Mar 29, 2024  
2014-2015 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2014-2015 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy in Early Childhood Specialization, M.Ed.


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Graduate Coordinators: Dr. Amelia (Amy) Moody



The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program includes a specialization in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy specifically in the area of early childhood. This specialization is an interdisciplinary program designed for people who work or wish to work as a leader of the field of family and child advocacy. Information in this degree supports the development of leadership skills to serve in positions within community, state, and national agencies, in both the public and private sector that focus on supporting the healthy development, growth, and education of families and children. This specialization provides a grounding in social, historical, philosophical, developmental, educational, and international perspectives of family and child advocacy. The 36-39 hour* specialization supports the Watson College of Education Conceptual Framework for developing highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles. 

Program Goal


The M.Ed. with specialization in educational leadership, policy and advocacy, with an early childhood focus, prepares professionals with an interest in the early childhood field to take leadership roles in organizations that focus on improving the lives of families and children through the collaboration of public policy, community action, and educational support.

Specialization Objectives


Upon completion of the M.Ed. with specialization in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy in Early Childhood, students will be able to:

  • Understand the historical and contemporary social and political issues that affect families and children.
  • Understand, support, and advocate for the positive and productive development, health, education and other needs of diverse families and children.
  • Think and act critically as a member of a complex and global society with responsibilities for all citizens.
  • Use data effectively for assessment and decision-making, including the design and evaluation of effective services and programs for families and children.
  • Provide effective leadership in developing and changing organization that support families and children.

 

Admission Requirements:


1. Bachelor’s degree completed before graduate study begins in early childhood or related field (documentation of experience in the field of early childhood or related field (documentation of experience in the field of early childhood is required if bachelor’s degree is in another field).
2. Official copies of transcripts of college work (graduate and undergraduate).
3. Official scores on Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam.
4. Three recommendations from individuals who can attest to the qualifications of the applicant for admission to this program.
5. A personal statement describing one’s interest in family and child advocacy and any prior leadership experience.
6. Requirements may be substituted depending on a student’s background and experience. Consultation with a faculty advisor is required to determine if a substitution is appropriate.
7. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.
 

Degree Requirements (36 hours):


Exit Requirement:


All students must complete either a culminating project or a thesis. All students must take and pass EDL 596  Culminating Project I (3) and either EDL 597  Culminating Project II (3) or EDL 599  Thesis II (3). All students must defend either the culminating project or a thesis. In the thesis option, students must submit the manuscript to the Graduate School.

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