Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

When you enroll in Walden University's online M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy, you'll have an opportunity to learn about family and political advocacy, advocacy initiatives, grant writing, the relationship of policies to politics, and the development of communication plans. The curriculum looks at the early childhood field from a number of different perspectives, including local, state, national, and international. Some additional topics covered include early childhood systems, tools for policymakers, building research competencies, effective programs and practices, and perspectives on diversity and equity.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you plan to apply to Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy, you should have an interest in shaping early childhood policy and also have excellent communication and writing skills. Applicants to Walden University's programs must have a bachelor's degree.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy, you must complete 30 credits. The degree program includes core and specialization courses as well as a capstone course, which accounts for three credits.

Courses Required

• Foundations: Early Childhood Studies
• Early Childhood Development
• Effective Programs and Practices
• Issues and Trends in the Early Childhood Field
• Building Research Competencies
• Perspectives on Diversity and Equity
• Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field
• Early Childhood Systems
• Tools for Policymakers and Advocates
• Capstone: Practical Application in the Early Childhood Field

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

When you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy, you can search for jobs in the field. Potential employers include community care centers, the public school system, and nonprofits that focus on early childhood policy issues. As a job candidate, you should be able to demonstrate strong communication skills and a desire to shape public policy on early childhood issues. Jobs could include:

• Early childhood policy analyst
• Play therapist
• Child life specialist
• Early childhood program development specialist

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

When you have earned Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy, you can choose to pursue a doctoral program in the field. A doctoral program in early childhood education or a closely related field may include courses in special problems in early childhood education, organization in early childhood classrooms, and educational environments for young children. A doctoral program also includes a research component, which culminates in the writing of a dissertation. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education
• Doctor of Public Administration
• Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.