Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education – Teacher Certification
Arizona State University’s Master of Education in early childhood education (ECE) plus certification program prepares students who are interested in earning certification and gaining hands-on experience working with children in grades K-3. In addition to advanced coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to act as a student teacher and participate in additional experiences in classroom settings. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for a career as an early childhood educator or to advance toward roles in education administration and management.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 14
Weeks per class: 15
Total credit hours: 36
Elevate your career in early childhood education
This master’s program equips you with the skills and practical experience needed to become a certified teacher working with children in early ages through third grade. By completing your coursework, applied activities and in-person clinical experiences, you’ll gain skills in areas including early childhood development and pedagogy, policy advocacy and analysis, literacy, evaluation and research. You’ll also become knowledgeable about:
- Current trends and research in the field of early childhood education.
- Instructional design and delivery techniques for young learners.
- Typical/atypical early childhood development.
Earn your ECE master’s and certification together
In this program, you have the option to pursue a master’s degree only, or a master’s degree with Arizona certification in Early Childhood Education to become a licensed educator. The MEd in Early Childhood Education with certification includes two internships, each worth two credits: one in preschool and one in grades K-3. During these semester-long internships, you’ll spend one full day per week in a classroom setting working with children.
Certification students will also complete a full-time student teaching experience, working full-time for 15 weeks in an early childhood (K-3) classroom. While completing this, you’ll be expected to follow your mentor teacher’s contracted hours and are advised to not work other jobs during these times.
Who’s a good candidate for this master’s program?
An ideal candidate for this master’s in ECE plus certification program is a current or aspiring educator seeking official licensure to teach students who are in pre-K through third grade. The professional experiences in this program allow you to connect what you learn in your courses to real-world settings, helping to prepare you for a successful career.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: ASUeducation@asu.edu.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online ECE master’s and certification courses
In this master’s in ECE plus certification program, you’ll complete 27 credits of graduate coursework, 3 credits for an applied project and 6 hours of professional experience. You’ll cover a variety of topics that prepare you to work with young children including early development and classroom management.
What can I do with an online master's in early childhood education?
This master’s in ECE plus certification program prepares you for a variety of roles supporting young learners both in and outside of a classroom setting. Upon completion, you’ll also be equipped to work in advanced roles in education such as administration, management and more. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Expertise in early childhood education
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Expertise in early childhood education
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
How to apply
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. View the college's graduate program application deadlines.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution
Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.
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Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
