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

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):

• Core Courses (15 hours required)*

• EDN 512 - Historical and Contemporary Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
• EDL 509 - Public Policy and Advocacy for Children and Families Credits: 3
• EDL 554 - Leadership Theory and Behavior Credits: 3
• EDN 514 - Arts Integration Across the Curriculum (K-6) Credits: 3
• EDL 510 - Internship in Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy Credits: 3

•  

• Culminating Project/Thesis Courses (6 credits required)

• EDL 596 - Culminating Project I Credits: 3

• and either

• EDL 597 - Culminating Project II Credits: 3 or
• EDL 599 - Thesis II Credits: 3

•  

• Electives (up to 15 credits required)

• Courses from any of the following designations with guidance from an advisor:

• EDN, EDL, PLS (Public Administration), HEA (Health and Human Services), SWK (Social Work), and other courses approved by the advisor.
• EDL 523 - Research in Education Credits: 3 may serve as an elective

•  

• *Students without an undergraduate course in the introduction to early childhood education may be required to take EDN 503  Introduction to Early Childhood Education. A faculty advisor will review transcripts to determine if this is required. Students enrolled in EDN 503 will complete the program with an additional 3 hours (39).

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.