Online Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education Policy
Advance in a high-demand field.
Due to recent workforce shifts during the global pandemic, early childhood educators have emerged as an essential resource, and there exists a dire need for early childhood education advocacy in the larger legislative and education policy arena. With the Early Childhood Education Policy program, students will learn the essential interdisciplinary insights necessary for successful cross-sector collaboration to address early childhood education system solutions. Through study in this program, students will become policy leaders ready to work with schools, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, advocacy groups, and institutes of higher education to focus on inclusion and support for all children and families. The 30-credit program is designed for both professionals and recent college graduates who aspire to advance their careers through a focus on policy studies.
Register for an Online Information Session
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- 30 Credits
- Complete in as little as 15 months
- Enroll full- or part-time
- Fully asynchronous, online learning for maximum flexibility.
- Ability to join scheduled live sessions, synchronously, if desired. Not required.
- Join a passionate, committed, caring group of early childhood enthusiasts building solutions toward inclusive, creative and equitable access and
outcomes for all children.
Creating Pathways
For ECE policy leaders who represent the populations we serve.
Cost
Low cost yet high-quality educational opportunity.
Faculty
Experienced academics and leaders in ECE policy.
Online Master of Science Education in Early Childhood Education Policy
Curriculum
The MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy degree requirements have been designed for both professionals and recent college graduates who aspire to advance their careers through a focus on policy studies. Program learning outcomes span constructivist, ecological, behaviorist and critical understandings of learning.
Building on this foundation, the MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy centers interdisciplinary knowledge and acknowledges historical, theoretical, political, and cultural influences in early childhood education. This program is 30 credits, and can be completed in as few as 15 months.
Through the graduate coursework, students will interrogate the reciprocal impact of identity self-awareness within systems of privilege and oppression including course topics such as unequal childhoods, racial equity, and the history of equity in early childhood policy.
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Program Requirements |
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Core Courses: |
21 credits |
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CIGNRL/EDFOUND 723 |
Issues, Perspectives and Directions: A Professional Seminar in Education |
3 credits |
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EDFOUND 780 |
Reading, Analyzing, and Evaluating Educational Research |
3 credits |
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EDUINDP 789 |
Capstone Seminar |
3 credits |
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EARLYCHD 711 |
Early Childhood Education and Care Policy: Theory, Analysis & Research |
3 credits |
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EARLYCHD 713 |
Trends in Curriculum for the Pre-School/Primary Child |
3 credits |
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EARLYCHD 714 |
Early Childhood Education and Care Today: Examining Practices |
3 credits |
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CIFLD 793 |
Practicum |
3 credits |
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Early Childhood Education Policy Electives (choose three): |
9 credits |
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CIGENRL 710 |
Current Topics in Curriculum and Instruction |
3 credits |
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CIGENRL 696 |
Special Studies |
3 credits |
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CIGENRL 715 |
Applied Theory to Practice for Curriculum and Instruction |
3 credits |
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CIGENRL 796 |
Special Studies |
3 credits |
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EDFOUND 710 |
Education in a Pluralistic Society |
3 credits |
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SPECED 703 |
Promoting Reform Through Collaborative Leadership |
3 credits |
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SPECED 766 |
Professional Collaborations: Families & Community Agencies |
3 credits |
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Total Credits |
30 credits |
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Admission Requirements
To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and minimum GPA of 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA or 2.90 in last half of undergraduate degree or 3.0 in graduate level coursework. Prior to applying to the program, review the graduate admission requirements.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
In addition, candidates must include a 2-3 page written statement of goals outlining their reasons for selecting a program of study in Early Childhood Education Policy.
Career Outcomes
Early Childhood Education Policy professionals with advanced credentials are in high demand. Just a few positions and organizations are listed below.
Positions:
- Analyst
- Research Associate
- Teacher Educator
- Director
- Counselor
- Agency Liaison
Organizations:
- Schools
- State and National Associations (NAEYC)
- Governmental agencies
- Advocacy groups
- 2 and 4 year Higher Education Institutions
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will impact the policy context in early childhood education through application of ten learning outcomes. Application culminates in an in-depth study of a policy issue through an action research project explored during the practicum.
Practicum sites will include those serving diverse populations in both urban and rural settings and led by individuals representing the populations we wish to serve (e.g., tribal communities, ethnically, linguistically, and racially diverse, economically challenged).
By the end of this program, students completing the degree will:
- Discuss the influence of social, political, historical, and economic conditions on early childhood educational practice and policy.
- Work as a change agent and advocate for children, families, and early childhood education professionals by leading and supporting policy efforts to move towards a targeted improvement or goal.
- Explore, analyze, and synthesize an understanding of the context of early childhood education in relation to identity politics and access to education for all children, families, and community members.
- Demonstrate an ability and commitment to engage in professional, collaborative relationships with children, families, administrators, policy leaders, legislators, and community members.
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the legal and ethical norms of early childhood education.
- Present evidence and communicate effectively in written, visual, oral, and online formats to achieve desired outcomes in the field of early childhood education and policy.
- Articulate a personal philosophy of early childhood education as it relates to policy systems and practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to design investigations that yield useful information related to early childhood education and policy.
- Identify a salient issue/problem, analyze current research, and apply it to practice in early childhood education and policy.
- Create and implement relevant plans for early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
Online Tuition
This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $595 USD per credit for the 2024-25 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student within the major. Additional fees and non-resident tuition may apply to other courses.
If you compare our graduate tuition to others, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program only are not eligible for federal aid.
Students completing a certificate with a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
