Master’s Degree (MA) in Early Childhood Education
The Graduate Program in Education embodies UDC’s longstanding commitment to preparing future educators to provide an exceptional education to the residents of the District of Columbia. Our program is heavy on practical classroom training and closely aligned with trends and curricula at local schools. You will learn how to teach from experienced educators with a deep understanding of local context and practical concerns, not scholars far removed from practice. Many of our adjunct faculty members are active principals in the D.C. public schools with their fingers on the pulse of current issues and trends. In addition, UDC works closely with D.C. public schools to pair candidates with outstanding teachers during their internship.
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education provides a robust educational experience that equips students with advanced skills in teaching, assessment, and classroom management to prepare candidates for careers as master teachers or early childhood specialists in classrooms in Pre-school through 3rd grade. The degree consists of 35 credit hours.
Coursework is held in evening hours to accommodate working professionals. Field experiences, which take place in P-3 school settings, require some daytime availability. The final semester requires a full-time apprenticeship.
The Division of Education Student Outcomes and Proficiencies
The outcomes below were created to articulate the knowledge and skills that each student should acquire upon completion of the Educator Preparation Program. During the program sequence, all 9 of the teacher education outcomes are addressed and monitored through multiple assessments. These outcomes are aligned with the division’s Conceptual Framework, CAEP Standards, the INTASC principles, essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter to be taught, and skill in applying the basic principles of teaching and learning in a primarily urban community setting;
- demonstrate a command of fundamental communication skills and skill in effectively communicating diverse perspectives;
- utilize classroom and behavior management techniques that nurture a positive learning environment to enhance the growth and development of all students;
- create developmentally appropriate objectives in terms of expected outcomes that meet the needs of diverse learners;
- design, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate teaching and learning activities utilizing performance criteria with a variety of assessment techniques;
- integrate principles that are critical to academic and social development, such as:
- respect for the learner as an individual by considering differentiated learning needs, abilities, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- a commitment from the student to meet challenges and high academic expectations while exacting a commitment from the students to strive to meet high expectations;
- design and apply technology applications that are appropriate for diverse learners in the classroom to meet the demands of the global society;
- pursue ongoing knowledge and professional growth to enhance student achievement; and,
- cultivate a high level of social and emotional maturity and a sense of professionalism in collaborating and communicating with students, colleagues, school administrators, parents, and members of the school community at large.
Department of Education
Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Early Childhood Education Graduate Program
Program Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and meet all admissions criteria established by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Students must take and pass Praxis CORE before entering the program. In addition, applicants must be interviewed by the Graduate Education Admissions Committee.
Program of Study