<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Which instructional strategies and learning tools are best incorporated in quality early childhood education programs? What communication and collaborative strategies are designed to build partnerships with families and communities in the context of early childhood education? How are early childhood programs best administered? These topics highlight the studies found in the Early Childhood Education specialization of the Master of Arts in Education program at the University of Arizona Global Campus. In the core curriculum, you could expect to learn more about educational technologies, differentiated instructional strategies, student assessment methodologies, and successful teaching and learning perspectives. In the research-based two-part capstone, you will be required to implement change to address an educational challenge, apply concepts studied in the program to redesign existing coursework, and create a digital portfolio. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before applying for this master's degree program, you might possess a current teaching license and have some experience in a K-12 or preschool educational setting. You might also demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, as early childhood educators and administrators must have the ability to evaluate students and programs and communicate orally and in writing with parents, teachers, community leaders, and other professionals. A bachelor's degree, possibly in education or early childhood education, is required before enrolling in this master's program. Applicants to the University of Arizona Global Campus should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You must earn 36 credits to be awarded this Master of Arts degree; this total reflects 24 credits in core coursework and 12 credits in the Early Childhood Education specialization. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 must also be obtained to meet graduation requirements. </p> <p><u>Core Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>EDU 650</td><td> Teaching, Learning, and Leading in the 21st Century</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 692</td><td> Creativity, Culture, &amp; Global Contexts in Education Decision Making</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 673</td><td> Instructional Strategies for Differentiated Teaching &amp; Learning</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 645</td><td> Learning &amp; Assessment for the 21st Century</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 620</td><td> Meeting Individual Student Needs with Technology</td></tr> <tr><td>ESE 601</td><td> Students with Exceptionalities in the School Setting</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 694</td><td> Capstone I: Educational Research</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 696</td><td> Capstone II: Culminating Project</td></tr> </table><p><u>Early Childhood Education Specialization Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>ECE 624</td><td> Advanced Topics in Child Development, Learning &amp; Developmentally Appropriate Practices</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 631</td><td> Building Family &amp; Community Partnerships</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 642</td><td> Quality Curriculum in Early Childhood Education</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 671</td><td> Management &amp; Administration of Early Childhood Education</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Having met all of the requirements of the Master of Arts in Education - Early Childhood Education program, you could possess the administrative skills and knowledge of early childhood education systems and processes to pursue leadership positions in preschools, child care centers, community learning centers, or kindergarten programs. You could be responsible for evaluating and implementing curricula, developing learning materials, creating facility budgets, assessing student performance, and designing intervention programs. </p> <p>Professional roles you might be prepared to fill include: </p> <ul><li>Preschool director </li><li>Instructional coordinator </li><li>Child care center director </li><li>Early childhood curriculum specialist </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>For even more advanced positions or to pursue postsecondary teaching or administrative positions, you would likely go on to a doctorate program after completing the MA in Education - Early Childhood Education program. Doctoral studies will place a heavy emphasis on research and research methods, while also providing more focuses on education reform, child development, and leadership theory. </p> <p>Doctorates you might consider include: </p> <ul><li>Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership </li><li>Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education </li><li>PhD in Child Development/Early Childhood Education</li></ul>