Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) for Initial Licensure
Offered in Fall River, MA; Methuen, MA; and Cape Cod, MA
Wheelock College, founded in 1888, enjoys a national and international reputation as a leader in early childhood education and related fields serving children and families.
Wheelock’s graduate programs are designed to create leaders and advocates to improve the lives of all children and families.
Each graduate program is committed to an inclusive, developmental, and multicultural approach to child study. Wheelock College offers master's degree programs, a Certificate in Parenting Education, and several professional development courses and institutes. National and Regional programs are currently offered in locations throughout Massachusetts as well as in New Hampshire, Maine and South Carolina.
THE COHORT MODEL AND FORMAT
Our national and regional master's degree programs are designed as a cohort learning experience wherein a group completes the entire two year program together. The close bond that develops among students as they share professional, academic, and personal experiences is a special aspect of the program. Students work collaboratively and often find that strong support networks are built among cohort members, faculty, advisors, and staff lasting well beyond the two year academic program.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
This nationally recognized program is appropriate for those who are interested in becoming, or are already, early childhood professionals in a variety of roles. Settings include child care centers, public schools, Head Start Programs and family-based child care. For those interested in teaching in Massachusetts public schools, successful completion of this program and passing of the appropriate MA teachers tests will mean that graduates are eligible to apply for MA Department of Education Initial Licensure at the initial PreK-Grade 2 level.
TEACHER LICENSURE
Students follow a sequence of two semesters of student teaching experience in early childhood settings: one practicum in a kindergarten or a pre-kindergarten level site and one in a 1st or 2nd grade site, one of which must include children with special needs.
SCHEDULE OF COURSES
The Early Childhood Graduate Program is two years long in which you take two courses during each fall, spring and summer semester, for a total of six courses per year. Each course is completed in three weekends (approximately every other weekend) and are held Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission decisions are based upon careful review of academic records, a written essay, three references, and relevant experience. Please refer to the this page for specific information regarding admission requirements and materials.
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
The current tuition for the National and Regional master program is $625 per credit. Federal Stafford loans and other supplemental education loans are available through government financial aid applications (FAFSA). For information on graduate financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (617) 879.2206 or visit the Financial Aid website.
Program of Study
36 Credit Hours- ACD 501 Building a Foundation of Graduate Writing 0 Credit
- ACD 506 Early Childhood MTEL Subject Review 0 Credit
- ACD 510 Foundations of Reading MTEL Review 0 Credit
- EDU 505 Racial and Culture Identities 3 Credits
- EDU 515 Curriculum for ECE Science, Tech & Health – 2 Credits
- EDU 520 Intro to Inclusive ECE 3 Credits
- EDP 521 Practicum/Seminar: ECE PreK/K 3 Credits
- EDU 522 Curriculum for EC Social Studies and Arts 3 Credits
- EDP 526 Practicum/Seminar: ECE 1st/2nd -3 Credits
- EDU 528/529 Impact of Special Needs: ECE 3 Credits
- EDU 535 Developing Numeracy for Diverse Learners 3 Credits
- HDF 504 Child Development: The Early Years 3 Credits
- RDG 537 Developing Literacy 3 Credits
- RDG 625 Early Childhood Literacy 3 Credits
- RES 723 Practitioner as Researcher 3 Credits
- EDU 685 Education Capstone 1 Credit
For additional information, contact us:
By phone: (617) 879-2311
By email: natreg@wheelock.edu
