MS in Early Childhood Studies

In this program, students gain the knowledge and leadership skills necessary for emerging roles in the field. The program allows students to deepen their understanding of child development and learning, and effective programs and practices, as well as explore current issues and trends.

Through field experience, students gain guided practice and experience as they learn how play, creativity, and the content areas of language arts, social studies, math, and science can draw on and promote children’s curiosity, individual interests, and positive attitudes toward learning. Throughout the entire program experience, students will learn to become skillful communicators, team members, relationship-builders, and collaborators with families, colleagues, and agencies. Knowledge gained regarding equity and inclusion will help students to become advocates for social change in the field of early childhood.

Note: The MS in Early Childhood Studies program is offered in two different learning modalities: the course-based modality and the competency-based modality, Tempo Learning®.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program, educator professionals will be able to:

Explain practices that promote healthy child development in diverse populations.
Evaluate inquiry-based child-centered practices that promote play, creativity, and individual growth, exploration and discovery.
Develop meaningful learning experiences that are responsive to the individual strengths and needs of children.
Analyze assessment processes used to promote positive outcomes for every child.
Analyze effective partnerships that foster children’s healthy development and learning.
Analyze current research to inform best practices in early childhood education.
Evaluate one’s professional growth as a leader and advocate in the early childhood field.
Create opportunities for positive social change as a leader and advocate within the field of early childhood.

Competency-Based Education

In addition to the course-based option described below, students can choose to earn their MS in Early Childhood Studies through the competency-based education modality. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students will earn the same Walden degree in either modality. See the MS in Early Childhood Studies (Competency Based) page for program details.

Course-Based Program

Specializations

Degree Requirements

30–36 total semester credits (30 sem. cr. General program; 36 sem. cr. Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership specialization)
Core courses (27 sem. cr.)
Specialization courses (6 sem. cr.)
Capstone (3 sem. cr.)

Core Curriculum

Foundation Course (3 sem. cr.)

EDUC 6003 - Foundations of Early Childhood Professionalism♦

Core Courses (27 sem. cr.)

Specialization Courses (6 sem. cr.)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Capstone Course (3 sem. cr.)

EDUC 6918 - Capstone: Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field

Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Semester	Course	Credits
1	EDUC 6003 - Foundations of Early Childhood Professionalism♦	3 sem. cr.
1	EDUC 6101 - The Developing Brain and the Young Child♦	3 sem. cr.
2	EDUC 6102 - Family and Community Partnerships♦	3 sem. cr.
2	EDUC 6103 - Play and Creativity♦	3 sem. cr.
3	EDUC 6104 - Engaging Environments	3 sem. cr.
3	EDUC 6106 - Meaningful Curriculum P–3♦	3 sem. cr.
4	EDUC 6107 - Observation and Assessment 0–8	3 sem. cr.
4	EDUC 6108 - Intentional and Responsive Practice in the Content Areas P–3♦	3 sem. cr.
5–6	EDUC 6109 - Meaningful Learning Experiences: P–3	3 sem. cr.
	Specialization Course	3 sem. cr.
	Specialization Course	3 sem. cr.
	EDUC 6918 - Capstone: Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field	3 sem. cr.

Note on Teacher Licensure or Certification

This program does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.