Education, Instruction and Curriculum, M.Ed. - Early Childhood Education emphasis
The Master of Education program in instruction and curriculum with an emphasis in early childhood education allows current educators to gain a master's-level understanding and content specialization in early childhood education. Students gain master's-level understanding and content specialization in early childhood education. This prepares educators to be leaders in early childhood pre-K settings, from birth through age eight (3rd grade).
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
This program prepares teachers serving children aged birth through age eight, early interventionists, supervisors and directors in preschools, child care centers, child development centers, and Head Start programs, as well as researchers and program specialists in the field for general and high-risk students. It is grounded in principles of child development and is designed to further students' understanding of developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive instruction and assessment, as well as enhance students' knowledge of how to work with families and support children with special needs.
This program does not lead to initial teacher certification.
Please see the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program if you
are seeking initial teacher certification at the graduate level.
Why Study Instruction and Curriculum at Grand Valley?
- The program opens up a number of career opportunities for professional renewal and development of educators and leads to a ZN early childhood teaching endorsement.
- The College of Education and Community Innovation's Office of Certification and Accreditation provides centralized services for advising, field placement, and certification.
- Flexible classes offered evenings, weekends, and during summer make it easier for teachers and administrators to plan their schedules. All classes are offered online.
- Faculty members are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and students' needs as practitioners.
- Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Accreditation
Grand Valley State University's College of Education and Community Innovation is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.
Coursework
All Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs require a minimum of 33 semester hours.
Career Options
- P-12 teaching
- Special education for early childhood
- School administration
- College level professional and administrative positions
Aside from the M.Ed. degree, other education programs are available. Visit lkgear.com/education/grad for details.
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter, November 15; spring/summer, March 15. Early application is strongly encouraged to secure course enrollment. Those applications received after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis and program availability. Late applicants should contact program director Kathryn Ohle, [email protected]. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if you have previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.
Admission into a master's of education program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
International students, please note: This program does not offer enough consecutive physical classroom presence for a student to qualify for an F-1 visa.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Education and Community Innovation
lkgear.com/education/grad
401
W. Fulton St, Building C
[email protected]
(616) 331-6650
Program Director
Kathryn Ohle, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6662