Early Childhood Education Studies
Master of Science in Education

You can help make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. A deeper understanding of their early development can give you the key to support their growth and well-being in a changing world.

The online MS in Education, Early Childhood Education Studies from Capella University is a way to establish these vital skills. You’ll develop an advanced understanding of how young children learn, what exceptional children need, and how family relationships play a role in childhood education. This degree program can prepare you for a variety of professional roles in the diverse field of early childhood education.

This specialization does not lead to license, endorsement, or other professional credential. For more information, see the Licensure section for this program on Capella's website www.capella.edu. Teachers are advised to contact their school district to determine whether a program may qualify for salary advancement.

Professionally aligned curriculum

Capella University’s MSEd in Early Childhood Education Studies is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Focus on DAP

Grow your knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP), grounded in play-based learning that respects each child’s uniqueness.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced faculty who are actively engaged in the field of early childhood education.

Classes start July 7

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

Online
4 Core courses
5 Specialization courses
1 Elective
1 Capstone
46 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.

See details

Explore early childhood education courses

This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and one capstone

Show all descriptions

ED5405 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 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 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 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 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. Prerequisite(s): ED5405. 4 quarter credits

ED5440 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. 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(s): ED5405 4 quarter credits

*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.

What you’ll learn

The requirements for this specialization are not designed to prepare graduates for licensure. The Master of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education Studies offers master’s 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.

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

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

Learn more about the resource kit »

$485 per credit
$150 resource kit
46 total quarter credits
12 max transfer credits

$22,310 NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months

Total Tuition Cap

Capella Tuition Cap

$12,000 Total Tuition

Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025

*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.

What is the Capella Tuition Cap?

Capella Tuition Cap

What is the Capella Tuition Cap?

$12,000 Total Tuition

Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025

*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.

About tuition estimate

The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Tuition estimate

Cost Scenarios Table
Cost of tuition
Coursework: $485/credit	$22,310.00
Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*	$-10,310.00
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap*	$12,000.00

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

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.

$12K Capella Tuition Cap

Know your costs from the start. With the Capella Tuition Cap, $12,000* is the maximum tuition amount you’ll pay for your MS in Education degree. *Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Transfer credits

Get the credits you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.

Credit for Prior Learning

Earn credits by demonstrating your knowledge and/or industry certifications through our Credit for Prior Learning process.

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.

What are the MS in Education admission requirements?

Admission requirements

Applicants to the MSEd in Early Childhood Education Studies 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
Requirements as laid out in the Experience and Access Acknowledgment form

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.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic advisors

Master’s programs are specific and challenging. That’s why you’ll have access to expert support at every step along the road to your degree.

Learn more about support from Capella

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

Explore our education programs

Gain skills to help pursue your professional goals by learning the latest teaching theories and strategies.

Find out how in our Education Guide »

6 essential soft skills for k-12 teachers

Learn about six soft skills that can help you be effective in the field of education.

Read the blog post »

Explore 4 learning paths for educators

Educators have many different learning options as they look for ways to expand their professional skills.

Read this blog post »

What can you do with an MS in Early Childhood Education Studies 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*

Childhood director
Director of early childhood education

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. This specialization is not intended to lead to professional license or certification. 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.

Early Childhood Education Studies Master of Science in Education