Master’s in Early Childhood Education Online

Overview

Empower Young Learners as an Educator

If you are passionate about working with children, this Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree can provide you with valuable concepts and techniques for educating learners from birth through third grade. Offered by the College of Education, this degree program is also ideal for professionals looking to transition into the education field.

Early childhood educators can provide children with the right foundation for personal and academic growth. A child’s early years play a significant role in their ability to thrive later in life. Those who receive quality early childhood education are more likely to give back to society, enjoy better health, earn higher wages and raise resilient families as adults.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}As a future educator, you could help create positive change for early learners.

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure)

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 47

Online: 6 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Benefits of an MEd in Early Childhood Education

Young learners have particular socioemotional, cognitive and developmental needs. In this master’s in early childhood education degree program, you will closely examine how young children grow and develop so that you can best support them by creating a nurturing learning environment in which they can flourish.

Online Learning Flexibility

Working professionals have the ability to attend classes online^{(See disclaimer 2)} for greater flexibility. Those pursuing their degree via our online modality will be required to complete their practicum/field experiences in person.

Gain Transferable Skills

The required practicum/field experiences throughout the program teach applied techniques. Additionally, you will need to complete a six-week practicum course in a birth through Pre-K setting and a 15-week experience in a kindergarten through third grade setting.

Coursework

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Coursework

Throughout our program, you will survey current ECE teaching practices and explore how those ideas and methods support the education of students from birth through third grade. You will take a deep dive into the instructional methodologies that are effective for young learners, as well as literacy intervention, instructional planning and learning environment management.

The coursework taught throughout this master’s in early childhood education online^{(See disclaimer 2)} program can help prepare you with an understanding of typical and atypical child development, social and emotional growth and academic achievement in young learners.

Topics of study in this degree program include:

Instruction for early learners

Using technology for assessment and evaluation

Differentiation strategies for exceptional learners

Structured English immersion (SEI)

Phonics development and the science of reading

Curriculum development and lesson planning

Teaching methods across all content areas

Careers

Career Opportunities for MEd Graduates

Equipped with a degree that focuses on ECE, you may be prepared to pursue a career devoted to supporting and enriching the lives of the youngest learners under your care. From daycare centers to elementary schools, graduates with this master’s degree may find work in numerous education environments where they can lead the learning experiences of children from infancy to eight years old.^{(See disclaimer 3,4)}

After graduating, you may pursue a career as a:

Preschool teacher

Kindergarten teacher

Accreditation

Earn Your Graduate Degree at an Accredited University

This master’s degree in early childhood education has been programmatically accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), ensuring quality and a commitment to professional growth. Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, GCU offers a quality education for future educators. Join a supportive community dedicated to helping you reach your educational and career goals.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a lot to consider when choosing to pursue an advanced degree. Explore a few of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

What is the average salary of early childhood education MEd degree graduates?

Is a master’s in early childhood education worth it?

According to the BLS, preschool and kindergarten teachers reported 43% higher wage premiums for master’s degree holders than for bachelor’s degree holders.^{(See disclaimer 7 )}The decision about whether to pursue higher education differs for everyone, and potential salary may not be your only consideration. Other benefits of earning this degree include a deeper understanding of instructional methods and greater confidence in creating effective learning environments.

Can I get a master’s in early childhood education online?

How hard is a master’s degree in early childhood education?

A master’s degree that focuses on preparing early childhood educators may challenge you to push past your comfort zone and achieve new academic goals. The curriculum is designed to thoroughly prepare future educators, who are entrusted with significant responsibility, so some of the coursework may be challenging. Early childhood educators may find that the career opportunities are well worth the effort required.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major47 credits

Degree Requirements47 credits

Core Courses

ECE-501

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course begins by acquainting teacher candidates with the GCU learning management system, while preparing them to be successful graduate-level students and future Early Childhood educators. Teacher candidates survey the philosophical, historical, and psychological foundations upon which early childhood educational theories and practices are constructed. Current early childhood educational models are explored. Teacher candidates examine the application of theories to the early childhood classroom and evaluate their contemporary usefulness in supporting children’s academic achievement, brain development, and social and emotional growth through early childhood. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECE-515

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates survey how young children grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually across cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social and emotional areas while understanding the importance of communicating with families on child development. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of young children will allow teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for supporting individual students' development. Teacher candidates review atypical development, early intervention, and aspects of special education, including Parts C and B of IDEA, IFSPs, IEPs, and 504s. The importance of advocacy and professionalism as an early childhood educator is also examined. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

POS-501

3 Total Credits

ECE-522

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates will examine developmentally appropriate practice in teaching young children. Key components include pre-assessment, analysis of data, comprehensive lesson planning, instruction, post-assessment, and reflection. Assessing, monitoring, and reporting the performance and progress of young children is examined. Areas of focus in the course include aligning instruction and assessment to standards, planning support for diverse learners, and the role of technology in assessment. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECE-532

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore child growth and development, including developmental milestones that must be met with regards to physical, cognitive, language, and social and emotional development, as well as adaptability and approaches to learning for young children. This course emphasizes safety, health, and nutrition with a focus on the special healthcare needs for young children. Aspects of physical development, including fitness and movement, gross and fine motor skills, and fostering physical development within the community are discussed. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.

ESL-536

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

ECS-575

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores components of typical and atypical literacy development for children Birth to Age 8/Grade 3. Coursework emphasizes research-based phonics development and the science of reading, including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Teacher candidates focus on assessing developmental and other literacy concerns, including dyslexia, with an emphasis on intervention, remediation, and differentiation strategies to support literacy development in young children. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECS-570 or ECE-501.

ECE-562

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates examine cultural learning theories as well as the relationships and structures of family that make up the classroom and community. Emphasis is placed on identifying community, school, and familial needs maintaining open communication with families in order to enhance the learning environment. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECE-602

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates use the guidance approach to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encourage positive social interaction, facilitate active engagement in learning, and promote self-motivation. Teacher candidates develop skills related to establishing and maintaining organized, safe, inclusive, respectful, challenging, and positive early childhood environments with rules and expectations that are clearly communicated. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.

ECE-550

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates study the early stages of reading disabilities, including dyslexia. Emphasis is on assessment procedures in early childhood settings and methods of early intervention and remediation. Candidates will explore the collaboration with stakeholders in the use of formal and informal assessment data to support the diagnosis and remediation process in literacy. Candidates will examine research-based strategies to support literacy development. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECE-650

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that encourage young children to build reading, writing, and oral language skills in meaningful ways. Emphasis is placed on integrating social studies and the creative arts throughout language arts instruction. Candidates will also gather and analyze performance data to make instructional decisions. Candidates will explore best practices when working with children identified with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECE-522.

ECE-660

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates research instructional methodologies for teaching STEM content (science, technology, engineering, and math) to young children. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based with problem solving and interactive learning experiences. Candidates will also gather and analyze performance data to make instructional decisions to meet the needs of all students. Candidates will explore best practices when working with children identified with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: ECE-522.

ECE-568

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore a birth through preschool setting observing, working with small groups, and teaching developmentally appropriate instruction. Emphasis will be placed on examining developmental and academic content domains while planning, implementing, and evaluating curricula, instruction, and strategies based on evidence-based practices with young children, the family, and the community. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in a birth through preschool setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: (ECE-630, ECE-640 and ECE-622) OR (ECE-550, ECE-650, and ECE-660).

ECE-598

8 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Admission

Make an Impact in Childhood Education

Our MEd in Early Childhood Education provides the tools to create engaging learning experiences. Take the first step toward your degree today.

Apply Now

If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

First Five Years Fund. (n.d.). Why It Matters. Retrieved October 2025.
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Preschool Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as kindergarten and elementary school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, retrieved October 2025.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (n.d.). Should I Get a Master’s Degree? Career Outlook. Retrieved October 2025.

Master’s in Early Childhood Education Online

Empower Young Learners as an Educator

Benefits of an MEd in Early Childhood Education

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Coursework

Licensure vs. Non-Licensure

Career Opportunities for MEd Graduates

Earn Your Graduate Degree at an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Earn Your Graduate Degree at an Accredited University

Empower Young Learners as an Educator

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Coursework

Benefits of an MEd in Early Childhood Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Career Opportunities for MEd Graduates

Licensure vs. Non-Licensure

Program Curriculum

Core Courses