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Early Childhood Education

About Early Childhood Education more

The Concordia University, St. Paul  MA in Early Childhood Education program is conveniently offered in the online format.

This degree program was nationally recognized in 2012 by SuperScholar, an online education and career information website, as ninth in their SuperScholar Smart Choice ranking of the 25 best online Early Childhood Education degree programs.

About the program:
Professional practices in the field of early education focus on strategies and best practices rooted in theory and philosophy supported by research. Students in this program will interpret, evaluate and apply research and theory related to all areas of early childhood education.

Course for Early Childhood Education

ECE-520 Effective Research Writing Available online

This course will emphasize the difference between academic writing for a master's program and writing for personal use. APA Formatting will be emphasized, strategies for developing a litereature review, and writing for academic use will be included.

ECE-521 Topics & Research in Early Ed Available online

This course will explore the current research in early education focusing on the theme of evidence based practices by integrating theory with the activities of teacher researchers. Current empirical studies will be used to apply and understand research methods.

ECE-522 Play: Theory and Applications Available online

This course is a study of the various theoretical foundations of play and their application to young children's development and learning. Students examine the role of the teacher in children's play, analyze play environments, and review the issues and research affecting children and curricula.

ECE-526 Curriculum & Instruction / ECE Available online

Along with the presentation of curriculum and instruction theory, this course will explore the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum and instruction. The link between assessment and program evaluation will be made.

ECE-527 Observation and Assessment Available online

The various methods of child study, observation, portfolio development, and other assessment strategies are studied as a way to assess children's growth and the development of knowledge and skills. In addition, current classroom practices and learning environments are explored to identify changes that benefit children, their families, and communication between program and home.

ECE-541 Diverse Classroom Available online

This course presents studies of education in multicultural settings. Students explore the values, beliefs, customs, and perceptions of racial and ethnic groups which affect social life and the education of children. Concepts of culture, social class, and power are developed.

ECE-544 Lang Dev & Emergent Literacy Available online

Current research is studied in regard to emergent literacy and language development in children with implications for the classroom teacher. Whole language strategies are explored for children from birth through age seven.

ECE-576 Methods in EC Programming Available online

This course is an in-depth look at current literature that supports leadership in early childhood education and then extends learning to the complexities of quality programming in early childhood education.

ECE-577 eFolio and Completion Available online

The final work in this program involves completion of a selected project and final preparation and review of the masters e-folio.  Students work with a major advisor in designing the project.

ED-539 Legal and Legislative Issues Available online

This course will deal with law and legislation that affects early childhood education.  Children and childcare are presented as issues of public policy.  The skills and strategies of child advocacy are discussed and students are challenged to become active in public advocacy for children.

ED-582 Ethics for Educators Available online

This course is a study of ethics and moral philosophy with applications to making decisions regarding current social and personal problems.

Applicants must be employed or regularly volunteering in the area of education with either children or families in order to be eligible for admission.

  1. Apply Online or Printable Application (PDF)

  2. $50 Application Fee (non-refundable) payable to Concordia University by check, money order or pay online

  3. Official College Transcripts from the regionally accredited college/university issuing undergraduate degree

  4. Statement of Goals - Write a brief statement covering your employment history and long-term academic and professional goals

  5. Resume

Technology Requirements
Students enrolling in a graduate program must have access to a computer that meets Concordia University's technology requirements. Contact Concordia's Help Desk at helpdesk@csp.edu or 651-641-8866 with any questions regarding these requirements.

Fall 2012 Term

  • Start Date: Thursday, September 13, 2012
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Thursday
  • Chat Time: 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST

Spring 2013 Term

  • Start Date: Monday, January 14, 2013
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Monday
  • Chat Time: 6:00-6:45 p.m. CST

Summer 2013 Term

  • Start Date: Monday, May 13, 2013
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Monday
  • Chat Time: 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST


PROGRAM SCHEDULE

TERM 1 ECE521 | ECE520

TERM 2 ECE526 | ECE527

TERM 3 ECE522 | ECE544

TERM 4 ECE541 | ECE582

TERM 5 ECE576 | ECE539

TERM 6 ECE577

Online, In-Class or Blended?

Offered Online?
Classes meet entirely online.

Offered In-Class?
Classes meet face-to-face at our St. Paul campus or other off-campus location.

Offered Blended?
Course work is completed through a combination of in-class and online class meetings.

Next Steps

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Work with an admission counselor specializing in transfer admission who will guide you through the process. Transfer to CSP

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