M.A. in Early Childhood Education

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education includes two program options for teachers, administrators, other service providers and educators who wish to learn how to serve young children and their families. The first option is for those who are either certified teachers or have relevant preschool teaching experience. The second option is for certified teachers or non-certified professionals who are interested in early childhood leadership and administration. Courses are offered with the working professional in mind. Most courses required for the master's degree are offered during evening and summer hours and include several online courses.

The Early Childhood Education (MA) currently admits on a rolling basis through Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 admit terms.  Effective calendar year 2024, this program will move to a hard-deadline cohort model of admissions review that only admits for the Fall Term where all files are reviewed at once.  To start in this program in 2024 or beyond, the application deadline to have all materials in will be March 15.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education program will gain:

• Knowledge of established research and best practices in early childhood/early childhood special education
• Knowledge of evidence-based strategies to enable them to be effective leaders within their respective disciplines at the classroom, school, and/or district level
• Skills to enable them to continue to develop their knowledge of research and best practices that lead to effective instructional strategies for all student achievement

Visit the University Catalog to learn more about required coursework for the M.A. in Early Childhood Education.

Admission Requirements

Students must submit the following items with their application.

The GRE is not required for admission to this program. The Office of International Affairs lists additional admission requirements for international students.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• 3.0 GPA or higher on submitted transcripts
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Valid state of Michigan teaching certificate if seeking the Early Childhood endorsement

Completion Requirements

Before exiting from the M.A. in Early Childhood Education, you need to complete two steps:

1. Apply for graduation.
2. Submit an Exit Survey.

Exit Survey:
The purpose of this survey is to assist the College of Education, Health, and Human Services with the evaluation of the master’s degree program and to serve as a guide for program development. The Exit Survey is a requirement for completion of the program. Submit the exit survey.

The Early Childhood Education degree is a 30-credit hour program of study. It provides students with a selection of three areas of concentration.

Early Childhood Administration and Leadership (Online)

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education for Early Childhood Administration and Leadership program is designed for non-certified professionals who are interested in early childhood leadership and administration. In the Early Childhood field, there is a growing need for administrators and leaders in early childhood. This program will serve professionals (directors, education coordinators and curriculum specialists) who need further preparation in supervision and field experience in administration and leadership.

Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion is a non-endorsement program for teachers holding an Early Childhood (ZA/ZS) endorsement or having relevant preschool teaching experience. The unique internship opportunities offered in partnership with the Early Childhood Education Center and Beaumont Center for Exceptional Families focus on inclusive early childhood theories and practices. The program provides significant knowledge and skills for teaching children with disabilities using a transdisciplinary inclusive approach.

The following schedule of courses is based on past offerings of the listed classes.  Please check with your advisor to confirm availability of specific courses each semester.

Early Childhood Administration and Leadership (Online)

Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion

CEHHS Office for Student Success
262 Fairlane Center South (FCS)
cehhs-oss@umich.edu
313-593-5090

Seong Bock Hong, Ph.D.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hong please contact:

CEHHS Office of Student Success
email: cehhs-oss@umich.edu
phone: 313-593-5090.

LaShorage Shaffer, Ph.D.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaffer please contact:

CEHHS Office of Student Success
email: cehhs-oss@umich.edu
phone: 313-593-5090.