Learn how to better address children鈥檚 educational needs with a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) focused on Special Education from the University of Central Missouri. Young children with special needs command additional time, attention and expertise. This pathway will prepare early childhood educators teaching special education students to better address a range of learning challenges.
A master鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education from UCM will also demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills critical to teaching students in inclusive class settings. If you鈥檙e not already certified to teach early childhood education, you can work with an advisor to create a specialized plan with additional coursework that leads to early childhood education certification in Missouri. For early childhood educators who are already certified, you鈥檒l be able to apply your learning in your own classroom or school.
100% online degree program
UCM鈥檚 entirely online MSE in ECE - Special Education allows early childhood educators to advance their professional careers in a convenient way for them.
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95% of graduates hired before graduation
Aligned to NAEYC professional standards
Longest CAEP-accredited program
100% online program
Established 150 years ago
Early childhood educators play a significant role in ensuring children of varying abilities can grow, learn and thrive in their classroom environments.
The graduate coursework you鈥檒l complete in this pathway will help you better understand approaches to teaching special education for students who need additional support, as well as the laws that protect students with disabilities in the classroom. Choose from a variety of electives that align with your career goals, such as:
Professional certification for early childhood educators
If you鈥檙e looking to obtain your early childhood education teacher certification, an advisor will work with you to help you develop a plan, recommending classes and experiential learning opportunities that will fulfill both your certification and master鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education requirements.
At UCM, we believe that you learn best by doing. We strive to provide meaningful graduate school experiences in the field that provide you with in-depth insights into teaching special education and policy. While pursuing your Early Childhood Education degree online, you鈥檒l have plenty of opportunities to put your learning into practice.
Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt curricula for diverse student populations, manage individual education plans and adhere to special education law. UCM鈥檚 master鈥檚 in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Special Education, prepares early childhood educators to work in settings such as:
Careers in early childhood special education
At UCM, 95% of our Early Childhood Education students are hired before graduation. Your master鈥檚 degree in Early Childhood Education from UCM increases your potential to advance your career and earnings. Use the interactive tool below to learn more about employment trends, projected growth and career pathways in early childhood education.
A UCM graduate degree in Early Childhood Education is a valuable investment in your future. As a top-ranked university for low student debt, according to LendEDU, the University of Central Missouri offers a variety of resources to help you finance your graduate education.
Several scholarships are available to graduate students, including those enrolled in UCM鈥檚 master鈥檚 in Early Childhood Education - Special Education degree program. You may qualify for scholarship opportunities such as these:
You may also qualify for scholarships within the College of Education. Use the to learn more about how to apply for these opportunities and more.
UCM graduate certificates add value to your MSE in Early Childhood Education, providing you with specialized knowledge in addition to teaching special education skills.
If you鈥檙e still exploring options for grad school, UCM offers several related programs in education you may also be interested in:
With a Master of Science in Education degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), you will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to achieve the following professional skills:
To be accepted into the Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree program, in the School of Teaching & Learning, you must: (a) have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75; (b) submit proof of teacher certification or professional endorsement from any of the 50 states or territories and have graduated from a CAEP or regionally accredited university; (c) submit a copy of your last summative teaching evaluation, or a letter from a school superintendent, principal, director, or professor attesting to teaching skills and/or graduate studies potential.
The following courses are required by all three options within the Master of Science in Education degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE):
The Early Childhood Education Special Education option is concentrated on preparing early childhood educators for teaching in inclusive childcare settings, or in early childhood special education specifically. In addition to the core courses, you will select three of these courses for this option:
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