Master of Education

Program Description

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in early childhood education is designed for teachers who hold a clear renewable T-4 teaching certificate. It provides advanced professional and pedagogical studies that develop expertise in the knowledge, skills, and habits of accomplished teachers.

Educator Preparation at Columbus State University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the M.Ed. program, the candidate may apply to upgrade teacher certification to the T-5 level.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree
• A clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores)
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program of study, students completing the MEd program in Early Childhood Education will:

1. identify, describe, and use elements of developmentally appropriate practice (scholarship);
2. plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate practices, including the use of technology, instructional media, and online teaching, for diverse learners (teaching);
3. identify significant developments in a human organism from conception throughout the period of early childhood (scholarship);
4. identify significant events in history of early childhood education and discuss their relationship to the current state of early childhood education (scholarship);
5. explain how influential educational psychologists (i.e. Piaget, Erickson, Skinner, Maslow) have impacted the field of early childhood education and classroom instruction (scholarship);
6. use current research in early childhood education to refine classroom practices (teaching);
7. identify current trends and issues in contemporary curriculum theory grounded in the historical context (scholarship);
8. use a variety of teaching strategies to enhance learning opportunities for children in the following curriculum areas: language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, and movement education (teaching);
9. assess, create, and employ a variety of authentic assessment strategies within the early childhood classroom (teaching); and
10. maintain high ethical standards and advocate for children and professionalism in the field of Early Childhood Education (professionalism).

Additional Program Requirements

• Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies
• Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses
• A minimum of 27 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (75%). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence
• A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a masters degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred. The student’s advisor and the coordinator of the program in which the student is enrolled must approve any courses transferred
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment

Program of Study

Area 1 Professional Core Required Hours: 7
EDUF 6115 Educational Psychology: Achievement for Diverse Learners
EDUF 6116 Educational Research Methods
EDUF 6795 Seminar: Foundations of Collaborative Student Support

Area 2 Concentration Required Hours: 18

Select one of the following courses:
EDEC 6125 Developing Mathematical Thinking in the Early Childhood Classroom
MAED 6130 Numbers and Problem Solving

Area 3 Electives Required Hours: 11
EDEC 6135 Developing Scientific Thinking in the Early Childhood Classroom
EDEC 6145 Exploring the World with Young Children
EDEC 6159 Imagination, Curiosity, and Creativity in Teaching and Learning
EDEC 6165 Partnerships with Parents/Guardians of Young Children
EDEC 6795 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education
EDMA 6235 Appl in Arithmetic & Algebra for K-5 Teachers
EDMA 6236 Geometry & Measurement for K-5 Teachers
EDMA 6237 Data Analysis & Probability for K-5 Teachers
EDRG 6245 Assessment and Classroom Instruction
EDRG 6756 Classroom Literacy Seminar
EDRG 6148 Psychology of Reading
EDSI 6135 Elem Science & Energy for K-5 Teachers
EDSI 6136 Elem Science & the Environment for K-5 Teachers
EDSI 6137 Contemporary Issues in Science Education for K-5 Teachers

Area 4 Other Requirements Required Hours: 0
EDUF 6000 Exit Exam

Total Required Hours: 36

Note: See advisor for information about all endorsements.