Master’s in Early Childhood Education (MEd) Online
Empower Young Learners as an Educator
Grand Canyon University assists students pursuing a master’s degree by teaching valuable concepts and techniques for educating the youngest learners. If you wish to work with children from birth through third grade, this Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree from the College of Education at GCU may be right for you. This program is also appropriate for professionals who are looking for a second career or a career change.
From daycare centers to elementary schools, graduates with this master’s degree may find work in diverse environments where they can lead the learning experiences of children from infancy to eight years old.
If you already hold your teaching license, visit the non-licensure version of this program. Candidates may be interested in this program if they do not need a license for specific positions in daycares, private schools or preschools. This will depend on the specific requirements of the facility.
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Topics Covered in the MEd in Early Childhood Education Degree
Throughout our program, you will survey current early childhood teaching practices and explore where those ideas and methods support the education of students from birth through third grade.
The coursework taught throughout this master’s in early childhood education online program can help prepare you with an understanding of brain development, social and emotional growth and academic achievement in young learners.
Topics of study in this degree program include:
- Instruction for early learners
- Differentiation strategies for exceptional learners
- English immersion using structured methods
- Evaluation and assessment skills
- Curriculum development
- Teaching methods across all content areas
Career Opportunities for Educator Graduates
Students will be taught the skills needed to work with diverse students as future daycare directors, preschool teachers and early childhood teachers and specialists or teaching assistants.
Educational institutions are encountering growing pressures to educate students for swift economic, environmental and social transformations, including careers that are yet to materialize, technologies that are yet to be invented and unforeseen social challenges that may arise.1
Earn Your Graduate Degree at an Accredited University
Earn your graduate degree from an accredited institution committed to academic excellence. Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, GCU offers a high-quality education that meets rigorous standards. This Master's in Early Childhood Education program, which leads to licensure, is fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation, ensuring quality and a commitment to professional growth. Join a supportive community dedicated to helping you reach your educational and career goals.
Common Questions About the Program
When choosing to pursue an advanced degree, we know there is a lot to consider. Therefore, we’ve prepared a few of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), kindergarten and elementary school teachers have a median annual wage of $63,670 as of May 2023.2
The time it takes to earn an MEd can vary depending on factors such as program structure, the number of classes you’re taking, individual circumstances and whether you bring in transfer credits. GCU is a transfer-friendly school. If you have credits from previous coursework or experience, you may be able to transfer them in, which can potentially speed up your completion time. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it will take to earn your master’s in early childhood education degree.
According to the BLS, preschool and kindergarten teachers reported 43% higher wage premiums for master’s degree holders than for bachelor’s degree holders.3 The decision about whether to pursue higher education differs for everyone. To help you determine what path is right for you and whether earning your graduate degree is worth it, research the following to help you decide:
- Talk to people within your network.
- Contact your undergraduate school’s alumni career center.
- Talk to current workers to find out what employers look for when hiring.
- Review job postings.
Our MEd in Early Childhood Education provides the tools to create engaging learning experiences. Take the first step toward your degree today.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Program availability varies and is not offered in all states or modalities. If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the “Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website page for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c). Policy information is located in the University Policy Handbook on gcu.edu. Scholarship information is available on gcu.edu.
1 OECD (n.d.). The Future of Education and Skills — Education 2030. Retrieved on May 18, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, as of May 2023, retrieved on July 11, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as kindergarten and elementary school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (n.d.). Should I get a master’s degree? Career Outlook. Retrieved on May 16, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course begins by acquainting teacher candidates with the GCU learning management system, while preparing them to be successful graduate-level students and future Early Childhood educators. Teacher candidates survey the philosophical, historical, and psychological foundations upon which early childhood educational theories and practices are constructed. Current early childhood educational models are explored. Teacher candidates examine the application of theories to the early childhood classroom and evaluate their contemporary usefulness in supporting children’s academic achievement, brain development, and social and emotional growth through early childhood. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey how young children grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually across cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social and emotional areas while understanding the importance of communicating with families on child development. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of young children will allow teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for supporting individual students' development. Teacher candidates review atypical development, early intervention, and aspects of special education, including Parts C and B of IDEA, IFSPs, IEPs, and 504s. The importance of advocacy and professionalism as an early childhood educator is also examined. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Candidates examine the United States Constitution, and the constitution of the State of Arizona. From this foundational review, candidates will explore application of the United States Constitution and the constitution of the State of Arizona in educational contexts.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates will examine developmentally appropriate practice in teaching young children. Key components include pre-assessment, analysis of data, comprehensive lesson planning, instruction, post-assessment, and reflection. Assessing, monitoring, and reporting the performance and progress of young children is examined. Areas of focus in the course include aligning instruction and assessment to standards, planning support for diverse learners, and the role of technology in assessment. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates explore child growth and development, including developmental milestones that must be met with regards to physical, cognitive, language, and social and emotional development, as well as adaptability and approaches to learning for young children. This course emphasizes safety, health, and nutrition with a focus on the special healthcare needs for young children. Aspects of physical development, including fitness and movement, gross and fine motor skills, and fostering physical development within the community are discussed. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course explores components of typical and atypical literacy development for children Birth to Age 8/Grade 3. Coursework emphasizes research-based phonics development and the science of reading, including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Teacher candidates focus on assessing developmental and other literacy concerns, including dyslexia, with an emphasis on intervention, remediation, and differentiation strategies to support literacy development in young children. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECS-570 or ECE-501.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine cultural learning theories as well as the relationships and structures of family that make up the classroom and community. Emphasis is placed on identifying community, school, and familial needs maintaining open communication with families in order to enhance the learning environment. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates use the guidance approach to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encourage positive social interaction, facilitate active engagement in learning, and promote self-motivation. Teacher candidates develop skills related to establishing and maintaining organized, safe, inclusive, respectful, challenging, and positive early childhood environments with rules and expectations that are clearly communicated. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates study the early stages of reading disabilities, including dyslexia. Emphasis is on assessment procedures in early childhood settings and methods of early intervention and remediation. Candidates will explore the collaboration with stakeholders in the use of formal and informal assessment data to support the diagnosis and remediation process in literacy. Candidates will examine research-based strategies to support literacy development. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that encourage young children to build reading, writing, and oral language skills in meaningful ways. Emphasis is placed on integrating social studies and the creative arts throughout language arts instruction. Candidates will also gather and analyze performance data to make instructional decisions. Candidates will explore best practices when working with children identified with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECE-522.
Course Description
Teacher candidates research instructional methodologies for teaching STEM content (science, technology, engineering, and math) to young children. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based with problem solving and interactive learning experiences. Candidates will also gather and analyze performance data to make instructional decisions to meet the needs of all students. Candidates will explore best practices when working with children identified with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: ECE-522.
Course Description
Teacher candidates explore a birth through preschool setting observing, working with small groups, and teaching developmentally appropriate instruction. Emphasis will be placed on examining developmental and academic content domains while planning, implementing, and evaluating curricula, instruction, and strategies based on evidence-based practices with young children, the family, and the community. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in a birth through preschool setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: (ECE-630, ECE-640 and ECE-622) OR (ECE-550, ECE-650, and ECE-660).
Course Description
Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.