Program Description

The program consists of a minimum of 30 units of upper division and graduate courses. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years. Students will enroll in 2 courses (6 units) for two semesters and 3 courses (9 units) for two semesters. Classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings. Some classes are offered in a hybrid format. A program planner will be provided to each student upon admission.

Please review the Eligibility Requirements website for GPA and admission eligibility requirements. 

Completion of the following prerequisite courses or an equivalent (prerequisite courses may be taken after admission to the program, but must be taken during the first year of the program):

  • EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361

Please see the University Catalog for course descriptions.

Core courses (30 units):

Take all of the following:

  • EDEC 519 - Teacher as Researcher (3 units)
  • EDEC 520 - Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment: Critical Perspectives (3 units)
  • EDEC 521 - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood (3 units)
  • EDEC 522 - Developing Family, School, and Community Partnerships (3 units)
  • EDEC 525 - Early Literacy Development, Instruction, and Assessment (3 units)
  • EDEC 526 - Advanced Study of Infant and Toddler Programs (3 units)
  • EDEC 527 - Early Childhood Mathematics and Integrated STEM (3 units)
  • EDEC 530 - Advocating for Early Intervention of Young Children and their Families (3 units)
  • EDEC 623 - Leadership, Advocacy, and Supervision in Early Childhood Education (3 units)
  • EDEC 695 - Seminar in Early Childhood Education (3 units)

Culminating Experience- One of the following chosen with program advisor consultation:

Comprehensive Examination (0 units, taken in last semester)
or
EDEC 698 - Thesis Study in Early Childhood Education (6 units taken over two semesters) and Thesis

Year 1 Fall:

EDEC 521 
EDEC 522
EDP 301 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361, or equivalent (pre-requisite, if needed)

Year 1 Spring:

EDEC 519
EDEC 520
EDEC 530

Year 2 Fall:

EDEC 525
EDEC 526
EDEC 527

Year 2 Spring:

EDEC 623
EDEC 695

Take Comprehensive Exam or if Thesis, take EDEC 698 Fall and Spring of Year 2