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Early Childhood Education
Master of Science in Education
As an educator, your skills can have a lifelong impact on the lives of children. Our online MS in Education, Early Childhood Education is part of our CAEP-accredited Education Preparation Provider (EPP) unit, and is designed around national standards to help you thrive in diverse educational environments.
Discover how to build learning programs based on equal and inclusive education, how to work with diverse learning styles to improve learning outcomes, and how to use standards-based assessment practices to evaluate curriculum. Help today’s young students build self-esteem and open new doors.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- CAEP-accredited
- 3 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 1 Practicum
- 45 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore early childhood education courses
- This degree requires a total of 45 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete three core courses, seven specialization courses and one practicum
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5405 Infant and Child Development | This course addresses the developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to age eight years. Learners examine how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually; and evaluate the influences family, society, and culture have on infant, toddler, and K-grade three child development. Learners also assess children's evolving needs and apply theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5410 The Early Childhood Learning Environment | This course covers the early childhood environment and its effects on growth and learning. Learners evaluate the physical environment, the role of the caregivers and teachers, and the interaction among children, and identify methods of increasing child engagement, effective communication, and learning. Learners explore ways to create supportive and nurturing learning environments and how to monitor, reflect, and adjust them to best meet the needs of young children. Learners also become familiar with the responsibilities associated with working in the early childhood learning field. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5420 Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting | In this course, learners gain the skills and knowledge needed to apply research-based practices, including coordination with special service providers for students who have Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or 504 plans, to meet the needs of young learners in an inclusive environment. Learners identify strategies to respond to behaviors and needs outside the expected stages of development. Learners also examine authentic and formative assessment strategies that result in developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction for children with various needs. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5430 Children, Families, and Society | Learners in this course examine the importance of actively engaging families in the education and care of children. The course takes an ecological approach to children's relationships with parents, caregivers, and the broader community. Learners study the characteristics, lifestyles, and contributions associated with various racial, cultural, and economic groups to gain an understanding of the impact of human behavior on children's growth and development. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5440 Early Childhood Reading and Literacy Instruction | Learners gain an understanding of theories that drive strategies and practices for teaching reading and promoting literacy in children. Using diversity, equity and inclusion as a frame, learners identify the factors significant to literacy development in children, including the classroom environment, family and community connections, and best practices in professional development for reading and writing instruction. Learners also work with children on improving their reading and literacy ability and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with excellence in reading and literacy curriculum development, instruction, and assessment. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite: ED5405 | 4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education offers masterʼs students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve their teaching skills and ability to help young children learn.
This specialization helps prepare students for professional instructional roles in the field of early childhood education through relevant learning experiences that incorporate personal knowledge, critical dialogue with peers, faculty expertise, research-based curriculum and interdisciplinary instruction. Students evaluate early childhood education theory, research and curriculum, and examine the learning styles of young children, the educational needs of exceptional children, and the role of family relationships in childhood education.
The curriculum reflects nationally recognized standards, including the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Students in this specialization are required to complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination (MTLE), which is a requirement for licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students must complete the MTLE prior to enrolling in the practicum course.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Child development and well-being: understand the stages of child development and how children learn
- Learning environment: create learning environments that nurture the development, learning and self-esteem of all children
- Curriculum and instruction: design developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction that encourages individual as well as group learning, skill development, reflection, critical thinking and inquiry
- Equity and inclusion: provide equitable, inclusive education in which each student has the opportunity and encouragement to reach his or her potential
- Assessment: design assessment-driven, standards-based curriculum and instruction that is age and developmentally appropriate
- Content knowledge: comprehend early childhood content knowledge, its evolution and its application
- Community: empower the young child’s relationships within and outside of the school setting
- Ethics and professionalism: uphold ethical and professional standards in conduct as an early childhood professional
- Reflection and continuous learning: engage in continued professional growth
- Theory and research: apply critical knowledge of current research and theory to the improvement of instructional and leadership practices
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$15,510
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$21,150
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 45 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Education, Early Childhood Education program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Admission essay
- Applicants to the MS in Education, Early Childhood Education specialization must have a current initial teaching license issued with no stipulations and have completed general education coursework equivalent to Capella’s undergraduate general education requirements.
- Applicants in this Specialization are required to complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE), which is a requirement for licensure in the state of Minnesota. Students must complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE) prior to enrolling in the practicum course at the end of the program which is a requirement for licensure in the state of Minnesota.
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Early Childhood Education degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS Ed in Early Childhood Education.
Job titles to explore*
- Childcare director
- Director of early childhood education
- Early childhood specialist
- Education specialist
- Learning specialist
Employment settings to explore*
- Child care services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.