Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood is a unique time in a child’s development and it takes special skills and competencies to provide children with the grounding on which they build the rest of their education. Explore this program to find out how you can be a part of this innovative field.

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Program Requirements

Program Overview

This initial licensure program is designed for those who already hold a graduate degree and are seeking their teaching license in early childhood, prekindergarten through second grade (PK-2).

Participants are not eligible for financial aid because this is a licensure program but not a degree program.

Program Features

  • Course modality: Fully online program with synchronous and asynchronous coursework.
  • Flexible completion time: Flexible enrollment (full or part-time) and pacing to meet participants' personal and professional needs.
  • Special education add-on license option: Students interested in a PK-2 license in special education can do so. This variable-credit program requires a practicum (or equivalent) in PK-2 and special education with no additional MTEL requirements.
  • Small class sizes: Small class sizes help to support collaborative relationships between students and faculty.
  • Faculty: Experienced, knowledgeable, and accessible faculty with extensive early childhood teaching expertise. 
  • Early Childhood Educators (ECE) Scholarship: The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) jointly offer this scholarship to help early educators increase their qualifications through a college degree.
  • Tomorrow’s Teachers Today Scholarship: Seeks to address the teacher shortage in Massachusetts and support individuals with up to $25,000 per year toward their college education. This scholarship makes it more affordable for those enrolling in coursework who intend to obtain their teaching license to pursue a career in a Massachusetts K-12 public school.

Curriculum

This is a variable-credit program. Students will meet with the program faculty to review their prior coursework and determine how many courses they must take to be eligible for practicum (student teaching). The course review is based on state licensure competency requirements.

Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Explore Pathways to a Career in Early Childhood Education

Salem State University offers three programs that prepare participants to become licensed pre-kindergarten to second grade (PK-2) teachers in Massachusetts public schools and/or early childhood educators in various community-based settings (e.g., preschool, out-of-school time, and early intervention).

Early Childhood Education Program Options

  • MEd early childhood education initial license: for those seeking initial licensure as a PK-2 teacher in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • MEd early childhood education advanced studies: for those who hold an initial PK-2 teaching license and are seeking to become eligible for professional licensure, as well as individuals with prior experience in the field who are seeking further professional development.
  • Licensure only early childhood education: for those seeking initial licensure as a PK-2 teacher in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but not a master’s degree.

If you have any questions about which program would be the best fit for you, please reach out to graduate admissions.

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