early childhood education

Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education Online


Become an expert leader in both public and nonpublic early childhood educational settings with this online master's degree program that is designed for educators interested in expanding their knowledge to serve children in a pre-K to third grade public school setting or birth to eight years old in a state or early childhood system. Teaching experience and a teaching license are required for this program.

Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25

Program Overview


Advance your teaching career with an online MSE in Early Childhood Education

Learn to respond to the developmental and education needs of young children with the 100% online Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education program at A-State University. The need for early childhood teachers and specialists is on the rise in both public and nonpublic educational settings, and roles in early childhood education are projected to grow 3% between 2022 and 2032.1

Designed for educators who already hold a teaching license, this degree program provides an in-depth look at best practices in early childhood settings. You will learn how to use a variety of assessment tools in early childhood settings, gaining the skills and techniques to analyze and interpret curriculum data to develop technology-integrated educational materials.

In this online master’s program, you will:

  • Gain insight into the developmental needs of young children and enhance your impact as an early childhood educator
  • Facilitate your development as an educational leader through coursework focused on topics including teaching and assessment, professionalism in education, technology as a teaching tool, developmental perspectives and more
  • Apply the knowledge and skills gained in the program in your classroom through the practicum capstone experience

Applicants must hold a valid teaching license and meet all guidelines for graduate admission to the A-State College of Education & Behavioral Science. Courses are tightly integrated and focused on application-based curriculum demonstrating students' mastery of the NAEYC Standards. This program does not lead to licensure.


Additional documents

Textbook Information (.PDF)

This program requires Live Text.

State Program Approvals (.PDF)

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-lib...

Students in this program will gain:

  • A broad perspective on education that spans early childhood
  • The ability to create, select and use a variety of assessment and documentation tools in multiple early childhood settings
  • Techniques and methods of research and skills for the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data
  • Knowledge of best practices in early childhood settings
  • The aptitude to analyze curriculum sources and models for purposes of creating curriculum, as well as the ability to create technology-integrated educational materials
  • A broad perspective on education that spans early childhood
  • The ability to create, select and use a variety of assessment and documentation tools in multiple early childhood settings
  • Techniques and methods of research and skills for the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data
  • Knowledge of best practices in early childhood settings
  • The aptitude to analyze curriculum sources and models for purposes of creating curriculum, as well as the ability to create technology-integrated educational materials

Prepare to serve in early childhood education roles, such as:

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Child Care Director
  • Early Learning Specialist
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Child Care Director
  • Early Learning Specialist

Also available:

A-State offers a variety of graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online graduate programs.

Total Tuition: $10,200
Program Duration: As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 30
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Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

Call 866-621-8096

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION DEGREE

Tuition


Our budget-friendly tuition can be paid as you go

Our MSE in Early Childhood Education online program offers the same affordable tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $340
Total Tuition: $10,200

Calendar


Arkansas State Online dates and deadlines

Our MSE in Early Childhood Education online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.

Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/13/2512/16/2412/18/241/9/251/10/252/28/25
Spring 23/10/252/24/252/28/253/6/253/7/255/2/25

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 2/24/25
Start Class 3/10/25

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

Admissions


Being admitted to our online MSEd in Early Childhood Education program

A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the MSE in Early Childhood Education online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a valid teaching certificate. Make sure to review full admission requirements below. Applicants to the program who do not qualify for unconditional admission may qualify for conditional admission.

Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Valid teaching certificate

  • A baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.75 (or 3.25 on the last 60 hours) on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution. For conditional admission, students are required to have a 2.5-2.74 cumulative GPA (or 3.0 on the last 60 hours) on a 4.0 scale.
  • A valid teaching certificate

Note: If you have a 2.5-2.74 GPA, you must make a grade of “B” or better during the first 9 hours of graduate work at Arkansas State University.


Application Submission Requirements

  • Complete online application
  • Pay the nonrefundable $30 fee
  • Send official transcript(s) from the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.

Submit all documents to:

A-State Online
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467


Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Unless otherwise noted, Arkansas State University has not confirmed if a program has met requirements for an out-of-state licensure. Please refer to the Program Approval Map to determine which programs are eligible to be offered in states and to find relevant State Agency contact information. Eligibility to offer in a state does not guarantee the program will meet state licensure/certification requirements.

Please contact your state’s Professional License Department/Board to ensure that your chosen distance education program meets your state’s requirements in which you intend to practice.

Appeals process

  • Email a written Letter of Appeal and GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial) to [email protected]

Transfer credits

Up to 9 graduate hours from A-State or other higher education institutions may be credited toward a program. No course can be older than six years by graduation time. Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Director of the Program. To request prior credit be evaluated, please complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.

Best Online Master's in Education

Recognized among the “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2024)

Courses


Advance your knowledge in these online master's in early childhood education classes

Students must complete 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours, including a practicum in teacher education.

Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course helps develop perspectives that are essential for educators to understand and fulfill ethical and professional responsibilities in their respective areas, including communication with various audiences, reflection, self-assessment and advocacy within the context of cultural diversity and democratic pluralism.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course covers creating, selecting and appropriately using a variety of documentation tools in multiple early childhood settings, including observational methods and standardized assessments, as well as partnering with families and other professionals with reference to assessment issues.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In depth study of child development and developmental differences and influences with an emphasis on applying knowledge to creating learning environments for young children. Additional emphasis on creating collaborative relationships with families and communities to support children's development.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to provide teachers with a broad survey of teaching methodology and student assessments. Instructional decision making will be explored in the context of standards, principles of learning, teaching methodology, student assessment and student development.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study and analysis of curriculum sources and models for the purpose of critiquing and creating appropriate curriculums.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In-depth examination of current research that documents effective and best practices in early childhood settings.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will include evaluation of educational software and websites. Students will research instructional design principles and procedures and will utilize their learning to create technology integrated educational materials for their respective areas.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Building upon professional development such as leadership, advocacy and collaboration, this course connects students to the broader contexts of early childhood education and responsibilities to children families, and the profession.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Practicum serves as a capstone experience in which the student collaborates with faculty to apply knowledge and skills gained in the program. A written proposal must be approved the semester prior to the Practicum and follow published department timelines.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Addresses the emerging research on use of technology with young children in various educational and care settings serving young children and their families. Focus on developmentally appropriate integration of technology in instruction and classroom settings for all young children.

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