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The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (30-36 units) is designed to foster the development of diverse educators who apply research-based knowledge in designing developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and assessment strategies for children ages birth through 8. Candidates develop strategies and approaches for building family-school-community partnerships. The ECE program continues to develop teacher leaders and advocates of young children, families, and the field. 

Please watch our welcome video about our program. 

The Early Childhood Education program is a 2-year, 30 to 36-unit program.  The program is offered in a cohort model, so everyone takes the same classes at the same time.  It is not possible to complete the program in less than 2 years.  Please see the program description web page for more information.

In addition to teaching in infant, toddler, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and elementary school classrooms, our graduates obtain a host of leadership positions such as community college instructors and tenure track faculty members in private and public universities in the US and internationally; ECE curriculum specialists; ECE program directors; ECE consultants; mentor teachers; research/development specialists; and leadership positions in national organizations.  

No, this program does not lead to earning a teaching credential. If you are interested in earning a teaching credential, please contact the É«ÖÐÉ« Teacher Preparation Advising Center (TPAC). É«ÖÐÉ« does not offer any programs that combine a teaching credential and master's degree. 

Prerequisite courses of (EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361) do not need to be completed prior to applying nor prior to being admitted. Completion of the EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361 prerequisites do not impact an applicant’s eligibility for admission to the program. These prerequisite courses may be completed the summer session prior to admission or during the first year in the program at the discretion of the advisor. 

Please visit the Application Process page. Please note that the application will be done completely online.

Visit the GSO Tips & Tutorials for Applying page for an application flow chart, advice on how to be a competitive applicant, and free resources and tips on the statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, and resume.

The GPA requirement is a minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. For more information please see the Eligibility page.

Yes. Verification of Teaching Experience is required to apply to the ECE program.  

Two. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission. 

Recommendations are due by the MyCED application deadline. For additional information on recommendations and the MyCED application deadline, please visit the Online Application Submission website.

Graduate school fees are set by the CSU Board of Trustees each academic year. The current fee structure may be found on the Enrollment Services web site. The approximate cost as of Fall 2024 ranges from $14,672 to $16,208 for the entire ECE program for California residents (fees range based on if pre-requisite needed).

Our classes are typically offered on weekday evenings in a hybrid format to strategically reduce seat time.  

Visit the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential FAQs website for more information.