Nov 21, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Curriculum and Instruction / Early Childhood, M.S.Ed.


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The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood program offers several options designed specifically to prepare early childhood professionals for the diversity of the early childhood workforce.

Degree options designed for educators who wish to further their education and build on their professional knowledge and skills, but are not seeking initial, subsequent grade-level or other endorsements, or approvals:

  • Experienced early childhood teachers who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills.
  • Professionals with degrees in other disciplines who are changing careers.
  • Professionals who wish to develop specialized knowledge in a specific area of early childhood, but not an “endorsement” as defined by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Admission Requirements


Applicants applying to the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with an Early Childhood Education program which does not lead to additional endorsements or approvals to a PEL must:

  • Provide official transcript(s) as evidence of a liberal arts baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Provide evidence that the final 60 credit hours of undergraduate and/or graduate courses include minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework in an approved undergraduate major or concentration
  • Transcripts should demonstrate a degree minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in their approved undergraduate major or concentration.
  • Submit a written statement explaining the applicant’s professional goals.
  • Acceptance by the department faculty

Degree options designed for licensed teachers who have already earned a PEL with ECH Endorsement and are seeking additional endorsements or approvals.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants applying to the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with an Early Childhood Education program leads to additional endorsements or approvals to a PEL must submit:

  • Illinois Professional Educator License with an Early Childhood endorsement.
  • Provide official transcript(s) as evidence of a liberal arts baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Provide evidence that the final 60 credit hours of undergraduate and/or graduate courses include minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework in an approved undergraduate major or concentration
  • Transcripts should demonstrate a degree minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum GPA of in their approved undergraduate major or concentration.
  • Submit written recommendations from two school administrators and/or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s work.
  • Submit a written statement explaining the applicant’s professional goals.
  • Acceptance by the department faculty

Degree Options


Option 1: Early Childhood Professional Enhancement (33 credit hours)


NOTE: This degree does not result in teacher licensure.

  • Required Core Courses: ECH 5970 /ECH 5971  Additional 15 credit hours in early childhood courses will be identified in consultation with the professional academic advisor.
  • Required graduate-level professional courses, 15 credit hours chosen in collaboration with the academic advisor.

Option 2: Advanced Early Childhood Degree for Non-ECH Majors (45credit hours)


NOTE: This degree does not result in teacher licensure.

Required Courses (12 hours)


(student NOTE: MUST present evidence of completion of the following courses by the end of the first year of their program:)

Required Core Courses (18 credit hours):


Required Professional Early Childhood Courses (18 credit hours):


Required Core Courses (18 credit hours):


Required Reading Endorsement Courses:


Required Early Childhood Course


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