College of Education

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Option: Advanced Curriculum and Teaching

Coordinator: Dr. Polly Ashelman
Hennings Hall, Room 414
(908) 737-3785/3780
pashelma@kean.edu

This option provides students with opportunities to examine the principles and processes of curricular development, assessment and program evaluation for young children. Emphasis is placed on strategies applicable to the classroom and the development of master teachers.

This option does not lead to initial teacher certification.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores
Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75; lower GPA’s will be considered based on appropriate experience.
Two letters of recommendation
Departmental interview may be required

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

33 credits: 21 required, 12 elective
Comprehensive examination
Two semester (6 credits) advanced seminar course

SPECIALIZATION 21 CREDITS

REQUIRED COURSES 15 CREDITS

EC 5000 Foundations of Early Childhood
and Family Studies* 3
EC 5100 Language, Reading and Thought
in the Young Child: Theory and Practice* 3
EC 5260 Research in Early Childhood and Family Studies 3
EC 5581 Advanced Curriculum and Teaching:
Theory and Practice in Early Childhood Education 3
PSY 5110 The Developmental Study of Children
(or approved substitute) 3

ELECTIVES 6 CREDITS

Select two courses from the following:

EC 5200 Innovative Programs in Early Childhood and Family Studies 3
EC 5210 Infant/Toddler Child Care Programs: Educational Component 3
EC 5230 Developmental Theories for Teaching in Early Childhood and Family Studies* 3
EC 5245 Creative and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education 3
EC 5250 Science for Early Childhood Teachers 3
EC 5270 Teaching in a Pluralistic Society: Pre-K through Third Grade 3
EC 5275 Integrated Curriculum Design* 3
EC 5290 Mathematics for Early Childhood Teachers 3
EC 5320 Creating Partnerships with Families* 3
EC 5500 Integrating Technology into the Early Childhood Curriculum* 3
EC 5597 Action Research Seminar 3
EC 5820 Learning Experiences in International Settings 3
EC 5900 Early Childhood and Family Studies Conference* 3

* Required for N.J. Certification, P-3

GENERAL ELECTIVES 6 CREDITS

Two courses selected with advisement of coordinator from graduate offerings within or outside Early Childhood and Family Studies.

RESEARCH 6 CREDITS

EC 5598 - 5599 Advanced Seminar in Early Childhood and Family Studies I & II* 6

*Comprehensive Examination required as a prerequisite.

Total 33 Credits