Program Overview
The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Early Childhood Education online program focuses on the developmental and educational needs of young children and is designed for educators who already hold a teaching license.




Arkansas State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036. Phone: 202-223-0077.
Applicants must hold a valid teaching license and meet all guidelines for graduate admission to the A-State College of Education & Behavioral Science. In lieu of written comprehensive exam(s) or thesis a Capstone Portfolio documenting the students’ mastery of NAEYC Standards is required. This program does not lead to licensure.
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
This program requires Live Text.
State Program Approvals (.PDF)
Also available:
Tuition
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 in the total tuition.


Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$277.00 | $40.00 | $317.00 | $831.00 | $120.00 | $951.00 |
Funding Your Education Degree
Calendar
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.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2020 | 7wk | 10/19/2020 | 12/11/2020 | 10/05/2020 | 10/09/2020 | 10/15/2020 | 10/16/2020 | 11/27/2020 |
Spring 2021 | 7 wk | 01/12/2021 | 02/26/2021 | 12/14/2020 | 12/16/2020 | 01/07/2021 | 01/08/2021 | 02/12/2021 |
7 wk | 03/08/2021 | 04/30/2021 | 02/22/2021 | 02/26/2021 | 03/04/2021 | 03/05/2021 | 04/16/2021 | |
Summer 2021 | 5 wk | 06/01/2021 | 07/02/2021 | 05/17/2021 | 05/21/2021 | 05/27/2021 | 05/28/2021 | 06/18/2021 |
5 wk | 07/06/2021 | 08/06/2021 | 06/21/2021 | 06/25/2021 | 07/01/2021 | 07/02/2021 | 07/23/2021 | |
Fall 2021 | 7wk | 08/24/2021 | 09/25/2021 | 08/09/2021 | 08/13/2021 | 08/19/2021 | 08/20/2021 | 09/25/2021 |
7 wk | 10/18/2021 | 11/27/2021 | 10/04/2021 | 10/08/2021 | 10/15/2021 | 10/15/2021 | 11/27/2021 |
Admissions
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.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- A valid teaching certificate
- Have a Baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 (or 3.25 on the last 60 hours) on a 4.00 scale from an accredited institution
- Read and submit the Professional Dispositions Signature Document
- Unless otherwise noted, Arkansas State University has not confirmed if a program has met requirements for an out-of-state licensure and it is up to the Student to confirm if the program will meet the needs for 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 requirements.
Applicants to the program who do not qualify for unconditional admission may qualify for conditional admission.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- A valid teaching certificate
- Meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale
- Conditional admission requires that the candidate make a grade of B or better during the first 12 hours of graduate work at Arkansas State University.
- Unless otherwise noted, Arkansas State University has not confirmed if a program has met requirements for an out-of-state licensure and it is up to the Student to confirm if the program will meet the needs for 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 requirements.
Additional Information
- Email a written Letter of Appeal and GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial) to academicpartnerships@astate.edu
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.
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: academicpartnerships@astate.edu
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Best Affordable Online Master’s in Education by GetEducated.com in 2017
Courses
Students must complete 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours, including a practicum in teacher education.
TE 6253: Perspectives on Professionalism in Education
Duration: 7 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.
ELFN 6773: Introduction to Statistics and Research
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.
ECH 6423: Documenting Young Children's Learning and Development
Duration: 7 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.
ECH 6513: Developmental Perspectives
Duration: 7 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.
TE 6233: Teaching and Assessment
Duration: 7 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.
ECH 6533: Sources and Models of Early Childhood Curriculum
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study and analysis of curriculum sources and models for the purpose of critiquing and creating appropriate curriculums.
ECH 6773: Research in Early Childhood Education
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
In-depth examination of current research that documents effective and best practices in early childhood settings.
TE 6243: Technology as a Tool for Teaching
Duration: 7 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.
ECH 6783: Leadership in Early Childhood Education
Duration: 7 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.
TE 6283: Practicum in Teacher Education
Duration: 7 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.