Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field is designed to teach you about early childhood development, communicating and collaborating in the early childhood field, perspectives on diversity and equity, and issues and trends in the early childhood field. The degree program also includes specialization courses that cover topics such as how adults learn, instructional strategies for adult learners, and a capstone course. The capstone course requires you to focus on an issue or problem related to practical applications in early childhood.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you are interested in Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field, you should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a desire to teach adults about early childhood concepts and theories. Applicants to Walden University's master'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 Education with a specialization in Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field, you must complete 30 credits. The degree program includes core and specialization courses as well as a capstone course, which accounts for three credits.

Core Courses

• 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

Specialization Courses

• How Adults Learn
• Instructional Strategies for Adult Learners
• Capstone: Practical Applications in the Early Childhood Field

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field, you can pursue jobs in the field. Potential employers could include community centers, the public school system, and community colleges and universities. As a job candidate, you should be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate clearly and effectively. Possible jobs could include:

• Community trainer
• Child development trainer
• Higher education instructor
• Parent educator

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 Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field, you may want to enroll in a doctoral program in early childhood education. A doctoral degree requires you to choose a research topic and develop a dissertation in consultation with a program advisor. In addition to writing a dissertation, you are required to complete core courses in the first two years of enrollment. Some of the courses that you may be required to take include child development, advanced study of literacy development and teaching in early childhood education, and contemporary issues in childhood education. 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 Philosophy in Early Childhood and Childhood Education
• 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.