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 Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education, you have an opportunity to learn about how different aspects of diversity and living in poverty shape learning and development in early childhood. This degree program is also designed to focus on curriculum planning, strategies for working with diverse children, and the development of caring and respectful learning environments. A capstone course is included and is completed toward the end of the program.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education, you should have strong communication skills and a desire to work with diverse student populations in various learning environments. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

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 Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education, you must complete 30 semester credits. The degree program includes core courses and specialization courses as well as a three-credit capstone course.

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

• Diversity, Development, and Learning
• Strategies for Working With Diverse Children
• Capstone: Practical Application in the Early Childhood Field

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

When you complete Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program with a specialization in Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education, you can pursue jobs in the field. Potential employers could include the public school system, community centers, preschools, care programs, and family childcare centers. You should be able to demonstrate to prospective employers an accepting and caring attitude, a desire to work with children, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Possible job titles may include:

• Child life specialist
• Early childhood educator
• Higher education instructor
• Curriculum developer

Advanced Degrees

When you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education, you may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education. A doctoral degree requires you to complete a core set of courses and to develop and submit a dissertation that focuses on a particular area of early childhood education. Some of the topics that may be covered in the core courses include personal preparation and professional development in early childhood education for diverse learners, families of diverse young learners, and language and literacy for diverse young learners. 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.