Teacher with children playing outsideCombine Theory With Hands-On Experiences

Educators who work with young children can expand their skills and their career opportunities with a Master of Arts degree in early childhood education from University of Michigan-Dearborn. The 30-credit program is designed for working professionals and varied by concentration: Early Childhood Administration and Leadership is offered fully online, while Early Childhood Special Education is available as an in-person program. Course offerings are flexible, including evening, summer, and online options.

You’ll learn about modern teaching methods, childhood behavior, administrative theories, curriculum development, and related topics. We also emphasize hands-on experiences, giving you a chance to put theories into practice.

Where a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Will Take You

Opportunities abound for our graduates. Your training will prepare you to become a lead teacher, a preschool and childcare center director, an early childhood education researcher, a policymaker in an educational institution or government agency, and to tackle any number of related jobs. Whichever direction you take, you’ll be prepared to be a successful education leader.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$37,130 Median Salary

Preschool Teachers

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 56,300 openings for preschool teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$54,290 Median Salary

Preschool and Childcare Center Directors

Employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to decline 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 4,600 openings for preschool and childcare center directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

This program will only admit students starting in the Fall term. Priority application deadline is March 15 and the hard application deadline is May 15.

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Graduate Scholarships

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Next Steps

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