Program Details

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education Initial Program – Does Not Lead to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By: College of Education

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Total Program Credits & Course Length:

Total Program Credits: 33

Online: 6 weeks

Transfer Credits:

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the program

Program Tuition Rate:

Online: $530 per credit. [ More Info ]

As part of our commitment to keeping tuition rates competitive, GCU has kept campus tuition costs frozen since 2009. While the cost per credits are listed below, the average campus student pays only $8,600 per year* in tuition after institutional scholarships and grants. Speak with your university counselor for more information about estimating the costs of attending GCU.

Tuition	Credits	2018-19
Traditional Undergraduate	1-11	$687.50 per credit
Traditional Undergraduate	12-18 (block tuition)	$8,250 per semester
Traditional Undergraduate	19+ (semester rate +)	$8,250 + $687.50 per credit above 18 credits
Summer Traditional Undergraduate (Except pre-licensure nursing cohorts)*		$310 per credit

*Tuition rates for all courses beginning July 1, 2018

*No in-state/out-of-state rates

*Traditional campus undergraduate students taking courses in the online format will be charged the regular tuition rates.

*Traditional campus undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of nine (9) credits in the traditional campus format.

It is the policy of GCU to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations, which require the university to remit tax where applicable. Regulations vary by student location. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the university regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.712 percent. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.1666 percent.

*Fees subject to change.

GCU's non-traditional tuition rates are for students who are interested in pursuing an online degree program or taking evening classes. Speak with your university counselor to learn more about your opportunities for scholarships off tuition through GCU's educational alliances or to find out about options for continuing education for teachers.

Undergraduate Tuition	2018-19
Education Programs	$440 per credit
Theology Programs	$395 per credit
Applied Business Analytics / Applied Business Information Systems/ Business Information Systems/ Computer Programming / Information Technology Programs	$449 per credit
Business Administration with an Emphasis in Business Intelligence	$470 per credit
Online and Professional Studies (all programs other than those listed above)	$470 per credit
Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$250 per credit

Graduate Tuition	2018-19
Education Programs	$530 per credit
Master of Divinity	$340 per credit
IT Programs	$505 per credit
Business Programs (Excludes Business Analytics / Information Systems and Technology Management)	$575 per credit
Nursing Programs	$500 per credit
Advanced Practice Nursing Programs	$670 per credit
Business Analytics / Information Systems and Technology Management Programs	$505 per credit
Online and Professional Studies (all programs other than those listed above)	$515 per credit
Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$400 per credit
Doctoral Programs (includes DIS-966 through DIS-970)	$650 per credit
Doctoral Programs – Active Duty and Active Reserve (online and professional studies)	$617.50 per credit

Continuing Education (CTE) Tuition	2018-19
Online	$150 per credit

*Fees subject to change.

2018-19

Residence Hall Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $1,350 meal plan.
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
Cypress	Double Occupancy	$4,400 per academic year
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year

Apartment Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $750 meal plan.
North Rim	Double Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
North Rim	Single Occupancy	$6,000 per academic year
Papago Studio (two bedrooms, one bathroom, no kitchen or living room)	Single Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
Papago / Agave / Roadrunner / Diamondback / Encanto (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, with kitchen and living room)	Single Occupancy	$6,100 per academic year

Summer Room Rates
Active student (actively enrolled in at least one course)		$1,200
Working student (on-campus job, but not taking courses)		$1,600

All residents (including all on-campus and remote housing residents) commit to housing reservations as an academic year-long lease (both fall and spring semesters) and are charged for housing by the academic year (both fall and spring semesters).
All housing charges, including room and board, are billed to the student's account.
For payment methods and deadlines contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
All rates include parking (summer only), rent, water, electricity, basic cable and Internet. Rates above DO NOT include tax.

Meal Plans Meal plans for 2017-18 are Dining Dollars only and do not include meal swipes.
Plans	Details	Price
Canyon $750 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to apartment residents or commuter students.	$1,500 per academic year
Canyon $1,350 Dining Dollars	Minimum requirement for residence hall residents.	$2,700 per academic year
Canyon $1,800 Dining Dollars		$3,500 per academic year
Canyon $2,100 Dining Dollars		$4,000 per academic year
Canyon $2,700 Dining Dollars		$5,100 per academic year

*Fees subject to change.

2018-19

Residence Hall Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $1,350 meal plan.
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Triple Occupancy	$3,550 per academic year
Canyon	Double Occupancy	$4,400 per academic year
Prescott / Camelback / Sedona / Chaparral / Saguaro / Ocotillo	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year
The Grove: Acacia / Ironwood / Juniper / Willow	Double Occupancy	$5,000 per academic year

Apartment Rates Students are required to carry at least a Canyon $750 meal plan.
North Rim	Double Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
North Rim	Single Occupancy	$6,000 per academic year
Papago Studio (two bedrooms, one bathroom, no kitchen or living room)	Single Occupancy	$5,500 per academic year
Papago / Agave / Roadrunner / Diamondback / Encanto / Jerome / Cactus (four bedrooms, two bathrooms, with kitchen and living room)	Single Occupancy	$6,100 per academic year

Summer Room Rates
Active student (actively enrolled in at least one course)		$1,200
Working student (on-campus job, but not taking courses)		$1,600

All residents (including all on-campus and remote housing residents) commit to housing reservations as an academic year-long lease (both fall and spring semesters) and are charged for housing by the academic year (both fall and spring semesters).
All housing charges, including room and board, are billed to the student's account.
For payment methods and deadlines contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
All rates include parking (summer only), rent, water, electricity, basic cable and Internet. Rates above DO NOT include tax.

Meal Plans Meal plans for 2018-19 are Dining Dollars only and do not include meal swipes.
Plans	Details	Price
Canyon $250 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to commuter students.	$500 per academic year
Canyon $750 Dining Dollars	Exclusive to apartment residents or commuter students.	$1,500 per academic year
Canyon $1,350 Dining Dollars	Minimum requirement for residence hall residents.	$2,700 per academic year
Canyon $1,800 Dining Dollars		$3,500 per academic year
Canyon $2,100 Dining Dollars		$4,000 per academic year
Canyon $2,700 Dining Dollars		$5,100 per academic year

*Fees subject to change.

Traditional On-Campus Fees

2018-19

Fees indicated are effective for all students enrolling for 2018-19 academic year. Please contact your university counselor with any questions.

Canyon Connect	Undergraduate courses	$95 per class
Registration Deposit	Non-refundable	$50
Student Activity Fee	Traditional undergraduate and graduate campus students (except those in the nursing pre-licensure program)	$275 per semester (excluding summer)
Colter Surface Parking (2018-19)	Green Lot - For campus residents only. Secure parking for student vehicles near or adjacent to campus. Limited spaces are available.	$50
Grove Garage Resident Parking (2018-19)	Red Lot - For Grove residents only. Covered parking for student vehicles near Willow, Acacia, Juniper and Ironwood residence halls.	$150 per academic year
29th Avenue Parking Garage (2018-19)	Black Lot - For campus residents only. Covered parking on the perimeter of campus on floors 2, 3, 4 and 5.	$150 per academic year
Halo Parking Garage (2018-19)	Purple Lot - For commuter students only. Covered parking on the perimeter of campus on floors 2, 3, 4 and 5.	$150 per academic year
Lot D – Formerly Missouri Avenue Surface Parking (2018-19)	Orange Lot - For commuter students only. Secure parking for student vehicles near or adjacent to campus.	$20 per academic year
Housing Application Fee	Traditional undergraduate campus students and non-refundable	$250
Housing Prepayment	Returning residents only and non-refundable	$200
Returned Check Fee	All returned checks	$25
Health Insurance		$2,439 per academic year
Transcript Fee		$5
Graduation Fee		$150
Health Fee		$70 per semester
Health Center Visit Fee		$25
Schedule Change Fee		$25
Late Payment Fee		$25
Global Studies Portfolio Fee		$90
Hospitality Management Premium		$100 per semester
Tennis Management Premium		$250 per semester
Golf Management Premium		$500 per semester
Computer Science, Computer Programming, Engineering and Information Technology Program Premium 2018-19		$800 per semester
Nursing Program Premium 2018-19 (effective summer 2018)	Pre-Licensure program	$1,000 per semester
Worship Arts Premium	Includes minors	$250 per semester
Special Course Fees		Refer to the University Policy Handbook

*Fees subject to change.

Non-Traditional Online and Evening Fees

2018-19

Fees indicated are effective for all students enrolling starting on July 1, 2018, unless otherwise specified.

Canyon Connect	Undergraduate courses	$95
Canyon Connect	Graduate courses	$105
Canyon Connect	Doctoral courses	$115
RN to BSN Program Course Material Fee	5-week courses with an NRS- prefix and HLT-362V	$120 per course
Course Material Fee	NUR-634	Refer to the University Policy Handbook
Learning Management Service Fee	New online and professional studies students	$400
Doctoral Residencies	Including MDiv	$795-$1,195 per Residency
Doctoral Programs	Dissertation continuation - optional zero-credit course	$500
Accordance Bible Software	New MDiv students only	$285
Credential Evaluation (International)	Basic evaluation	$175
Credential Evaluation (International)	Course-by-course evaluation	$250
Returned Check Fee	All returned checks	$25
Transcript Fee		$5
Graduation Fee		$150
Special Course Fees		Refer to the University Policy Handbook

*Fees subject to change.

Overview

Lead Special Education for Exceptional Young Children

Become an expert educator, advocate and leader with the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education degree at Grand Canyon University (GCU). This program enables you to help each student grow to his or her full potential while advocating at the school and district level for children of diverse abilities.

Step into the high demand field of early childhood special education as a graduate of this master’s degree program, equipped with best-practice pedagogy and methodologies as well as expertise in the psychosocial and familial needs of exceptional children.

In addition to coursework, students complete 104 hours of field experience within birth through grade 3 classrooms, in both special and general education environments. All courses are directly aligned with national teaching standards as prescribed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Teachers (ISTE-T), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

This version of the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education degree does not lead to initial teacher licensure. This program is recommended for educators seeking to enhance their career specialization or preparing for roles that do not require certification, such as within private or parochial organizations. GCU also offers an initial licensure version of the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.

Degree Outcomes

Strengthen Special Education Classrooms and Programs

Graduates of this early childhood special education graduate program are prepared as not only educators, but stewards of children. Learn to make ethical decisions in the classroom, as well as advocate at the school, district and policy level. Focus is placed on your ability to recognize and assess special needs, initiate family and community collaboration, and promote the education of young children with and without exceptionalities.

What You Will Learn

Become Well-Versed in the Needs of Exceptional Children

In this early childhood special education program, you will examine the following topics and concepts:

Early childhood growth and development
Family and community advocacy
Instructional methodologies for language, literacy, social studies, the arts and behavioral intervention
Classroom engagement and management for typical and atypical behaviors
Assessment, monitoring and tracking special needs in young children
Philosophical, professional and historical foundations of early childhood education

Career Outcomes

Deliver Expertise in Early Childhood Special Education

Graduates of the non-licensure Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education program are qualified to pursue many vocations including teaching, administration, program coordination and policy making. The non-licensure track is advantageous for those seeking roles that do not require teacher certification, including those within charter, private and early learning school environments. Other potential career paths include child development center leadership, family services and program consulting.

Course List

The programs offered at Grand Canyon University may vary by content and course length. You are currently viewing the program version available in Arizona. For information about specific course content, credit length and VA approval in your state, please contact a counselor at 1-855-GCU-LOPE or click here to request more information.

Major:

33 credits

Total Degree Requirements:

33 credits

Program Core Courses

ECS-501: Foundational Studies in Early Childhood and Special Education Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

This course begins by acquainting candidates with the GCU learning management system, while preparing them to be successful graduate-level students and future teachers. The course places primary focus on the fundamental basis of the field of early childhood education and early childhood special education, Birth to Age 5/Pre-K to K to Age 8/Grade 3, including historical and philosophical foundations, current practices, ethics, models of teaching, and application in early childhood education/early childhood special education settings. Additionally, professional preparation requirements and professional development opportunities in the field are explored. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

POS-500: U.S. and Arizona Constitutions for Teacher Candidates Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

Candidates examine the United States Constitution, and the constitution of the State of Arizona. From this foundational review, candidates will explore application of the United States Constitution and the constitution of the State of Arizona in educational contexts. Practicum/field experience hours: 3. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ELM-540: Foundational Literacy Skills Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. Practicum/field experience hours: 6. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-530 or ECS-501 or ELM-555.

ECS-555: Child Development Including Health, Safety, and Nutrition Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

This course explores child growth and development, including developmental milestones that must be met with regards to physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. The course emphasizes health, safety, and nutrition with a focus on special health care needs for young children. The candidate will use data to analyze the development of the whole child and consider best practices for family involvement. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECS-560: Child, Family, Cultural, Community Relationships, and Advocacy Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

This course examines historical foundations, theories, and models of child development, including family characteristics, diversity, multicultural factors, and community relationships. Teacher candidates identify community organizations that support children with exceptionalities and their families. Candidates also identify ways to use those resources to advocate for children and their families. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECS-570: Language, Literacy, and Communication in Early Childhood/Special Education Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

This course examines the foundations for early language development for children, from Birth to Age 8/Grade 3. Teacher candidates focus on the use of technology with receptive and expressive language, early literacy development, and communication methods in early childhood education/early childhood special education. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ECS-590: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting for Early Childhood/Special Education Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

This course provides teacher candidates with a robust view of assessment, evaluation, and early identification for young children to develop IFSPs and IEP's, Birth to Age 8. Data are used to assess, monitor, and report the progress of young children, to include early identification of children with special needs. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

ECS-550: Child Guidance and Classroom Management for Typical and Atypical Behaviors Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates research theories of child development and consider the characteristics of young children with and without exceptionalities and how they manifest in the classroom. The course emphasizes social/emotional development and behavioral/crisis intervention, with a focus on evidence-based practices for creating safe, inclusive, respectful, challenging, and positive classroom environments. Candidates create a classroom management plan and use student data to create a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

ECS-585: Developmentally Appropriate Instruction: STEM Subjects Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates research instructional methodologies to include inquiry-based and hands-on learning for teaching children with and without exceptionalities with an emphasis on STEM content (science, technology, engineering, and math) instruction. Candidates use data to differentiate learning outcomes to meet the needs of individual students, and develop a unit plan that incorporates all STEM components. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

ESL-533: Advanced Methodologies of SEI Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion 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. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

ECS-580: Developmentally Appropriate Instruction: ELA, Social Studies, and Arts Total Credits: 3 credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. This course examines instructional methodologies for teaching children with and without exceptionalities with an emphasis on language arts, social studies, and the arts instruction. Candidates use data to differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of students. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

Program Locations

Online

Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.

Evening

Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.

* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.

* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

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Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education Initial Program – Does Not Lead to Initial Teacher Licensure

Traditional On-Campus Tuition

Non-Traditional Tuition (Online and Evening Students)

Housing and Meal Costs

2018-19

2018-19

Other Fees

Traditional On-Campus Fees

2018-19

Non-Traditional Online and Evening Fees

2018-19

Overview

Lead Special Education for Exceptional Young Children

Degree Outcomes

Strengthen Special Education Classrooms and Programs

What You Will Learn

Become Well-Versed in the Needs of Exceptional Children

Career Outcomes

Deliver Expertise in Early Childhood Special Education

Course List

Program Core Courses

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Course Description

Program Locations

Online

Evening