Early Childhood Education, M.S. Program
Program Description
The MS in Early Childhood Education prepares individuals to teach and work with all students ranging in age from infancy through eight years (i.e., grade three). It includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter. The purpose of this master’s degree is to prepare teachers to understand and deliver strong, vibrant, and relevant instruction and leadership in Early Childhood Education settings.
CSUEB faculty work with local agencies, community colleges, and county personnel to insure that students receive advanced instruction in curriculum and pedagogy for this age group, analyze and understand research and practice, and promote leadership and collaboration with families. The cohort model is used in this two-year program. In other words, students take all classes together and develop strong personal and professional relationships with one another. Students in the program come from a wide variety of educational programs, including private, public, and home school preschool programs, Head Start, TK-3rd grade private and public schools. Thus, they experience a wide range of perspectives in the field of Early Childhood Education. Students also enjoy the hybrid format of most classes, a 6:00 p.m. start time for classes, and weekend course offerings each semester.
The MS in Early Childhood Education is specifically designed for the working practitioner to gain professional knowledge about curriculum and leadership for children ages birth to eight years old. This degree emphasizes developmentally and culturally appropriate practices, “hands-on” experiences, evidenced-based instruction, working with families, and innovative ways to build leadership and professionalism. Education of the whole child, including cognitive, social, and emotional aspects are covered throughout the program’s curriculum. The program is designed for preschool and T-K through third grade teachers. National, state, and local documents are evidenced in the coursework. The four-semester program includes a field-based practicum and accompanying seminar.
Career Opportunities
Students who complete this degree may secure positions as Preschool Directors, Program Supervisors, Curriculum Specialists in Early Childhood, Community College Instructors, classroom teachers, employees for Head Start, State Preschool, Teachers on Special Assignment (TSA) and researchers for private institutions.
Admission Requirements
Students must demonstrate an appropriate background when applying for this degree. Background can be shown by successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Human Development, Psychology, or other relevant degree to the field of Early Childhood. Students possessing a Multiple Subject Credential or a degree in Elementary Education are also encouraged to apply. Students who have a Bachelor’s degree, but not in the Social Sciences, and have successfully completed at least 12 units in Early Childhood and/or have worked successfully in the field for at least 5 years are also encouraged to apply.
- Candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Candidates must have earned at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in all upper division/post baccalaureate coursework.
- If candidates have a baccalaureate degree from out of the country, they must have their transcripts evaluated by the International Graduate Student Admissions Office.
- Candidates, upon entry or graduation, must have met the University Writing Skills Requirements (UWSR). For information about meeting the USWR, see the Testing Office website at www.csueastbay/testing or call 510.885.3661.
Progress Towards the Degree
- Completed at least 30 units of approved graduate work subject to the following conditions:
- All units must have been earned within the past five (5) years immediately preceding completion of the requirements for the degree.
- No fewer than 70% (or 21 semester units) must have been completed in residence as a regularly matriculated student in the graduate program at Cal State East Bay.
- No more than nine (9) semester units of approved courses may be transferred from another institution, taken through approved extension courses (including Open University), or taken as an “Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate” student.
- At least 15 semester units must have been in courses numbered in the 600-series or the equivalent graduate level.
- Satisfied the University Writing Skills Requirement.
- Earned at least a 3.0 GPA in all units satisfying the requirements of the degree program.
- Completed TED 693 Master’s Project within five (5) years of admission to the program. A project provides evidence of originality, independent thinking, and appropriate form and organization. Students must describe their project in a written abstract that addresses the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and conclusions.
Student Standing
A student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in all courses taken whether the courses are taken at Cal State East Bay or elsewhere. This means that a student must receive a grade of B- or better in all classes taken during the graduate program. Students may repeat a class only once and the grade received the second time will be the grade recorded on the student’s record. This same rule applies to the research sequence of classes. If a student does not receive a grade of B- or better the second time the class is repeated in the research sequence and the Master’s Project (TED 611, 612, 693), the student may be dismissed from the program. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on probationary status, will be subject to disqualification from the program, and may be recommended for dismissal from the university. The department also requires that the Graduate Coordinator approve in advance a “CR/NC” grade in any course applied to a master’s and/or certificate program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify, describe and evaluate a variety of factors and contemporary issues that influence curricula in preschool through third grade.
- Demonstrate appropriate content knowledge, pedagogy and skills necessary to help all students learn from birth through third grade.
- Develop leadership skills to become an advocate and mentor for diverse families and student learning.
- Utilize a variety of bibliographic tools to write a comprehensive review of the literature for a topic of professional interest in Early Childhood Education.
- Complete an action research project investigating a topic as it relates to the field of Early Childhood Education.
