Skip to main content

2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Search Help

Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum - Early Childhood Education Emphasis

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education and Community Innovation section in this catalog.

Website: gvsu.edu/coe/grad

Mission
Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy
Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education and Community Innovation prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values
The College of Education and Community Innovation values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

This program prepares teachers, supervisors, and directors in preschools, day care centers, child development centers, Head Start programs, and kindergartens, as well as researchers and program specialists in the field for general and high-risk students.

Accreditation

The program is nationally recognized by the Michigan Department of Education Approved.

Minimum Number of Hours in Program

The M.Ed. degree in instruction and curriculum with an emphasis in early childhood education requires a minimum of 33 credit hours.

Program Location

This program is offered online, with faculty at the DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids.

Requirements for M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) Choose one:

Research and Evaluation (3 credits):

Early Childhood Foundations (21 credits):

Early Childhood Specific Electives Choose one:

Other Electives Choose two:

Field Work Choose one*:

*Not to be taken until 15 credits of coursework has been completed

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Capstone Choose one**:

**Not to be taken until 27 credits of coursework has been completed

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a Capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, Capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDI 693) or one to six credits (EDI 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Requirements for Endorsement in Early Childhood Education

For students already certified and seeking an additional endorsement in Birth to Kindergarten, General and Special Education, they take a similar approach to those pursuing the master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum, Emphasis in Early Childhood Education, but also have to pass the Michigan Teaching Test, earn no less than a C in each required course, and follow a more prescribed set of courses for a total of 24 credits. These differences are because they must meet the standards set by the Michigan State Board of Education. These standards ensure that teachers are prepared to address the needs of the whole child; use relevant, research-based criteria to establish a supportive, engaging environment that fosters learning; and use practices that meet individual children's needs, regardless of the specific discipline area of specialization or instruction. Also, students must complete at least 180 hours of fieldwork with children with disabilities or delays, ages birth to kindergarten, as part of their program, which includes:

Early Childhood Education Courses (21 credits):

*Not to be taken until 15 credits of coursework has been completed


If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments.