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Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (M.Ed. in ECED)

[Fully Online]

Program Description:

º£½ÇÉçÇø’s M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program is a fully online, 30-credit hour degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies focused on the teaching and learning of young children [Birth to Age 8] in diverse, inclusive early care and educational settings. Intended for busy educators (licensed or un-licensed) seeking to take on instructional leadership roles in the field and to apply theoretical and º£½ÇÉçÇø knowledge to their teaching practice, this degree program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program focuses on child development, early childhood learning theory and curriculum and instruction, with a specific emphasis on working with culturally, linguistically, (dis)ability, and socioeconomically diverse young children and their families.  It prepares advanced teacher leaders and early childhood advocates to address the learning and developmental needs of young children from all backgrounds in home-based, community-based and early elementary school contexts. Coursework centers on pedagogical strategies that advance culturally-and linguistically sustaining and asset-based teaching to promote whole child development. Through graduate coursework and field experiences designed to promote reflection, refine teaching focus and build new knowledge and skills, this program prepares Master Teachers to help support young children to thrive individually and as part of an engaged community, setting the foundation for life-long learning in our diverse contemporary world.

This program does not include a teaching credential.  However, the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education may be combined with our on-campus Alternative Certification Program [ACP] for individuals seeking to obtain this M.Ed. degree and who also want to earn a Texas elementary [EC-6] teaching license (45 credits total). Admission to the Alternative Certification Program requires a separate application process. For more information on the ACP program, including specific admissions information, please contact acp@utep.edu.

Admission Requirements:

To apply for the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program, individuals must complete the application process through º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Graduate School.  Prospective students submit:

1)  a resume;

2) a written statement of purpose describing personal and professional goals related to obtaining the degree; and

3) transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended; transcripts should indicate at least a minimum satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

International students whose first language is not English must also submit an Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score; the score requirement can be found at .

The admission materials submitted will be reviewed holistically to assess the potential of the applicant for this advance course of study.  The successful applicant would typically have an undergraduate upper division GPA of 3.0 or higher that demonstrates focus on academics, a current resume that demonstrates basic knowledge or experience in education or education-related fields, and a written statement that demonstrates maturity and commitment to the field of Early Childhood Education.

Program Application Deadlines:  

• To begin in Fall Semester, applications must be received by August 9th.
• To begin in Spring Semester, applications must be received by January 5th.
• To begin in Summer Semester, applications must be received by May 3^rd.

To apply for the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program, go to Graduate School Application, select this program when prompted and follow the directions provided to submit your application.

Degree Requirements and Courses:

To earn a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, º£½ÇÉçÇø requires for graduation: 1) successful completion of 30 hours of required coursework with a grade of “C” or better; 2) completion of a capstone project and a grade of “pass” in the Advanced Teacher Capstone course; and 3) a final GPA of 3.0 or higher [Graduate School Requirement].

Capstone Requirement: The Advanced Teacher Capstone fulfills the comprehensive exam requirement for M.Ed. students. The intent of the capstone is to provide students the opportunity to synthesize and apply core content knowledge gained in the program and to demonstrate their academic and professional skill development; the capstone project tells the student’s individual story of what was learned and how this can be applied to nurture the care and education of young children in real and meaningful ways. To graduate from the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program, all students must do a capstone project and register and pass the Advanced Teacher Capstone Course.

During the final semester of coursework, students will meet virtually with the Teacher Education Department Graduate Studies Coordinator for an audit and verification of coursework and final GPA, and for verification of completion of the application for graduation with º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Graduate School office.  

Degree Plan:

Still have questions about the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education? Teacher Education Department staff are ready to answer your questions.  Please contact us at tedgrad@utep.edu.

Ready to apply to the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program? Go to Graduate School Application