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Quick Facts
ÌýProfessional Coursework: 40 hours
Total Semesters: 5 (2 years)
Prerequisite Courses: 5 prerequisite courses are needed to begin program, these are listed in the
Modality: Courses are offered online - asynchronous & synchronous
Earn Your Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Earning a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) prepares you for working with children from birth through second grade. At GovState, you will gain the professional knowledge and competencies needed to become a highly effective educator so you can provide your students with nurturing and safe learning environments and help make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and are seeking an initial Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Highlights
- • Prior college coursework can be transferred to cover prerequisite courses
- • Evening and online classes to accommodate candidates in the workforce
- • Opportunties for job-embedded clinical field experiences and student teaching for candidates who work in an approved early childhood setting
Degree/Certifications Earned
- • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Early Childhood Education
- • Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
- • Early Childhood Education (Birth through 2nd Grade) Endorsement
- • Early Childhood Special Education Approval (PreK Only)
- • Illinois Gateways Credentials:
- • Early Childhood, levels 2-5
- • Infant Toddler, levels 2-3
Career Paths
Many doors will open for you once you earn your M.A. in ECE. Here are just some of the potential careers you can pursue:
- • Kindergarten, First-Grade, or Second-Grade Teacher
- • Preschool or Infant/Toddler Teacher
- • Family/Parent Educator or Specialist
- • Child and Family Advocate
- • Assessment Specialist
- • Early Intervention Specialist
Program Requirements
- • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 to be admitted (GPA of 2.5 to 2.74 may be conditionally admitted)
- • Attain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education coursework
Scholarship Options
Visit the Financial Aid page for more information on education scholarships.
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How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step, you can . For information and help with admissions, visit the admissions webpage.
Program Catalog
You can find the complete guide to graduation requirements for your degree, as well as descriptions for each course, in our .
Student Organizations
Student Clubs and Organizations at ºÚÁÏÉç University enrich your educational experience, allowing you to gain and hone skills applicable to the classroom and life beyond.Ìý.