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Master of Science in Education Early Childhood Education Studies courses
Early Childhood Education Studies coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 46
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 6 courses
- Specialization 4 courses
- Capstone 1 course
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Core Multicultural and Inclusive Education
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
Specialization Elective Specialization Elective
4 quarter credits
ED5405
Specialization Course Infant and Child Development
4 quarter credits
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
Specialization Course The Early Childhood Learning Environment
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite(s): ED5405. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs.
4 quarter credits
ED5420
Core Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting
4 quarter credits
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
Specialization Course Children, Families, and Society
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite(s): ED5405. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs.
4 quarter credits
ED5440
Specialization Course Early Childhood Reading and Literacy Instruction
4 quarter credits
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
ED6950
Capstone Capstone for Master of Science in Education
6 quarter credits
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the programs competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learners final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5538 or ED5730 or ED5440 or ED5712 or ED5808 or ED5570 or ED5574. For learners in MEd in Teaching & Learning ED5306 or RSCH7860, MS in Education innovation and Technology learners EDT5142 or ED5146.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 16 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5440
Specialization Course Early Childhood Reading and Literacy Instruction
4 quarter credits
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
ED5405
Specialization Course Infant and Child Development
4 quarter credits
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
ED5504
Specialization Elective Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps within the contexts of gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language difference. Learners also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement disparities. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5728
Specialization Elective Methods, Curriculum, and Materials for English Language Learners
4 quarter credits
This course presents ways in which the theoretical model of communicative competence guides the instruction of English Language Learners (ELLs). Learners examine and apply various differentiation strategies in the planning and delivery of appropriate instruction to ELLs and evaluate ways to use instructional technology in the teaching, learning, and assessment of ELLs. Prerequisite(s): ED5726.
4 quarter credits
ED5707
Specialization Elective Instruction for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners study ways to develop differentiated academic lesson plans (e.g., reading, writing, calculation, or mathematical reasoning). Learners examine how research-based instruction can support students with disabilities. Learners also develop methods of managing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5410
Specialization Course The Early Childhood Learning Environment
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite(s): ED5405. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs.
4 quarter credits
ED5430
Specialization Course Children, Families, and Society
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite(s): ED5405. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Capstone courses
In your final quarter, complete a capstone course for a total of 6 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
ED6950
Capstone Capstone for Master of Science in Education
6 quarter credits
In the capstone course, learners demonstrate proficiency in the programs competencies by integrating learning from required courses to complete a final project. Must be taken during the learners final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: ED5538 or ED5730 or ED5440 or ED5712 or ED5808 or ED5570 or ED5574. For learners in MEd in Teaching & Learning ED5306 or RSCH7860, MS in Education innovation and Technology learners EDT5142 or ED5146.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Core course requirements
Choose 16 program points with a minimum of 2 program points from each category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 24 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5420
Core Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting
4 quarter credits
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
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Core Multicultural and Inclusive Education
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.