Early Childhood Education (MA)

http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/early-childhood-education-ma

Education Department information  

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education program is designed for individuals who currently have or are seeking careers as educators of young children, birth through eight years of age. It focuses on educational issues and practices appropriate for this population. Coursework outside of the concentration strand has been designed to support and enhance the concepts presented. Students select the thesis option (33 credits) or non-thesis option (36 credits). Individuals who wish to pursue a research career, administrative position and/or doctoral degree in education are encouraged to select the thesis option. The program complies with the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The program is open to individuals who hold elementary teaching certification. Individuals with extensive backgrounds in child development who do not hold an elementary teaching certificate may also be considered for admission. Upon successful completion of the concentration, the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Test Code 106), and a minimum of 300 contact hours (150 with each of two of the age groups infant-toddler, preprimary, and K-3rd grade), graduates with teaching certificates from the State of Michigan will be eligible for a certificate endorsement in early childhood education (coded ZS in Michigan).

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for admission:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A teaching certificate, if the student is seeking state endorsment.  (Students may be admitted without teacher certification if they do not wish to earn an endorsement.)
3. A 3.0 or higher undergraduate overall grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.
4. Completion of an application form for the Education Master of Arts Programs (available in the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 FWTL). This application must be accompanied by:
   • An official transcript from each college or university attended
   • Updated resume
   • Three letters of recommendation
   • A personal statement of purpose
   • A copy of a currently held teaching certificate (certified teachers only)
   • A $55 application fee

Application Deadlines

• August 1 for Fall semester
• November 15 for Winter semester
• March 15 for Spring term
• May 15 for Summer term

Admission for all programs is selective and is determined by the Education Department.

Time Limit for Degree

A student in any master’s program is expected to complete all work within five years from the date of first enrollment in the program. Students exceeding this time limit must file a petition with the SEHS Academic Standards Committee. Petitions must describe explicitly the amount of work remaining and a timeline for completion. A student who fails to complete degree requirements within five years may be withdrawn and required to reapply for readmission. Courses that are older than five years may not be counted toward degree requirements.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit (including coursework as a UM-Flint non-candidate for degree or “Lifelong Learning” student) may be accepted for transfer into the program.  All credit transfers must be approved by the Education Department faculty.  Students seeking to transfer credits not designated as program requirements or electives should contact the appropriate faculty advisor.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See the School of Education and Human Services (SEHS)  and Graduate Study  sections of this catalog for academic rules and regulations pertaining to graduate programs offered by the College.