Early Childhood Education - M.ED.

Masters

Learning Format

Hybrid On-Campus Online

Types

Master's
Early Childhood Education - M.ED.

Achieve Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Are you ready to take your teaching career to the next level? Framingham State University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Early Childhood Education is designed for educators like you who are interested in becoming leaders in early childhood education, inspiring the next generation of learners.

Why Choose Framingham State?

State-Approved Program: FSU’s program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It ensures that your education meets the highest standards and is recognized for its quality.

Advanced Licensure: This program will help you advance your Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Early Childhood Initial License to the Professional level. This advancement opens doors to higher positions and greater responsibilities within the education field.

Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: Designed for those holding Early Education and Care (EEC) certification as Lead Teacher, Director I, or Director II, our program equips you with advanced skills and knowledge. You'll gain expertise in curriculum development, special education, classroom management, child assessment, and educational leadership.

Flexible Learning Options: We understand that many of our students are working professionals. Our program offers you flexible learning options, including online and hybrid courses, to fit your busy schedule.

Experienced Faculty: Learn from experienced faculty members who are leaders in the field of early childhood education. They bring real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom to provide you with a rich, engaging learning experience.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Graduates of our program are well-prepared for a variety of leadership roles in early childhood education, including curriculum coordinator, educational consultant, program director, and more. Our alumni network and career services team provide ongoing support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Comprehensive Support: From the moment you apply to graduation and beyond, you will have access to a dedicated support team that includes academic advisors, career counselors, and a vibrant community of fellow educators.

Admission Requirements

The applicant must:

  • Complete the online graduate admission application
  • Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Hold a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in Early Childhood Education at the Initial level (or above) or hold Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (formerly OCCS) certification as Lead Teacher, Director I and/or Director II and have one year’s teaching experience in early childhood education.
  • Have a minimum undergraduate quality point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  • Provide two letters of recommendation submitted on the Framingham State University Letter of Recommendation form and sent directly to the University’s Graduate Admissions office by the recommender. One letter must be from an employer or supervisor, and the other must be from a faculty member who has taught the candidate at the collegiate level if the candidate attended classes in the last five years;
  • Submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities, and career plans.
     
Program & Admissions Requirements

Program & Admissions Requirements

The program requires the successful completion of ten (10) courses, which include three (3) core courses, three (3) required courses, and four (4) elective courses. A professional portfolio is completed as part of the degree program. An oral comprehensive examination is required of all students as the culminating experience.

Program Prerequisite: Upper-level undergraduate or graduate level/literacy course within the past 5 years or LTRC 907 Literacy Instruction.

Students select four (4) elective courses to complete their program of study. To satisfy the elective requirements, students must meet the requirements listed in Group A and Group B.

Group A: Select two (2) elective courses from the following:

Group B: Select two (2) elective courses from the following:

  • One additional course from Group A (above).
  • ENGL 930 Workshop in Children's Literature.
  • One or two graduate-level courses in mathematics, English, literacy, history, economics, geography, biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences, and/or art. Consultation with the advisory is strongly recommended when selecting content area courses from this list.
  • One or two graduate-level courses in other areas appropriate to the student’s professional goals (e.g., special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), business, and supervision). Written advisor approval is required for courses selected for this option.
     
  • Complete the online graduate admission application
  • Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA from a regionally accredited college/university and must submit all official college-level transcripts. Applicants who studies outside of the United State must submit official transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation for US equivalency. 
  • Two (2) recommendations must be submitted electronically through the Recommendation section of the application. One letter must be from an employer or supervisor, and the second letter must be from a faculty member who has taught the candidate at the collegiate level if the candidate attended classes in the last five years; if a faculty recommendation is not possible, the second letter should be another professional recommendation.
  • Submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities, and career plans.
  • Hold a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in Early Childhood Education at the Initial level (or above) or hold Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (formerly OCCS) certification as Lead Teacher, Director I and/or Director II and have one year’s teaching experience in early childhood education.

EFFECTIVE AS OF THE 2023-2024 GRADUATE CATALOG

Meet Your Program Coordinator

Valerie Hytholt

Valerie Hytholt

Director, Centers for Early Childhood Education, Education Department
(508) 215-5738
vhytholt1@framingham.edu
Early Childhood Edu

Learn More

Take the next step