We're here to help.
Explore the academic and development needs of children from birth to eight years old in the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education (non-licensure) program. Offered by the College of Education at Grand Canyon University, this MEd in Early Childhood Education can provide an in-depth review of literacy development, child guidance and growth. You will examine concepts that can potentially enhance your teaching in early childhood settings such as daycares, preschools and elementary schools with a master’s in early childhood education.
The early years in a child’s life are critical for brain development and children in nurturing, development-focused environments tend to exhibit better future outcomes in learning, behavior and health.1,2 As an aspiring early childhood educator, you can make a difference in the lives of children within your community by empowering them with the support they need.
GCU’s early childhood education master’s programs are designed to equip education professionals with a framework of pedagogical knowledge and skills to support these critical years in a child’s life. In convenient online classes, this master’s in early childhood education can provide a comprehensive survey of child development, behaviors, instructional planning and more. At GCU, our students are immersed within curriculum built from the Christian worldview, which emphasizes ethical decision-making and servant leadership.
You can earn your early childhood education master’s degree online using our interactive digital learning platform. As an online student, you will have access to the same quality of instruction delivered by instructors who are knowledgeable in their fields. Work through coursework from virtually anywhere and complete practicum/field experience hours at a location near you.3
With an emphasis on evidence-based methodologies and the use of data analysis for instructional decision-making, your coursework will consist of hands-on learning opportunities.
In this early childhood education master’s program, you will explore a comprehensive range of content areas such as:
Instruction methods for exceptional learners and non-English speakers
Classroom engagement and management techniques
Developmental milestones and methods of evaluation
Curriculum development for language arts, math, science, health, social studies and the arts
Patterns of learning across the cognitive, linguistic, physical, social and emotional areas
Cultural awareness and competencies, with a look at support for various family types
In this graduate-level program, you will have the opportunity to exercise your critical thinking skills to research child development and early interventions for children from birth through third grade. By implementing a rigorous curriculum under the guidance of skilled faculty, we aim to refine your instructional methods using evidence-based research and applied strategies. Field experience opportunities throughout your master’s in early childhood education program can expose you to working with diverse age groups and youth of varying developmental stages and intellect.
Early childhood education master’s programs provide opportunities for you to acquire the skills that can develop a foundation for early learning. Reviewing research on child development and growth can provide the fundamentals for teaching and offers ways to gauge mastery of milestones. In this MEd program you will examine and study child guidance and activity during hands-on experiences within multiple classroom settings to support your learning of teaching and assessment methods.
This program teaches an array of educational skills, including:
In your potential future role as an early childhood education professional, you may hold the power to sculpt the potential of upcoming generations, offering them the guidance and resources for their flourishing.
With a foundation of pedagogical competencies, you may be prepared to pursue careers such as:1
Pursue work across a variety of settings, including:4
Daycare centers
Early childhood education centers
Preschools
Elementary schools
GCU prioritizes the quality of our education. GCU is a member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. As an institutionally accredited university, our instructors are knowledgeable in their fields and committed to supporting our students. Visit GCU’s education accreditation page to view our programs that have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP. We strive to graduate students who are prepared to pursue professional excellence while making a positive difference in their communities.
It’s natural to have some questions as you reflect upon your intended career path and degree program options. The following frequently asked questions and answers may address any concerns you may have.
A teacher’s license or certification is not a requirement to enroll in this master’s degree program. However, this MEd does not lead to initial teacher licensure, making it an appropriate program choice for students who already have their teaching license, or for professionals who are looking to fulfill state or department requirements for their particular role within education. For those looking to earn their initial teaching license, our MEd in Early Childhood Education licensure program may be a better option. This degree program teaches important skills for early childhood educators, ranging from instructional planning to classroom management to learning environment optimization.
An MEd and a Master of Arts in Teaching are similar degree programs in that they both lie within the education field. However, there are differences in curriculum, focus and career outcomes. A MAT degree tends to focus on advanced pedagogical theory and instructional methodologies. It is intended for teachers who wish to improve their impact in the classroom. In contrast, an MEd takes a broader approach, examining topics such as the education system itself and how best to lead within it. This degree is appropriate for those who wish to remain in the classroom, as well as for those who wish to step into leadership or administrative roles.5 If you’re interested in studying pedagogical theories, our Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction may be a good option.
The early years of a child’s life can significantly influence their physical, social and emotional development, due at least in part to the rapid expansion of brain cells and neural connections during this time period.1 When children are nurtured with a positive, supportive environment and the right academic guidance, they are better able to meet developmental targets and develop skills they will need throughout their lives.1 Because of the critical importance of the early childhood years, the role of an early childhood educator can have a major impact on a child’s life.
In addition to their knowledge of childhood development and instructional methods, effective early childhood educators can rely upon the following:6
There are many teaching methods that early childhood educators can use to help children learn and thrive. Here’s a look at a few of them:7
Prepare yourself to pursue a career that can make a positive difference in the lives of young children. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about GCU’s early childhood education master’s degree online.
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 licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023, Feb. 24). Early Brain Development and Health. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017, July 28). CDC Grand Rounds: Addressing Health Disparities in Early Childhood. Retrieved on Oct. 23, 2023.
3 Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching.
4 Learn.org (n.d.). Master’s in Early Childhood Education: Salary and Career Facts. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2023.
5 Teach.com. (n.d.). Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master in Education. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2023.
6 Indeed. (2023, Aug. 16). Early Childhood Educator Skills: Definition and Examples. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2023.
7 PraxisExam.org. (n.d.). The Best Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Educators. Retrieved Oct. 19, 2023.
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 (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
