EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
salemstate.edu/graduate
PROGRAMS Salem State offers multiple graduate pathways for aspiring and experienced early childhood professionals.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR PATHWAYS NEW! EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIAL LICENSURE + BILINGUAL EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT This program is designed for bilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency through the required state language assessment and prepares graduates to meet the growing need for bilingual educators in Massachusetts schools.
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD This program is for those seeking a public school PK-2 license. It requires 30-39 credits depending on previous coursework and experience. A 300-hour practicum (or equivalent) is completed with guidance from an experienced early childhood educator.
EARLY CHILDHOOD (LICENSURE ONLY) This program is for those with a master’s degree in education or related field who are seeking an initial public school license in PK-2 or who want to add an early childhood license. This program requires completion of 12-39 credits, depending on previous coursework and experience and requires a 300-hour practicum (or equivalent).
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION LICENSE This variable-credit program (30-51 credits) is for those seeking an initial PK-2 license and an initial license in special education. It is designed to cultivate the skills, methods and strategies required to support early childhood students, including those with mild to moderate special education needs, in general education classrooms. A practicum (or equivalent) in both PK-2 and special education is required. The latter may include a general education classroom that meets special education requirements.
MASTERS OF EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD (ADVANCED STUDIES) This flexible, individualized 30-credit master’s degree program is designed for early educators in community-based settings (e.g., preschools, early intervention programs, out-of-school-time) who want to advance their professional knowledge. Participants with three years of experience as a PK-2 public school teacher in Massachusetts who are seeking a professional teaching license from DESE. The program also offers options to complete a special education license or a graduate certificate in areas such as reading or TESOL.
CURRICULUM Salem State’s graduate programs in Early Childhood Education prepare educators to support the learning and development of young children across public schools, community-based programs, early intervention and out-of-school time settings. Through evidence-based, developmentally appropriate coursework, candidates deepen their understanding of child development, curriculum, assessment, family partnerships, and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. Whether pursuing initial licensure or advancing professional expertise, graduates are prepared to create engaging, equitable learning environments and become teachers, leaders and advocates for young children and their families.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Experienced, knowledgeable, and accessible faculty with extensive early childhood teaching expertise. • Fully online program with synchronous and asynchronous coursework. • Opportunities to complete required pre-practicum and practicum (required for licensure programs) in current PK-2 positions or through paid fellowships. • Small class sizes and cohort-based learning help to support collaborative relationships between students and faculty. • Opportunities for graduate assistantships, grants and scholarships including the federal TEACH grant and the Massachusetts Early Childhood Scholarship. • Ongoing advising and support when needed.
PACING AND TIME COMMITMENTS Students can select either full-time or part-time.
TIME TO DEGREE
RECOMMENDED START TIME
CREDITS PER SEMESTER
AVG NIGHTS PER WEEK
TOTAL CREDITS
1-year Accelerated
3 semesters
Summer 1 (required)
9-12
3-4
30-36
Two years
5-6 semesters
Fall, Spring, Summer
6
2
30-36
Self-paced
Varies
Fall, Spring, Summer
3-6
1-2
30-36
*All programs are based on student’s previous course work. Estimates are based on 30-36 required credits. Students requiring 39-46 credits will require additional semesters.
MTEL EXAMS AND THEIR ROLE IN LICENSURE
The successful completion of the state-accredited initial licensure program in education will lead to an initial license endorsement.
LICENSURE: PROGRAM + MTEL = A TEACHING LICENSE An initial license is obtained by successfully completing a Salem State licensure program, obtaining an endorsement for licensure from the McKeown School of Education and passing the required MTELs.
LICENSURE PROGRAM ENDORSEMENT Successful completion of the initial licensure program at Salem State will lead to an endorsement for licensure from the McKeown School of Education.
+ MTEL Pass the required MTEL exams for early childhood education (PK-2).
= INITIAL PK-2 LICENSE IN MASSACHUSETTS Apply for the initial license in PK-2 from DESE.
The required MTELs for early childhood education can be found at the MTEL website: www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/testrequire.html. •
Communication and Literacy or approved alternatives listed here: www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/alt-assess/communication.html » Foundations of Reading (190). The Reading Specialist MTEL (62) will also meet this requirement.
•
Early Childhood (72)
ONE-YEAR ACCELERATED OPTION This accelerated, three-semester option begins in summer and continues through the subsequent fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, participants study educational foundation content and theory in an intensive, online format. The subsequent fall semester includes a fulltime practicum in a PK-2 public school classroom while concurrently taking online courses on early childhood teaching methods. The final semester of the licensure portion of the program includes a full-time teaching practicum. The (optional) special education add-on license requires additional, online summer coursework followed by a special education practicum in the fall.
TWO-YEAR OPTION
SELF-PACED OPTION
The two-year option covers the same material as the one-year program, but over a longer time period. Participants typically take two classes per semester in the fall, spring and summer.
Because participants’ schedules and opportunities for graduate study vary from semester to semester, students are welcome to increase or decrease the number of courses taken during each semester as needed. All master’s degrees must be completed within six years of acceptance.
WORK WHILE EARNING YOUR DEGREE Candidates can complete the MEd in Early Childhood Education (PreK–2 Initial Licensure or Advanced Studies) while working in many PreK–2 educational settings. Online evening courses provide flexibility for full-time professionals. Many candidates complete their practicum assignments in their own classrooms while serving as lead teachers, paraprofessionals, assistant teachers or teachers of record. (This includes pre-practicum and practicum, if applicable.)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES According to DESE, Massachusetts is one of the higher paying states for teachers, with an average salary of $86,118 during the 2020-21 school year.
ADMISSIONS PROGRAM
MEd, Initial; MEd Advanced; Licensure Only
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
LETTERS OF REFERENCE
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
2
Yes
Bachelor’s degree
COSTS For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $492.60,* including tuition and fees. For non-residents, each credit costs $593.50.* Courses are 1.5 to 3 credits. For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING: • Early Childhood Educators scholarship: mass.gov/how-to/ apply-for-the-early-childhood-educators-ece-scholarship • Graduate assistantships: salemstate.edu/admissions-and-aid/graduateadmissions/funding-your-graduate-education/graduate-assistantships • Grants and scholarships: salemstate.edu/admissionsand-aid/grants-and-scholarships • Financial aid: salemstate.edu/finaid *Tuition and fees subject to change.
PLEASE VISIT SALEMSTATE.EDU/GRADUATE/ADMISSIONS FOR FULL DETAILS.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200 For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.