Campuses:
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Twin Cities Campus
Early Childhood Education M.Ed.Institute of Child Development
College of Education and Human Development
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Institute of Child Development, 51 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-9778; fax: 612-624-6373)
Email:
alle0335@umn.edu
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Early Childhood Education MEd prepares outstanding teachers of young children with a strong foundation in child development theory and research and developmentally appropriate methodology for educating the different ages within the early childhood years (birth to age 8). Clinical experiences in the Child Development Laboratory School and in local urban/suburban public schools create a strong experiential base in which to apply the principles and methods learned in University courses. Emphasis is placed on understanding individual learners, working with diverse learners, using a variety of instructional strategies, providing inclusive programming for children with and without special needs, working closely with families, and creating positive classroom communities. The program includes preparation in developing and implementing professional writing and curriculum planning, authentic assessment, documentation of student learning, reflective practice, professional development, and ethics.
This MEd includes coursework that also satisfies initial licensure requirements. Upon completion of all requirements, students are eligible for recommendation for teacher licensure in early childhood education (birth to third grade), which is awarded through the Minnesota Department of Education.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 2.80.
A bachelor's degree must be completed at the time of matriculation.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain paid or unpaid classroom experience with young children, ages birth to third grade, with multicultural and diverse populations. Students with an undergraduate degree other than the University of Minnesota Twin Cities BS in Early Childhood and who wish to pursue Minnesota state licensure, must complete prerequisite coursework to meet state licensure standards.
Required prerequisites
Prerequisite Coursework
Students without an Early Childhood BS from the University, and who wish to pursue Minnesota state licensure, must complete the following prerequisite coursework adopted by PELSB (Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board). Prerequisites may be completed after admission, but cannot be applied to MEd credit requirements.
Developmental Psychology Courses
CPSY 4331 - Social and Personality Development
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 4343 - Cognitive Development
(3.0 cr)
Introduction to Child Development
Students must take one of the following courses, or have previously taken an approved equivalent.
CPSY 2301 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology
[SOCS]
(4.0 cr)
or
CPSY 3301 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology
[SOCS]
(4.0 cr)
or
CPSY 3301H - Honors Introduction to Developmental Psychology
[SOCS]
(4.0 cr)
Early Childhood Courses
CPSY 5241 - Field Experience in Early Childhood Education
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 5251W - Social and Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 5252 - Facilitating Social and Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 5253 - Facilitating Cognitive and Language Learning in Early Childhood Education
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 5254 - Facilitating Creative and Motor Learning in Early Childhood Education
(2.0 cr)
EPSY 5625 - Education of Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool Children with Disabilities: Introduction
(2.0 cr)
Foundation Courses
CI 5307 - Technology for Teaching and Learning
(1.5 cr)
OLPD 5009 - Human Relations: Applied Skills for School and Society
(1.0 cr)
Elementary Education Foundations
CI 3211 - Introduction to Elementary Teaching
(3.0 cr)
CI 3212 - Field Experience: Elementary Teaching
(2.0 cr)
Language and Literacy
Linguistics
CI 3610 - Linguistics for Teachers
[SOCS]
(3.0 cr)
or
LING 3001 - Introduction to Linguistics
[SOCS]
(4.0 cr)
or
ENGL 3601 - Analysis of the English Language
(4.0 cr)
or
CPSY 4345 - Language Development and Communication
(3.0 cr)
Literacy
CI 3401W - Diversity in Children's Literature
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
CI 5413 - Foundations of Reading
(3.0 cr)
CI 5414 - Field Experience: Working with Developing Readers
(2.0 cr)
Cognition
EPSY 5001 - Learning, Cognition, and Assessment
(3.0 cr)
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants who have completed the Early Childhood BS degree through the University of Minnesota apply for fall admission.
Applicants who have not completed the Early Childhood bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota can apply for spring, summer, or fall admission.
All applicants must submit the following five required application materials through the online application system:
1. Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.
2. Resume
3. Essay
4. Two Letters of Recommendation - These letters should be written by someone who is knowledgeable about your education-related experiences, work with young children, work style, and personal attributes.
5. Application fee - This fee is charged when you submit your application and is required for each application you submit. Fees must be paid online with a credit card.
Nonnative English speakers and/or international students should also submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
See full application instructions and deadlines at: https://icd.umn.edu/academics/early-childhood-education-master-of-education/apply/
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test
abbreviations
(TOEFL).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
Plan C: Plan C requires
32 to 40
major credits and
up to
credits outside the
major.
There is no final exam.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 2.80
is required for students to remain in good standing.
Additional requirements and credits may be required to be recommended for licensure. Required licensure coursework is subject to change. Please visit https://www.cehd.umn.edu/teaching/ for the most up to date requirements and coursework.
The University of Minnesota does not award licensure. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) determines licensure for the state of Minnesota in the areas of teacher education and related services.
Early Childhood Education
MEd required coursework
Undergraduate Pathway (32 credits)
Students who transition into the MEd degree from the University's Early Childhood BS take the courses below to earn their MEd.
CI 5425 - Reading Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5426 - Language Arts Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5502 - Science Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5645 - Teaching English Learners in English-medium classrooms
(3.0 cr)
CI 5702 - Social Studies Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5822 - Mathematics Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 5171 - Field Experience: Applying Instructional Methods in the Elementary School
(2.0 cr)
CPSY 5181 - Clinical Experience in Elementary School Teaching
(10.0 cr)
CPSY 5187 - Capstone Project: Improvement of Teaching in Early Childhood Education
(2.0 cr)
or
Graduate Pathway (38 to 40 credits)
These courses are required for all students who have not earned their undergraduate degree from the University's Early Childhood BS program. Students complete the courses below in addition to the required pre-requisities, which may be taken after admittance into the MEd program. The number of CPSY 5281 credits required is dependent upon teaching placement.
CI 5425 - Reading Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5426 - Language Arts Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5502 - Science Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5645 - Teaching English Learners in English-medium classrooms
(3.0 cr)
CI 5702 - Social Studies Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CI 5822 - Mathematics Instruction in the Elementary Grades
(3.0 cr)
CPSY 5171 - Field Experience: Applying Instructional Methods in the Elementary School
(2.0 cr)
CPSY 5181 - Clinical Experience in Elementary School Teaching
(10.0 cr)
CPSY 5187 - Capstone Project: Improvement of Teaching in Early Childhood Education
(2.0 cr)
CPSY 5281 - Student Teaching in Early Childhood Education
(6.0-8.0 cr)
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CPsy 2301/ 3301/ H |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CPsy 2301/ 3301/ H |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CPsy 2301/ 3301/ H |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EPsy 3625/EPsy 5625 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.5 [max 1.5] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Ling 3001/3001H/5001 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EPsy 3119/EdHD 5001 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 10.0 [max 20.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 10.0 [max 20.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 6.0 -8.0 [max 8.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |