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Quick Facts
Professional Coursework: 40 hours
Total Semesters: 5 (2 years)
Prerequisite Courses: 5 prerequisite courses are needed to begin program, these are listed in the
program catalogModality: Courses are offered online - asynchronous & synchronous
Full Program Requirements Earn Your Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Earning a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) prepares you for working with children from birth through second grade. At GovState, you will gain the professional knowledge and competencies needed to become a highly effective educator so you can provide your students with nurturing and safe learning environments and help make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and are seeking an initial Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Highlights
- • Prior college coursework can be transferred to cover prerequisite courses
- • Evening and online classes to accommodate candidates in the workforce
- • Opportunties for job-embedded clinical field experiences and student teaching for candidates who work in an approved early childhood setting
Degree/Certifications Earned
- • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Early Childhood Education
- • Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
- • Early Childhood Education (Birth through 2nd Grade) Endorsement
- • Early Childhood Special Education Approval (PreK Only)
- • Illinois Gateways Credentials:
- • Early Childhood, levels 2-5
- • Infant Toddler, levels 2-3
Career Paths
Many doors will open for you once you earn your M.A. in ECE. Here are just some of the potential careers you can pursue:
- • Kindergarten, First-Grade, or Second-Grade Teacher
- • Preschool or Infant/Toddler Teacher
- • Family/Parent Educator or Specialist
- • Child and Family Advocate
- • Assessment Specialist
- • Early Intervention Specialist
Program Requirements
- • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 to be admitted (GPA of 2.5 to 2.74 may be conditionally admitted)
- • Attain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education coursework
Scholarship Options
Visit the Financial Aid page for more information on education scholarships.
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Program Catalog
You can find the complete guide to graduation requirements for your degree, as well as descriptions for each course, in our program catalog.