Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree Program
If working with young children, families, and communities during a critically important stage of development is a passion of yours, the University of Colorado Denver’s online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) — with the option of an Early Childhood Special Education license or a specialist endorsement — can take you to the next level, no matter where you are now. We prepare highly skilled professionals who are leaders and advocates known for embracing the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
Our highly ranked, flexible hybrid and online ECE program of study features personalized support and reaches you where you are — throughout Colorado and around the world — with admission every semester.
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Offered By:
School of Education and Human Development
Tuition:
Application Deadline:
Credit Hours:
30-42
Program Details
The online MA in Early Childhood Education program of study includes a variety of options: Personalized Professional Master’s Degree, master’s degree plus initial licensure, or a master’s degree plus added endorsement.
CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development faculty members emphasize inclusive, family-centered practices, culturally sustaining teaching and a curriculum that is inspired by the potential of all children and families. The online program is taught by well-known faculty who prioritize excellent instruction, a solid commitment to full inclusion in the classroom and innovation.
The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. Your “high-tech and high-touch” experience in this program includes: 24/7 technical support, faculty video-coaching and conferencing/advising, and small group learning in both real-time as well as on your own time.
Our graduates are known for thriving in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse ECE settings. We prepare highly competent teachers, leaders and advocates with the knowledge and skills to identify strengths to support all children and their families. You will be taught by the same incredible faculty who teach in our on-campus, face-to-face classrooms. Together, our faculty form a unique partnership that will fuel your professional goals.
You will learn about leadership, diversity and inclusion, pedagogy, teaching and learning, and career possibilities within this field. We prioritize innovative and research-based practices with real-world applications. Your studies will prepare you for the many possibilities within the early childhood education field now and in the future.
CU Denver is committed to increasing the number of highly qualified and well-compensated early professionals in the field. We offer ECE scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities to support early childhood teachers and leaders. Our graduates work in a number of settings, including as lead teachers, center directors, mentor teachers, educational coordinators, early childhood special educators, early childhood professional development coordinators and coaches, resource and referral staff members, home visitors, and community college instructors. Our commitment to early childhood professionals compels us to participate in efforts to elevate the profession, and to help you seek out scholarships and partnerships for academic support and job placement. The scholarships include the Early Childhood Education Scholarship Fund (up to $10K awarded to two recipients per academic year) and the William Goodwin Scholarship (up to $500 awarded per semester). We have additional scholarships that are open to all students, regardless of major. Whether you live in the Denver metropolitan area or outside of Denver, you will take your coursework entirely online, with applied assignments and practical experiences in your concurrent work with young children.
As a working professional, the Early Childhood Education master's program at CU has given me the opportunity to take my educational goals to the highest level and to be part of an amazing professional community. The instructors here are very knowledgeable and passionate about their work and prepare the students for real-life challenges in the field of Early Childhood Education.
– Paloma V. | Early Childhood Education, alum
Tuition and Fees
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.
Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and finally your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Timeline
The majority of our students are professionals who are working full-time in an early childhood education setting. Depending on your plan of study, your required credit hours will range from 30 to 42. This degree can typically be completed in two to three years. You will need to take our recommended courses, pass performance-based assessments, participate in fieldwork and complete a practicum and/or capstone to meet graduation requirements.
Admissions
Students may apply to this program in any semester. We encourage application submission at least four months prior to the start of the semester that you are seeking admission, or as early as possible. We provide rolling decisions and communicate admissions decisions within approximately two weeks of the submission of a complete application.
Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting our Enrollment Team today.
Our online ECE MA program has the unique benefit of connecting people and building relationships across settings. We develop online communities that welcome and include students from across geographic locations, diverse experiences, and multiple sectors. Having the privilege to build these relationships and collaborate only benefits the children and families who we support.
– Andrea Laser | Assistant Teaching Professor, Early Childhood Education
Courses
As part of this program, you will complete all required courses, performance-based assessments, fieldwork, practicum, and/or capstone. Program plans range from 30 to 42 credit hours. Students can complete the program in two to three years maximum.
Below are sample courses from program plans. This is not a complete list, and your coursework will be determined by your specific plan of study. Specific plans of study include options for a Personalized Professional Master’s Degree, a master’s degree plus initial licensure, or a master’s degree plus added endorsement. Completion of licensure options meet the requirements of an Approved Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Program through the Colorado Department of Education. Advisement around your specific plan of study begins at admission. In all cases, students are required to be working in a context with children so that they can complete their applied assignments.
| Example Courses |
|---|
| ECED 5010 — Curriculum in Early Childhood Education Review of principles of early childhood curriculum and program development. Linkages are made between theoretical bases of development and curriculum planning. Curriculum areas considered include language and literacy, mathematics, motor, social-emotional, science, social studies, and aesthetic development. |
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ECED 5080 — Language and Literacy in Young Children Overview of language and literacy development through age five, language components, and pertinent research relating to language and literacy acquisition. Emphasis is placed on language only disorders commonly demonstrated by young children with disabilities. |