This master’s program equips you with the skills and practical experience needed to become a certified teacher working with children in early ages through third grade. By completing your coursework, applied activities and in-person clinical experiences, you’ll gain skills in areas including early childhood development and pedagogy, policy advocacy and analysis, literacy, evaluation and research. You’ll also become knowledgeable about:
- Current trends and research in the field of early childhood education.
- Instructional design and delivery techniques for young learners.
- Typical/atypical early childhood development.
Earn your ECE master’s and certification together
In this program, you have the option to pursue a master’s degree only, or a master’s degree with Arizona certification in Early Childhood Education to become a licensed educator. The MEd in Early Childhood Education with certification includes two internships, each worth two credits: one in preschool and one in grades K-3. During these semester-long internships, you’ll spend one full day per week in a classroom setting working with children.
Certification students will also complete a full-time student teaching experience, working full-time for 15 weeks in an early childhood (K-3) classroom. While completing this, you’ll be expected to follow your mentor teacher’s contracted hours and are advised to not work other jobs during these times.
Who’s a good candidate for this master’s program?
An ideal candidate for this master’s in ECE plus certification program is a current or aspiring educator seeking official licensure to teach students who are in pre-K through third grade. The professional experiences in this program allow you to connect what you learn in your courses to real-world settings, helping to prepare you for a successful career.
If you aren’t seeking early childhood teacher certification or have already obtained it, ASU also offers a Master of Education in early childhood education. This program is designed for current educators who are looking to advance in their professional path or gain specialized knowledge.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in early childhood education (ECE) plus certification program prepares students who are interested in earning certification and gaining hands-on experience working with children in grades K–3. In addition to advanced coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to act as a student teacher and participate in additional experiences in classroom settings. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for a career as an early childhood educator or to advance toward roles in education administration and management.
In this master’s in ECE plus certification program, you’ll complete 27 credits of graduate coursework, 3 credits for an applied project and 6 hours of professional experience. You’ll cover a variety of topics that prepare you to work with young children including early development and classroom management.
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. View the college's graduate program application deadlines.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Resume.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
- The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who have worked with you in professional or academic capacities and who can attest to your aptitude for the teaching profession and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework
- The personal statement should describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for this program, what has led you to this career path and how this program will help you excel as an early childhood teacher. The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement
- GRE scores are not required for admission.
Professional licensure and certification:
- Graduates are eligible to earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification from the Arizona Department of Education.
- Graduates can directly apply for licensure through the Arizona Department of Education and via licensure-to-licensure review in another state. To be eligible for an educator credential in Arizona, candidates must meet all requirements specified by the Arizona Department of Education. To apply via licensure-to-licensure review, candidates must hold a comparable, standard and valid out-of-state educator license before applying for licensure.
- Note: The out-of-state license must have no pending/active deficiencies or disciplinary actions.
- Arizona Revised Statutes require many professions to have an active fingerprint clearance card before or as a condition of licensure, certification or employment. We highly recommend that students apply for an Identify Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card before degree completion to facilitate teacher certification.
State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions about licensure or certification.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”