Master’s in Early Childhood Education Online (Non-Licensure)

Q: Can you be an elementary teacher with an early childhood education degree?

Yes, an early childhood education degree can prepare you for working as an elementary school teacher, particularly in early grade levels such as kindergarten through third grade. In addition to teaching strategies, you’ll gain experience through fieldwork and hands-on learning opportunities that can prepare you for elementary education roles.

Q: How hard is an early childhood education degree?

The difficulty of an early childhood degree can vary depending on your background, learning style and time management skills. Success in this program depends on your ability to apply theory to practice, communicate effectively and manage classroom needs. Passion for working with young children and a commitment to learning are key to completing this program.

Overview

Shaping the Future of Young Learners

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. During the early childhood years, the role of an early childhood educator can have a major impact on a child’s life. 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.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Offered by the College of Education at Grand Canyon University, this MEd in Early Childhood Education (ECE) can provide an in-depth review of literacy intervention, typical and atypical child development and instructional methodologies across disciplines. You will examine concepts that can inspire and enrich your teaching practices in early learning environments.

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Does Not Lead to Initial Teacher Licensure)

Initial Program – Does Not Lead 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: 36

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

Pursue Your MEd in Early Childhood Education From GCU

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.^{(See disclaimer 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.

Immersive Curriculum

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.

Earn an Early Childhood Education Master’s Degree Online

Licensure vs. Non-Licensure

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.

Coursework

What To Expect in Early Childhood Education Courses

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

Curriculum and Skills in the Master’s in ECE Program

The Master’s in Early Childhood Education program offers a research-based curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of child development and early interventions for children from birth through third grade. Under the guidance of knowledgeable faculty, you’ll refine your instructional methods through evidence-based strategies and hands-on learning experiences.

Throughout the program, you’ll engage in fieldwork across diverse classroom settings, gaining practical experience with children of varying developmental stages and abilities. These immersive opportunities support your exploration of activity planning and assessment techniques.

In addition to foundational knowledge, the program can equip you with a broad set of educational skills essential for effective teaching and learning, including:

Using data to assess, monitor and report on student progress
Instructional planning informed by assessment, evaluation and data analysis
Implementing strategies to support English language development
Creating learning environments that foster collaboration, social interaction, self-motivation and active engagement

By combining academic rigor with practical application, this program prepares you to become a thoughtful, skilled educator capable of making an impact in early childhood education.

Careers

Career Paths for MEd in Early Childhood Education Graduates

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.

Pursue work across a variety of settings, including:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Daycare centers

Early childhood education centers

Preschools

Elementary schools

$62,310

Median annual wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 5)}

49

Number of College of Education online educational academic programs, emphases and certificates (as of June 2024)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

Earning a master’s in early childhood education can be a valuable step for those looking to deepen their expertise in the field of early learning. This graduate degree can provide a strong foundation in child development, instructional planning and evidence-based teaching practices.Furthering your qualifications may offer several benefits, including a deeper understanding of how to support diverse learning needs and expanded knowledge of the best practices in pedagogy, assessment and classroom management.

What can you do with a master's in early childhood special education?

With this degree, you can pursue a variety of roles that allow you to support and shape the learning experiences of children. With a foundation of pedagogical competencies, you may be prepared to pursue careers such as:

Special education teaching assistant
Teaching assistant in preschool, elementary, middle and secondary classrooms
Preschool teacher
Kindergarten teacher
Elementary school teacher
Postsecondary education teacher

Can you be an elementary teacher with an early childhood education degree?

How hard is an early childhood education degree?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major36 credits

Degree Requirements36 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.

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

Lead the Way in Early Childhood Education

Take your teaching to the next level by strengthening your skills and expanding your impact in education. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about GCU’s early childhood education master’s degree online.

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).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, Feb. 24). Early Brain Development and Health. Retrieved May 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, July 28). CDC Grand Rounds: Addressing Health Disparities in Early Childhood. Retrieved October 2023.
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
Learn.org. (n.d.). Master’s in Early Childhood Education: Salary and Career Facts. Retrieved October 2023.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, as of May 2024, retrieved August 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 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.
Teach.com. (n.d.). Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master in Education. Retrieved October 2023.
Indeed. (2023, Aug. 16). Early Childhood Educator Skills: Definition and Examples. Retrieved October 2023.
PraxisExam.org. (n.d.). The Best Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Educators. Retrieved October 2023.

Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degree (Non-Licensure)

Shaping the Future of Young Learners

Pursue Your MEd in Early Childhood Education From GCU

Licensure vs. Non-Licensure

What To Expect in Early Childhood Education Courses

Curriculum and Skills in the Master’s in ECE Program

Career Paths for MEd in Early Childhood Education Graduates

AAQEP-Accredited Master of Education Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses