered practices to work effectively with diverse children and families in inclusive settings.
For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see the Guide to Graduate Admissions.
Applicants must submit an application to The Graduate School, which includes:
- Professional statement, a current resume;
- Official transcripts with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; and
- Three letters of recommendation with at least one academic reference if possible.
Applicants to the Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure Concentration must also submit documentation of their initial teaching license.
An interview and writing sample may be required.
The GRE is not required.
Degree Program Requirements
Required: 37 credit hours
Additional academic work may need to be completed by students without foundational skills or content knowledge in early childhood. Credits may only be applied toward the M.Ed. degree from the Birth-Kindergarten Initial Licensure or the Leadership in Infant and Toddler Learning Post-Baccalaureate Certificate courses (see the Birth-Kindergarten: Initial Licensure or the Leadership in Infant and Toddler Learning Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program requirements). The amount of credit that may be applied toward the M.Ed. degree varies depending on the concentration a student selects. Examples of courses that may be applied toward the M.Ed. degree program include SES 601 Introduction to Inclusive Birth-Kindergarten Services and SES 603 Screening/Assessment in Inclusive Early Childhood Services.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses Required for both Concentrations (21 credits) | ||
| Course Work Related to Theory and Practice (15 credits) | ||
| HDF 633 | Advanced Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| HDF 636 | Leadership and Mentoring in Educating Young Children | 3 |
| SES 601 | Introduction to Inclusive Birth-Kindergarten Services | 3 |
| SES 602 | Inclusive Family-Centered Practices in Early Childhood | 3 |
| SES 603 | Screening/Assessment in Inclusive Early Childhood Services | 3 |
| Course Work Related to Research (6 credits) | ||
| ERM 604 | Methods of Educational Research | 3 |
| HDF 650 | Theory and Research in Early Childhood | 3 |
| Concentration (10 credits) | ||
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 10 | |
Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure Concentration | ||
Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration Concentration | ||
| Practicum (6 credits) | ||
| SES 604 | Internship in Inclusive Early Childhood | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 37 | |
Professional Portfolio (Capstone Experience)
The final portfolio is the culminating experience. It includes two components:
- A written document that includes a series of reflective essays, and
- An oral defense, discussing the content of the essays and rationale for the use of documents.
This portfolio will demonstrate the mastery of skills and knowledge in the program competency areas. It is submitted by the student and evaluated by a team of two faculty and one practicing professional. If the portfolio and presentation do not meet departmental standards, one revision is allowed. The final portfolio is required of all students graduating from the program.
Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| In addition to the core courses, the Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure Concentration requires: | ||
| Course Work Related to Theory and Practice (4 credits) | ||
| HDF/SES 606 | Preschool-Kindergarten Learning in Inclusive Settings | 4 |
| Electives (6 credits) | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: * | 6 | |
| Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Policy | ||
| Contemporary Research in Family Studies | ||
| Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Child Development | ||
| Diversity and Inclusive Early Care and Education | ||
| Infant-Toddler Learning in Inclusive Settings | ||
| Collaboration and Leadership | ||
| Assistive Technology for Inclusive Education | ||
| Practicum (6 credits) | ||
| SES 649C | Practicum in Special Education ** | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 10-16 | |
| * | To be selected from list or with approval of advisor. Other courses with approval of advisor. |
| ** | 6 credits in SES 649C is required, as applicable, if student's initial licensure is in an area other than Birth-Kindergarten. |
Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| In addition to the core courses, the Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration Concentration requires: | ||
| Course Work Related to Theory and Practice (4 credits) | ||
| HDF 637 | Administration of Early Care and Education Programs: Financial and Personnel Management | 4 |
| Required Electives (6 credits) | ||
| HDF 634 | Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Policy | 3 |
| SES 605 | Diversity and Inclusive Early Care and Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 10 | |