Program Description

The program consists of a minimum of 30 units of upper division and graduate courses. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years. Students will enroll in 2 courses (6 units) for two semesters and 3 courses (9 units) for two semesters. Classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings. Some classes are offered in a hybrid format. A program planner will be provided to each student upon admission.

The following are required for admission to the program:

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum 3.00 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants whose overall GPA is less than 3.00 but meet the University minimum GPA requirement and who present compelling evidence of academic and professional potential either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background, may be considered for admission at the discretion of the program admission committee.
  • EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361*
  • EDEL 482A or one year of documented and approved teaching experience (documented on your resume).
  • International applicants have additional university application requirements including meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Please visit the International Applicants tab for more information.
  • Domestic applicants with foreign degrees may have additional university application requirements. Please visit the International Applicants tab for more information.

*Prerequisite courses of (EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361) do not need to be completed prior to applying nor prior to being admitted. Completion of the EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361 prerequisites do not impact an applicant’s eligibility for admission to the program. These prerequisite courses may be completed the summer session prior to admission or during the first year in the program at the discretion of the advisor.

Please see the University Catalog for course descriptions.

Core courses (30 units):

Take all of the following:

  • EDEC 519 - Teacher as Researcher (3 units)
  • EDEC 520 - Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment: Critical Perspectives (3 units)
  • EDEC 521 - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood (3 units)
  • EDEC 522 - Developing Family, School, and Community Partnerships (3 units)
  • EDEC 525 - Early Literacy Development, Instruction, and Assessment (3 units)
  • EDEC 526 - Advanced Study of Infant and Toddler Programs (3 units)
  • EDEC 527 - Early Childhood Mathematics and Integrated STEM (3 units)
  • EDEC 530 - Advocating for Early Intervention of Young Children and their Families (3 units)
  • EDEC 623 - Leadership, Advocacy, and Supervision in Early Childhood Education (3 units)
  • EDEC 695 - Seminar in Early Childhood Education (3 units)

Culminating Experience- One of the following chosen with program advisor consultation:

Comprehensive Examination (0 units, taken in last semester)
or
EDEC 698 - Thesis Study in Early Childhood Education (6 units taken over two semesters) and Thesis

Year 1 Fall:

EDEC 519
EDEC 521
EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361, or equivalent (pre-requisite, if needed)

Year 1 Spring:

EDEC 520
EDEC 530
EDEC 526

Year 2 Fall:

EDEC 522
EDEC 525
EDEC 527

Year 2 Spring:

EDEC 623
EDEC 695

Take Comprehensive Exam or if Thesis, take EDEC 698 Fall and Spring of Year 2