Education Specialist - Early Childhood Education
The Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education at Northcentral University offers an exploration of childhood growth and development, curriculum development, and teaching and assessment strategies for pre-K through third grade children. Read more about the Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Program Is It?
Northcentral University's online Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education examines theories and practices for early childhood education in the United States. You'll have the opportunity to study the social, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of infants, toddlers, and young children. You can learn about language development, literacy development, and literacy curriculum and teaching strategies. Additional topics include assessment strategies, program administration, age appropriate curriculum development, teaching strategies, and strategies for developing partnerships between educators, families, and communities.
What Are the Prerequisites?
Before enrolling in the Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education, you should have earned a master's degree from an accredited institution. You may also have teaching experience and should have an interest in teaching young children.
What Are the Course Requirements?
The Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education requires 33 credits. The program includes 18 specialization credits, six foundation credits, six research methods credits, and three capstone credits.
Courses for an Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| Required Foundation Courses | |
| EDU 7101-8 | Foundations for Graduate Study in Education |
| EDU 7001-8 | Advanced Scholarly Writing |
| Required Methods Courses | |
| EDU 7002-8 | Educational Research Methodology |
| EDU 7003-8 | Statistics I |
| Specialization Courses | |
| Select six courses from the following: | |
| ECE 7001-8 | Topics in Early Childhood Education |
| ECE 7002-8 | Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs |
| ECE 7003-8 | Topics in Early Childhood Program Administration |
| ECE 7005-8 | Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment |
| ECE 7007-8 | Early Childhood Literacy and Literature |
| ECE 7009-8 | Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education |
| CT 7004-8 | Language and Literacy Education |
| CT 7005-8 | Literacy: Focus on Curriculum |
| Capstone Course | |
| EDU 7053-8 | Education Specialist Capstone Project |
What Could I Do After Graduation?
Career Opportunities
After completing the Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education, you could seek teaching opportunities in public and private preschools, elementary schools, and child care organizations. Examples of positions you may wish to pursue include:
- Preschool Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Child Care Director
Northcentral University
- Faculty Mentored Approach
Northcentral offers a different kind of online degree program, one that provides a personalized education centered on your needs. - Accreditation
All Northcentral University degree programs are regionally accredited. - No Residency Requirements
Take classes when and where you choose with a system that supports your efforts. - University Program Resources
Northcentral provides learners with a library, virtual bookstore, writing and dissertation center, academic advisors and more to make your experience successful. - Online Learning
Northcentral degree programs are designed to allow you to work full time, study on your schedule, share in a global experience and learn from first-rate professors.
The staff and mentors of Northcentral are very responsive, very thorough, and very professional. People have many questions and concerns about online education... once I adjusted to it, it actually started to feel like a superior way to earn a degree – as you are never late for class, never need to find parking, and you can complete your final exam at 3 a.m. on a Saturday. You can also keep your job and manage your busy life, too.
— Neil Babins – Bachelor of Arts, Psychology 2009
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