<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>The Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Studies program at California Baptist University is designed to prepare students for working with young children as teachers, administrators, and program specialists. The curriculum explores several topics, such as early childhood literacy, program development, evaluation, and partnerships between children, family, and the community, all emphasizing working as a leader. Exploring these topics could equip students with knowledge and skills in curriculum development, program evaluation, and employee management, among other areas. The program's foundation is built on research, theory, and practical application, giving students the chance to learn how to translate knowledge of early childhood education into skills that help young children and their families. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Applicants will need a bachelor's degree, official transcripts, and a 2.75 minimum GPA; a background in education may be beneficial. Applicants to California Baptist University's master's degree programs should already have a bachelor's degree; some programs may have additional requirements. Some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>Courses in the program are divided between core education courses and early childhood studies courses. The program requires 33 credits to graduate. </p> <p><u>Core Education Courses (15 credits)</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>EDU 501</td><td>Leadership, Worldviews, and Contemporary Issues</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 521</td><td>Theories of Learning and Teaching</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 522</td><td>Curriculum Theory and Development</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 525</td><td>Survey of Educational Research</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 534</td><td>International and Comparative Education</td></tr> </table><p><u>Early Childhood Studies Courses (18 credits)</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>ECH 530</td><td>School, Family, and Community Partnerships</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 535</td><td>Leadership and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 540</td><td>Early Childhood Literacy and Language Development</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 545</td><td>Advanced Studies in Early Childhood Development</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 550</td><td>Early Childhood Program Development and Evaluation</td></tr> <tr><td>SPE 540</td><td>Critical Issues in Special Education</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Upon graduation, students have several opportunities they could pursue, depending on any licenses or certifications they may have. The program is designed to prepare students to work with young children in various roles, from teaching to administration and curriculum design. Students could also pursue adult or parent education. </p> <ul><li>Preschool teacher </li><li>Kindergarten or elementary school teacher </li><li>Preschool and childcare center director </li><li>Elementary school principal </li><li>Instructional coordinator </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>Students could also pursue a doctoral degree after graduation. A doctoral degree could expand students' career opportunities and help them learn new skills. For example, a doctorate in education could allow a student to conduct original research in early childhood education, which could directly shape the future of the field. </p> <ul><li>Doctor of Education </li><li>Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education </li><li>Ph.D. in Curriculum &amp; Instruction - Early Childhood</li></ul>