Learn.SC.Edu - Masters in Education Early Childhood Education

MASTER OF EDUCATION EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
College of Education

The College of Education offers the Master of Education (MEd) degree program in Early Childhood Education on the USC Beaufort, USC Sumter and USC Salkehatchie campuses.

The Master of Education degree program in Early Childhood Education is designed to provide advanced professional studies in graduate-level coursework for persons who currently hold teacher certification and who are committed to excellence in early childhood education.


The program goals for the MEd program in early childhood education are:

		l	To develop knowledge and understanding of basic curriculum models, including historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations.
		l	To develop analysis, synthesis, and evaluative skills in application to the research and evaluation literature in early childhood education.
		l	To develop knowledge of human development in various ecological contexts and to apply that knowledge to programming in early childhood education.
		l	To develop skills in the assessment, analysis, and improvement of instructional skills.
		l	To develop skills and leadership in curriculum design, implementation and evaluation for early childhood education settings.
		l	To develop knowledge and skills for working effectively with parents and families, thus empowering them to be lifelong learners.

Courses are offered through traditional in-class sessions, live televised instruction and videotaped instruction that benefits degree-seeking students with professional obligation

Admissions Requirements

	For admission to The Graduate School, a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency is normally required. Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regional accrediting agency. Applicants should submit a complete application packet including official transcripts of college academic work, letters of recommendation, and official score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller's Analogy Test (MAT). The Graduate Bulletin and Admission Application are available on-line.

Degree Requirements

	The 36 hour* MEd. program is composed of four major components:

		1.	Core required courses
		2.	Specialized early childhood requirements
		3.	An area of related study
		4.	A final seminar

	* A maximum of 6 semester hours of professional development courses and/or courses at a reduced tuition rate may be part of the graduate degree program of study provided that the assigned academic advisor approved the inclusion of such courses.

Courses

	Core Required Courses (15 semester hours)

		EDEC 608	Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education
		EDEC 740	The Young Child: Applying Theory and Research
		EDEC 742	Advanced Study of Early Childhood Curricula and Program Models
		EDEC 744	Advanced Study of Language Development and Communication Skills in Early Childhood Education
		EDEC 750	Play Theory and Early Learning


	Specialized Early Childhood Requirements (6 semester hours)

	Students select early childhood or other approved courses that build on an area of specialization

	Technology (3 semester hours)

	EDEC 795	Technology in Early Childhood Education OR
	EDTE 731	Integration of Technology and Instruction OR
	Another course approved by advisor in advance

Research and Measurement in Education (3 semester hours)

	EDRM 700	Introduction to Research in Education OR
	EDRM 720	Educational Measurement OR
	Another course approved by advisor in advance

Related Study (6 - 9 semester hours)

	Courses outside the program area that support the student’s professional goals in early childhood education

Final Seminar (3 semester hours)

	EDEC 797	Seminar in Early Childhood Education � includes preparation for the comprehensive examination and should be taken during the last 12 hours of course work.


Tuition

	Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice and vary for different programs. Current tuition and fee information is available from the Office of the Bursar.

More Information

	Visit the program website: http://www.ite.sc.edu/ite/medece.htm Extended Campus (EC) staff are available to assist you in your area of South Carolina. You can also contact a student services coordinator in the University Instructional Services (UIS) office.

Educator Recertification

	For information about educator recertification pertaining to the above courses or program, contact the SC Department of Education, Teacher Certification Office, 3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500, Columbia, SC 29204, or telephone toll free 877-885-5280.

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