M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.A. in Early Childhood Education
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.A. in Early Childhood Education is an intensive, field-based program typically completed in two years for full-time students. It combines in-person and online classes delivered on the Chicago campus. A significant component of the program is a full-semester, in-person student teaching placement during the final semester, providing invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. Admissions are primarily for fall start dates. The program leads directly to an Illinois Early Childhood Teaching license, which includes an Early Childhood Special Education Approval, allowing graduates to teach special needs pre-kindergarten. The program boasts a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the capstone assessment for Illinois teaching licensure.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide thorough teacher preparation, encompassing foundational knowledge and practical skills for early childhood education. Core courses cover a wide range of topics, including "Assessment in Early Childhood," "Child, Family and Community," "Primary Math, Science and Social Studies," "Literacy in Early Childhood," "Early Childhood Curriculum: Infant, Toddler and Preschool," and "Early Childhood Special Education Methods." The program incorporates "Individualized Coaching and Field Experiences" courses, providing extensive supervised observation and teaching opportunities in diverse settings from infancy through second grade. This blend of coursework and practical experience ensures graduates are well-prepared for real-world classroom challenges.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Early Childhood Education program at Roosevelt University incorporates an applied research focus, training educators to make data-informed decisions and contribute to evidence-based practices. While not a traditional academic research degree, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of assessment in early childhood, enabling students to utilize formal and informal tools to monitor child development and learning. Through coursework on curriculum development and special education methods, students learn to critically evaluate educational strategies and adapt them based on research and student needs. The program's commitment to social justice also implies an understanding of how research can inform equitable educational practices and address disparities in early childhood learning.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University demonstrates strong industry engagement for its M.A. in Early Childhood Education program through its intensive field-based experiences and partnerships with local school districts. The program has strong relationships with schools, including Chicago Public Schools and suburban districts, facilitating diverse field placements and student teaching opportunities. This hands-on learning ensures that teacher candidates connect theory with actual classroom experience, preparing them for the demands of diverse early childhood settings. Roosevelt graduates are employed in various districts and organizations serving young children and their families, indicating robust ties to the educational employment sector. The program also benefits from its faculty, who are experienced educators bringing practical insights into the classroom.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its M.A. in Early Childhood Education program by emphasizing social justice and preparing educators to work with diverse children and families, including those with special needs and second language backgrounds. Courses explicitly address multicultural and anti-bias education, ensuring graduates understand the impact of various cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic contexts on child development and learning. By preparing teachers to create inclusive and engaging environments for a wide array of learners, the program equips them to serve the increasingly diverse populations found in urban and global communities, promoting equitable educational opportunities for all young children.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 27376
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University provides comprehensive training and an Illinois teaching license with an Early Childhood Special Education Approval, preparing graduates to address the diverse needs of children from birth through second grade. This intensive, field-based program, grounded in social justice, equips educators for a variety of roles within and beyond the traditional classroom.
Early Childhood Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd Grade): This is the most direct career path, teaching in public, private, or charter schools. The Illinois Early Childhood Teaching license allows graduates to work with children from birth through second grade, including those with special needs.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher: With the embedded Early Childhood Special Education Approval, graduates are specifically qualified to work with young children (birth to age 8) who have developmental delays or disabilities, providing individualized instruction and support in inclusive or specialized settings.
Childcare Center Director/Administrator: Graduates can oversee the daily operations of early learning centers, preschools, or daycare facilities. This involves managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering positive relationships with families.
Early Intervention Specialist: These professionals work with infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have identified developmental delays or are at risk, providing services in homes or community settings to support their development.
Curriculum Developer (Early Childhood): Graduates can apply their expertise to design and implement age-appropriate educational materials, lesson plans, and teaching strategies for educational publishers, non-profit organizations, or school districts.
Instructional Coordinator/Specialist: In school districts or educational organizations, these professionals work to improve educational programs and teaching methods in early childhood. They might develop curriculum, analyze student data, and provide professional development for teachers.
Parent Educator/Family Support Specialist: Graduates can work with families to enhance parenting skills, provide resources, and help them navigate early childhood development challenges. This role often exists in community agencies, non-profits, or public health departments.
Head Start Teacher/Coordinator: Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. Graduates are well-suited for teaching or coordination roles within these federally funded programs.
Child Life Specialist: While often requiring specific certification, the M.A. in ECE provides an excellent foundation for a Child Life Specialist, who helps children and families cope with hospitalization, illness, and trauma, often in hospital settings.
Early Childhood Education Consultant: Experienced graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising schools, childcare centers, or government agencies on best practices in early childhood education, program design, and policy development.
