Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development, M.Ed.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

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.

Core Courses Required for both Concentrations (21 credits)
Course Work Related to Theory and Practice (15 credits)
HDF 633Advanced Curriculum in Early Childhood Education3
HDF 636Leadership in Educating Young Children3
SES 601Introduction to Inclusive Birth-Kindergarten Services3
SES 602Inclusive Family-Centered Practices in Early Childhood3
SES 603Screening/Assessment in Inclusive Early Childhood Services3
Course Work Related to Research (6 credits)
ERM 604Methods of Educational Research 3
HDF 650Theory and Research in Early Childhood3
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 604Internship in Inclusive Early Childhood6
Total Credit Hours37

Professional Portfolio (Capstone Experience)

The final portfolio is the culminating experience. It includes two components:

  1. A written document that includes a series of reflective essays, and
  2. 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

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 606Preschool-Kindergarten Learning in Inclusive Settings4
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 649CPracticum in Special Education **6
Total Credit Hours10-16
*

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

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 637Administration of Early Care and Education Programs: Financial and Personnel Management4
Required Electives (6 credits)
HDF 634Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Policy3
SES 605Diversity and Inclusive Early Care and Education3
Total Credit Hours10