M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education Online
UTEP’s M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program is a fully online, 30-credit hour degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies focused on the teaching and learning of young children [Birth to Age 8] in diverse, inclusive early care and educational settings. Intended for busy educators (licensed or unlicensed) seeking to take on instructional leadership roles in the field and to apply theoretical and research knowledge to their teaching practice, this degree program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
This M.Ed. program focuses on child development, early childhood learning theory, and curriculum and instruction, with a specific emphasis on working with culturally, linguistically, (dis)ability, and socioeconomically diverse young children and their families. It prepares advanced teacher leaders and early childhood advocates to address the learning and developmental needs of young children from all backgrounds in home-based, community-based, and early elementary school contexts. Coursework centers on pedagogical strategies that advance culturally sustaining and asset-based teaching to promote whole child development. Through graduate coursework designed to promote reflection, refine teaching focus, and build new knowledge and skills, this program prepares Master Teachers to help support young children to thrive individually and as part of an engaged community, setting the foundation for life-long learning in our diverse contemporary world.
This program does not include a teaching credential. However, the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education may be combined with our in-person Alternative Certification Program (45 credits total) for individuals seeking to obtain this M.Ed. degree and who also wants to earn a Texas elementary [EC-6] teaching license. Admission to the Alternative Certification Program requires a separate application process.
The program is offered online through UTEP Connect.
Marketable Skills
The top marketable skills students will get from the program are early childhood curriculum design, ability to use and adapt pedagogical models, and curriculum/program evaluation in Early Childhood Education settings. These skills will be gained and discussed during courses and synthesized in a capstone project.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program, individuals must complete the application process through UTEP’s Graduate School. Prospective students submit:
- a resume;
- a written statement of purpose describing personal and professional goals related to obtaining the degree; and
- transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended; transcripts should indicate at least a minimum satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Page 15 of 56
Applicants whose degrees are from non-English speaking institutions are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the Graduate School website for required scores.
The admission materials submitted will be reviewed holistically to assess the potential of the applicant for this advanced course of study. The successful applicant would typically have an undergraduate upper-division GPA of 3.0 or higher that demonstrates focus on academics, a current resume that demonstrates basic knowledge or experience in education or education-related fields, and a written statement that demonstrates maturity and commitment to the field of Early Childhood Education.
Degree Requirements
To earn an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, UTEP requires for graduation: 1) successful completion of 30 hours of required coursework with a grade of “C” or better; 2) completion of a capstone project and a grade of “pass” in the Advanced Teacher Capstone course; and 3) a final GPA of 3.0 or higher [Graduate School Requirement].
Capstone Requirement
The Advanced Teacher Capstone fulfills the comprehensive exam requirement for M.Ed. students. The intent of the capstone is to provide students the opportunity to synthesize and apply core content knowledge gained in the program and to demonstrate their academic and professional skill development; the capstone project tells the student’s individual story of what was learned and how this can be applied to nurture the care and education of young children in real and meaningful ways. To graduate from the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program, all students must do a capstone project and register and pass the Advanced Teacher Capstone Course.
During the final semester of coursework, students will meet virtually with the Teacher Education Department Graduate Studies Coordinator for an audit and verification of coursework and final GPA, and for verification of completion of the application for graduation with UTEP’s Graduate School office.
Degree Plan
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 5348 | Child Dev in Div Ed Contx,Bth8 | 3 |
| ECED 5349 | Approaches to ECED Ped, B-8 | 3 |
| ECED 5353 | Early Lit/Multi-Lit Dev & Curr | 3 |
| ECED 5354 | Early STEM/STEAM Dev & Curr | 3 |
| ECED 5355 | Jutice/Equity Ed & Multi Lit, | 3 |
| ECED 5357 | Play, Games & Toys in ED, B-8 | 3 |
| ECED 5358 | Relations & Child Guide, B- 8 | 3 |
| ECED 5359 | Asset & Art-based Teach, B-8 | 3 |
| SPED 5351 | CurTop in Early Interv (B-8) | 3 |
| or TED 5313 | Diversity in Educ. Settings | |
| or BED 5336 | Biliteracy | |
| ECED 5360 | Advanced Teacher Capstone,B-8 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |