HELP Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Print-Friendly Page Add to Portfolio

Adviser: Brigid Beaubien, Ph.D
313 Porter
734.487.3260
brigid.beaubien@emich.edu

Program Overview
The program in early childhood education is designed for those who hold teacher certification and have or are seeking careers as classroom teachers (preschool through third grade), child care program directors or other positions related to the care and education of children ages birth through eight years. Each student’s program is worked out in consultation with an adviser according to the background and needs of the individual student. The program requires a minimum of 31 hours of graduate credit. The actual credits required for the degree may be more than 31, depending on the amount of previous course work the student has successfully completed. Students can plan programs with their advisers that will enable them to meet the State of Michigan’s requirements for the early childhood endorsement for the elementary teaching certificate. This program is in compliance with the standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Model
Eastern Michigan University’s advanced professional education programs promote inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society. The early childhood education program addresses extended knowledge of developing and implementing age-appropriate and individually appropriate curriculum and teaching practices from birth through age eight.

Admission Requirements
See general admission requirements.

Retention Requirements
Retention requirements can be considered a “mid-point check” in the master’s degree programs. It is necessary to successfully complete all retention requirements before proceeding with the remainder of the program.

To proceed with exit requirements, students must:

1. Complete ECE600 and ECE602 with a grade of B or better in both courses. ECE600 should be taken in the first eight hours on the program, as the course content will include a discussion of the master’s portfolio requirements and format;
2. Complete EDPS667, EDPS667 or EDPS687 and additional courses, including the above, to total 15 hours of graduate credit with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better;
3. Schedule and satisfactorily complete a faculty interview and professional portfolio mid-point review. The interview will include discussion of the student’s program to date and a review of the portfolio contents (see ECE’s Master’s Degree Portfolio Guide lines for portfolio requirements); and
4. If a student’s progress is judged unsatisfactory at the time of the mid-point review, the decision will be reviewed by all early childhood education graduate faculty, with the decision based on a majority vote. Students who do not meet the criteria, but maintain graduate student status, may continue to take graduate credit for professional development.

Exit Requirements
In order to graduate, each student is expected to:

1. Complete all Graduate School and department requirements for a master’s degree, following an approved program of study for the master’s degree in early childhood education;
2. Complete a culminating seminar in early childhood education, including submission of all required components or thesis proposal; and
3. Fill out an application for graduation and obtain the adviser’s recommendation.