Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Shape the future by supporting young children, families, and communities with CU Denver’s online Early Childhood Education degree.
The online MA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from CU Denver equips professionals to lead and advocate for young learners during critical developmental stages.
- Gain knowledge in child development, culturally sustaining teaching, and family-centered practices.
- Prepare for roles in inclusive, diverse, and community-based early learning settings.
- Flexible plans of study for Personalized Professional Master's Degree, Initial Licensure, or Specialist Endorsement options.
- Graduates are eligible to become Early Childhood Special Education Specialists in Colorado.
Scholarships
CU Denver offers scholarships such as the Early Childhood Education Scholarship Fund (up to $10K/year) and the William Goodwin Scholarship ($500/semester).
-
Degree LevelMaster's -
School & CollegeSchool of Education & Human Development -
Total Credit Hours30 -
Class Type100% Online -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time -
Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
- Fill out form
- We'll be in touch soon
- Get ready to meet your moment
Program Overview
The online MA in Early Childhood Education program 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 and a solid commitment to full inclusion in the classroom and innovation.
Your “high-tech and high-touch” experience in this program includes: 24/7 technical support, faculty video-coaching, conferencing/advising, and small-group learning in both real-time as well as on your own time.
The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” program by U.S. News & World Report.
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.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $464* per credit | $557* per credit |
*See Graduate Student Tuition and Fees page for graduate tuition disclaimer.
Example 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.
Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (ECED 5010)
Reviews early childhood curriculum development, connecting theory to practice. Covers language, literacy, math, motor, social-emotional, science, social studies, and aesthetics.
Language and Literacy in Young Children (ECED 5080)
Explores language and literacy development through age five, key components, and research, with a focus on language disorders in young children with disabilities.
Flexible Study Paths
Advisement around your specific plan of study begins at admission.
Specific plans of study for the Master’s of Early Childhood Education degree 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. In all cases, students are required to be working in a context with children so that they can complete their applied assignments.
Career Outlook
Our graduates work in a number of settings, including:
- 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
- Community College Instructors
Admissions
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student or an international student.
Get Personalized Support for Your Application
When you’re ready to apply for your online master's degree in early childhood education, your Enrollment Navigator will help walk you through the entire process, from gathering required materials and submitting your application to checking your admissions status and enrolling in CU Denver. After you submit your completed application and required materials, you can check your admission status online.
Anticipated 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.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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 your resident status. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Scholarships
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.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take The Next Step
Ready to elevate your career in early childhood education? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by calling us at 303-860-5604 or filling out the form above for more information.