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What you will study

Early childhood educators play a significant role in ensuring children of varying abilities can grow, learn and thrive in their classroom environments.

The graduate coursework you鈥檒l complete in this pathway will help you better understand approaches to teaching special education for students who need additional support, as well as the laws that protect students with disabilities in the classroom. Choose from a variety of electives that align with your career goals, such as:

• Advanced Evaluation of the Exceptional Child
• Fundamentals of Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Professional certification for early childhood educators

If you鈥檙e looking to obtain your early childhood education teacher certification, an advisor will work with you to help you develop a plan, recommending classes and experiential learning opportunities that will fulfill both your certification and master鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education requirements.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in early childhood special education

At UCM, we believe that you learn best by doing. We strive to provide meaningful graduate school experiences in the field that provide you with in-depth insights into teaching special education and policy. While pursuing your Early Childhood Education degree online, you鈥檒l have plenty of opportunities to put your learning into practice.

• Leadership opportunities: Our MSE in ECE - Special Education option helps early childhood educators teaching in the classroom get better equipped to support and enhance learning for all classroom learners.
• Diverse learning environments: Our experienced program faculty will show you how to apply your knowledge and skills in early childhood centers, preschool settings and early elementary school classrooms.
• Educational strategies: Develop teaching tools and techniques to engage children with special needs in play-based learning.

 

What can you do with an ECE master鈥檚 in Special Education from UCM?

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt curricula for diverse student populations, manage individual education plans and adhere to special education law. UCM鈥檚 master鈥檚 in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Special Education, prepares early childhood educators to work in settings such as:

• Childcare centers
• Preschools
• Private schools

Careers in early childhood special education

At UCM, 95% of our Early Childhood Education students are hired before graduation. Your master鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education from UCM increases your potential to advance your career and earnings. Use the interactive tool below to learn more about employment trends, projected growth and career pathways in early childhood education.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your MSE in Early Childhood Special Education

A UCM graduate degree in Early Childhood Education is a valuable investment in your future. As a top-ranked university for low student debt, according to LendEDU, the University of Central Missouri offers a variety of resources to help you finance your graduate education.

Several scholarships are available to graduate students, including those enrolled in UCM鈥檚 master鈥檚 in Early Childhood Education - Special Education degree program. You may qualify for scholarship opportunities such as these:

• Graduate Student Achievement Award
• Dorothy Stockton Sims Scholarship for non-traditional graduate students

You may also qualify for scholarships within the College of Education. Use the to learn more about how to apply for these opportunities and more.

Student Learning Outcomes

With a Master of Science in Education degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), you will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to achieve the following professional skills:

• Demonstrate and apply understandings of early childhood development, including theoretical perspectives on how children learn through play collaborating with a diverse population of peers to create meaning in today鈥檚 society.
• Acquire fundamental knowledge of a play-based curriculum for support and advocacy in implementation in the early childhood setting.
• Develop a strong sense of ethical conduct within early childhood teaching, learning, and business.
• Identify significant issues specific to early childhood education in research and address through practice.
• Better understand the impact of pedagogy and exposure to diversity for teaching in an increasingly complex and diverse society.

 

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree program, in the School of Teaching & Learning, you must: (a) have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75; (b) submit proof of teacher certification or professional endorsement from any of the 50 states or territories and have graduated from a CAEP or regionally accredited university; (c) submit a copy of your last summative teaching evaluation, or a letter from a school superintendent, principal, director, or professor attesting to teaching skills and/or graduate studies potential.