Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > School of Education > Elementary and Secondary Education > Early Childhood Education > Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

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Early Childhood Education

The graduate program in Early Childhood Education is a multi-disciplinary two-year cohort program leading to a Master of Arts degree. Students will comprehensively examine the whole child at an advanced level, prenatal development through age 8. In addition to an in-depth understanding of all developmental domains; cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical, students will gain knowledge of theory, research and best practices. Coursework will include an emphasis on significant issues found in early childhood education, such as environmental influences, children with special needs, diversity, second language learners, public policy, and social justice. This program will prepare students for careers in early childhood education program delivery, such as teaching and administration; in community college instruction; in policy and advocacy; or to pursue further graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

In accordance with the Mission and Goals of the School of Education, the Early Childhood Education Program strives to work collaboratively with students in a supportive environment to create professionals who value and respect all children and families, advocate for social justice, and demonstrate cultural competence. Graduates of the ECE program will integrate theory and research into practice and policy, contribute to our evolving knowledge of children, and exemplify best practices in teaching and caring for young children.

Upon completion of the program,

Students will demonstrate mastery of early childhood education terminology as evidenced through exams, written assignments, and oral presentations.
Students will apply advanced knowledge of developmental theories and milestones within educational settings.
Students will analyze, design, and conduct research, observations, and assessments.
Students will demonstrate leadership and advocacy in regards to the relevant issues that families and children face.
Students will demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, ethical, disability, and economic issues that impact developmental and educational progress.

For additional information, please refer to the School of Education Mission and Goal Statements.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Application to the Early Childhood Education Master of Arts degree program is accomplished by completing and submitting the following to the School of Education (unless otherwise noted).

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in child development or related field such as psychology, social work, urban studies, liberal studies, etc. Applicants with an unrelated Bachelor’s degree must demonstrate completion at a passing level (C or better) of 12 ECE semester hours, and a minimum of 60 hours of fieldwork (both observation and direct involvement with children will be considered).

GPA Requirement: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher or a GPA of 2.85 or higher in the last 60 units of the applicant’s undergraduate degree or a GPA of 3.0 or higher obtained in 9 units of graduate work. Students who do not meet this requirement may be recommended to the Exceptions Committee by the Program Director.

Submission of Graduate Application and Application Fee: Applicants may either submit the LMU Graduate application and fee to the Graduate Division or complete the online application.

Candidate Information Sheet: Applicants must submit the Candidate Information Sheet to the Graduate Division.

Statement of Intent: Applicants must write a 3–5 page essay addressing: 1) elements of your educational and/or personal experience that have contributed to your interest in pursuing graduate study in early childhood education; 2) your career objective(s) and the abilities and skills you possess that will enhance your chances of success; 3) how LMU’s MA program will assist you in achieving your goals, and if applicable; 4) your research area of interest; and 5) any plans for obtaining a subsequent advanced degree.

Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation to the Graduate Division. At least one letter must verify the applicant’s experience and familiarity with young children. At least one letter must verify the student’s academic experience and abilities.

Transcripts: Applicants must submit, to the Graduate Division, two sets of official transcripts with their bachelor’s degree posted. If applicants are in the process of completing their degree at the time of application, they must submit official transcripts with their degree posted by the start of registration for the following semester. Candidates who have attended more than one college or university must submit two sets of official transcripts from each college/university attended.

Observation/Volunteer Hours Plan of Action: Candidates must complete at least 60 hours of experience working with culturally diverse children between the ages of 0–5 years. Both observation and direct involvement are valid as well as hours accumulated as part of a course requirement.

Tuberculin Test: Candidates must submit an official copy of their tuberculin skin test results, given within one year.

Technology Requirement: Candidates may satisfy the technology requirement by either completing a self-verification form or verifying the completion of an approved 2042 course through another institution. Candidates must register for LiveText during the first prerequisite course. The ePortfolio fee is assessed during the first semester of enrollment.

Interview with the Program Director: Following the submission of all requirements to the Graduate Division, the candidate will be asked to schedule a personal interview with the Director of the Early Childhood Education Program. The interview will not be scheduled until all letters of recommendation have been received.

Upon completing the interview, the candidate’s application is submitted to the Associate Dean for review and recommendation. Once a recommendation is made, the candidate will receive written correspondence from the School of Education and Graduate Admissions explaining their admission status.

Advisement: Immediately upon being either Controlled or Provisionally admitted, the student must schedule an appointment with the Academic Advisor. All candidates are required to meet with the Academic Advisor once a semester. Candidates are advised on appropriate course sequence and program information.

Coursework

Traditional Candidates: Candidates following this path will complete the coursework described below with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better before beginning the culminating experience. Traditional candidates will follow a cohort Fall/Spring/Summer schedule in Years 1 and 2.

Intern/Practitioner Candidates: Candidates following this path are employed full-time at an early childhood education setting that has a partnership with LMU. The candidates take courses and must achieve a grade of "B" (3.0) or better while teaching full-time. Some intern/practitioner candidates will follow a cohort Summer/Fall/Spring schedule in Year 1 and a Fall/Spring/Summer schedule in Year 2.

Year 1

EDES 5400	Developmental Theories (3 semester hours)
EDES 5401	Infancy (3 semester hours)
EDCE 5961	Early Childhood Fieldwork 1 (1 semester hour)—optional*
EDCE 5962	Early Childhood Fieldwork 2 (1 semester hour)—optional*
EDES 5402	Early Childhood (3 semester hours)
EDES 5403	Cognition and Language (3 semester hours)
EDES 5404	Environmental Influences on Development (3 semester hours)
EDES 5405	ECE Programs and Curriculum (3 semester hours)

Year 2

EDES 5406	Social and Emotional Development (3 semester hours)
EDES 5407	Research Methods and Early Childhood Assessment (3 semester hours)
EDCE 5963	Early Childhood Education Fieldwork 3 (1 semester hour)—optional*
EDES 5408	ECE Program Administration (Lecture and Fieldwork) (3 semester hours)
EDES 5964	Leadership and Clinical Practice (2 semester hours)—Spring

Culminating Experience:

EDES 6995	Comprehensive Exam (0 semester hours)
	or
EDES 6955	Thesis(4 semester hours)

* Intern/practitioner candidates have the option of enrolling in EDCE 5961, 5962, and 5963 for professional development.

All candidates that do not complete 3 semester hours in EDCE 5961, 5962, and 5963 must enroll in an additional 3-semester-hour graduate-level course approved by the Program Director.

Application for Master of Arts Degree

Candidates must complete an application for a Master of Arts degree with the Office of the Registrar the semester prior to the completion of degree requirements.