Online Master's in Early Childhood Education
Program Overview
The Online Master's in Early Childhood Education (P-3) program from the University of West Alabama prepares educators to meet the needs of young children in preschool through third grade. The program emphasises research, technology, reading instruction, and special education, and offers a pathway to earning an Alabama Class A Professional Educator Certificate. Students can complete the 33-hour program in one year, benefitting from an affordable tuition rate and the support of a mentor collective.
Program Outline
Program Details: Online Master's in Early Childhood Education (P-3)
Degree Overview:
- Objective: Prepare educators to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of children in preschool through third grade in various settings.
- Program Description: This online master's program equips educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach young children. The curriculum covers topics such as educational research, technology integration, reading instruction, special education, and educational psychology.
- Key Features:
- Fully online program
- Affordable tuition
- Opportunity to earn a Class A Professional Educator Certificate in Alabama
Outline:
- Program Length: 1 year
- Credit Hours: 33
- Course Length: 8 weeks
- Cost Per Credit: $429
- Course Structure:
- Professional Courses (18 hours):
- CO 547: Counseling Multicultural Populations (3 credit hours)
- ED 500 OR ED 501: Foundations of Education OR Educational Planning (3 credit hours)
- ED 504: Techniques of Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- ED 505: Technology and Education (3 credit hours)
- EE 500: Teaching Reading (3 credit hours)
- EP 500 OR EP 506: Advanced Educational Psychology OR Life-Span Development and Learning (3 credit hours)
- Teaching Field Courses (15 hours):
- CE 504: Theory, Research, and Practice in Social/Emotional Development (3 credit hours)
- CE 506: Literature for Early Childhood Education (3 credit hours)
- CE 510: Current Trends in Early Childhood Education (3 credit hours)
- CE 512: Planning Programs for Early Education (3 credit hours)
- CE 514: Language Development for Young Children (3 credit hours)
Assessment:
- Program Completion Requirements:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all program courses.
- Achieve a satisfactory score on a written comprehensive examination demonstrating mastery of the curriculum.
- Alabama Class A Certification Requirements:
- Meet all program requirements.
- Hold a valid bachelor's-level professional educator certificate in the same teaching field(s) as the Class A Professional Educator Certificate being sought.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Preschool Teacher
- Child Care Center Director
- Family Support Specialist
- Early Childhood Consultant or Specialist
Other:
- Mentor Collective Program: This program connects students with mentors to enhance their online learning experience. Students gain insights into the program, while mentors develop their professional skills and leadership abilities.
- Transfer Credit Policy: UWA may accept up to 9 hours of graduate-level transfer credit for matching courses and curriculums in most programs.
University of West Alabama
Overview:
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university located in Livingston, Alabama. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online learning opportunities. UWA prides itself on providing a supportive and immersive educational experience with a focus on hands-on learning.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a range of services to support students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, and writing centers.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, and loan programs.Student Life:
Clubs and organizations, Greek life, intramural and varsity athletics, recreational activities, dining options, and comfortable dorms.Health Services:
Health information and resources.Library:
The Julia Tutwiler Library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Technology:
Access to computer labs, wireless internet, and other technology resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to get involved in a variety of activities. Students can join clubs and organizations, participate in Greek life, compete in intramural and varsity athletics, enjoy recreational activities on the 54-acre lake and in the Livingston area, and take advantage of the various dining options and comfortable dorms.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small Class Sizes:
UWA boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and a more intimate learning environment.Supportive Faculty:
A high percentage of UWA faculty hold the highest-level degrees in their disciplines, providing students with access to experienced and knowledgeable instructors.Financial Aid Opportunities:
A significant portion of UWA students receive financial aid, making a quality education more accessible.Hands-on Learning:
UWA emphasizes practical experience and real-world application of knowledge.Vibrant Campus Life:
UWA offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and build lasting connections.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of academic programs across various colleges and divisions, including:
