Early Childhood Education Program

Overview

If you are thinking about earning a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education or Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, Marshall University’s program may be right for you.

Whether your interest is in improving as a professional or advancing in your profession, our mission is to empower you with advanced knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will enable you to explore your interest in early childhood learners and learning.

Please see FAQs for more information.

Plans of Study

  • Graduate Certificate (21 hours) for licensed elementary teachers seeking an added endorsement in PK-K
  • Master of Arts in Education with an area of emphasis in Early Childhood Education:
    • Option 1 (30 hours) for licensed PK-K teachers seeking an advanced degree
    • Option 2 (33 hours) for licensed elementary teachers seeking an added endorsement in PK-K

Prerequisites

Certificate Candidates

  • Transcripts verifying Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a Master’s degree
  • Documentation of elementary teacher licensure

Degree Candidates

  • Transcripts verifying Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.5
  • Documentation of preschool teacher licensure (Option 1) or elementary teacher licensure (Option 2)

Application for Admission and Information

For complete admission information and an application visit: http://www.marshall.edu/coepd/graduate/admissions/

Contact Us

For questions or further information regarding this program please visit https://www.marshall.edu/coepd/directory/ece/.

Frequently Asked Questions

This specialization is designed for qualifying individuals seeking an advanced degree (already PK-K licensed) or additional teacher licensure in PK-K (already elementary licensed). Completion of graduate level courses and programs in early childhood education may lead to licensure renewal, added endorsements, pay increases, or promotion.
Yes. Graduate courses in early childhood education are available online, enabling you to complete your studies wherever you are. A select number of courses are also offered on the Huntington campus.
No. This program does not lead to initial teacher licensure.
This program is intended to:

  • Provide a coordinated, sequential program of study in an identified area of education.
  • Provide a foundation in research, evaluation, instructional methods, technology, human development, and learning.
  • Support knowledge, skills, and understanding developed through concentrated study in early childhood.
  • Produce an experienced professional as specialist.
Program objectives are aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.