Alert: The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025.
The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025. The Health Center is operating in a modified capacity. Call 303-615-9999 for appointment information during operating hours. Reminder, the Health Center is closed for the winter break Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.
Learn More
Master's Programs
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA
Classroom Type: Fully Online On campus Online and on campus classes
Prepares educators to work in inclusive and diverse early learning environments with young children (infancy through age eight). Graduates gain practices that embrace the whole child in culturally and linguistically diverse public school or community-based early childhood education settings, emphasizing family-centered practices. It is offered in on-campus, hybrid, or fully online formats. This MA does not lead to a license or endorsement.
Application​ deadlines
Rolling Admission
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver Online
What you'll learn
If you have a passion for working with young children, families and communities during the critically important stage of early childhood, University of Colorado Denver’s on-campus, hybrid or fully online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is the perfect program for you! This program emphasizes inclusive, family-centered practices, culturally sustaining teaching and a curriculum that is inspired by the potential of all children and families. We prepare highly competent professionals who are leaders and advocates known for embracing the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
Our highly ranked and flexible ECE programs of study feature personalized support that will reach you wherever you are – throughout Colorado or around the world. Our master’s students are interested in teaching and leading in public schools, full-day early childhood programs, publicly funded and private preschools, kindergartens, early intervention and family support programs.
MA students work closely with our faculty members to fuel their professional goals.
The MA only (non-licensure & non-endorsement) degree plan (on-campus, hybrid and online versions) is part of CU Denver’s Personalized Professional Master’s Degree™. Join an innovative program that provides courses to deepen your expertise in early childhood education. At the same time, this Personalized Professional Master’s Degree allows you to customize your curriculum by selecting from courses outside of the main area of focus according to your own needs and interests. Discover how emerging technologies and innovative practices can be used to improve learning in your preschool classroom and your school. Delve into leadership strategies and advocacy for policy and legislative change in early childhood education. Learn how to better serve culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families. Please discuss your course options with your faculty advisor.
The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. Your “high-tech and high-touch” experience in online courses includes: 24/7 technical support, faculty video-coaching and conferencing/advising and small group learning in both real-time as well as your own time.
CU Denver is committed to increasing the number of highly qualified and well-compensated early professionals in the field. We offer ECE scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities to support early childhood teachers and leaders.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
The School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver attracts students who are passionate about careers in education. We match their passion with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.
Sample Courses
- ECED 5060 - Working with Families and Communities 3 credits
- ECED 5010 - Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
- RSEM 5080 - Research In Schools 3 credits
- ECED 5850 - Capstone in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:2 to 3 years
Required Credits for Completion:30
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
We practice "rolling admission" and after your application is complete, we strive to notify you of your admission status in no more than two to three weeks.
The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.
Fall Semester: June 30
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 30
Application Requirements
- 2 recommendation letters
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- If applying for an endorsement, proof of teaching license or special services license is required
- Resume/CV
- Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program
- $50.00 application fee
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.
Additional Information
Our program was created for individuals who wish to understand the latest research and practices in early childhood education. We encourage you to apply at least four months in advance or as early as possible before the start of the semester for which you are seeking admission. We strive to provide rolling decisions and will communicate admissions decisions within two weeks of submitting a complete application.