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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.
Apply today with no application fee.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
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 |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
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:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
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.
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 46 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.
“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.
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Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSEd in Early Childhood Education Studies program must provide the following information for admission:
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:
Learn more about international student admissions.
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.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Gain skills to help pursue your professional goals by learning the latest teaching theories and strategies.
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*
Employment settings to explore*
*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.