Early Childhood Education, MEd

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The Departments of Curriculum Studies and Special Education in the College of Education and the Department of Human Development Family Studies in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) offer a 30 credit interdisciplinary program leading to the degree of Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (MEd-ECED). The program is designed to support professional development and promote leadership in personnel who work in programs with children between infancy and five years of age

Course of study includes understanding the developmental and educational needs of young children ages birth to five; knowledge of family and community systems, needs and resources; development of the ability to design and implement programs and services to meet the needs of all young learners ages birth to eight including those with disabilities; current issues and trends in early education policy, assessment, and research; and development of reflective practice and ethical leadership skills. Students may choose from one of 2 tracks: 1) non-license, and 2) Add-a-Field early childhood education (PK-K or PK-3) license. Students can choose to enroll in either of the two tracks. The MEd-ECED is offered in a 2-1/2 year cohorted Summer intensive format with core courses held onground at UH Mānoa between mid-June and mid-July for 3 consecutive summers and on-line seminars during the academic year.

Students with an initial teacher license in another field may Add-a-Field to an existing Hawaiʻi teacher license in two ways. Students may earn an ECED Graduate Certificate without the MEd-ECED degree. If students want to just obtain a license, they can enroll in an 18-credit ECED Graduate Certificate. If they want to earn a Master’s degree and an ECED Graduate Certificate, they must be concurrently enrolled in both programs for at least one semester. The ECED Graduate Certificate coursework fulfills 9 credits of the MEd-ECED program prerequisites and 6 credits may be double counted towards the completion of a MEd-ECED.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements of Graduate Division, applicants for the MEd in Early Childhood Education must provide the following:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited and UH Mānoa recognized four-year institution of higher education with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
Evidence of successful academic performance in child development and early childhood education. This includes a minimum of one course each in: a. child development, age birth to five; b. developmentally appropriate practice; c. family studies/working with families and communities;
Documented experience of working with young children and their families or in early childhood program administration or public policy;
Three (3) professional references from people who are able to comment on the quality of the applicant’s experience, ability to pursue graduate study, and professional strengths.

Program Requirements

30 credit hours in early childhood regular education, early childhood special education, child development, and family public policy are required. Students take a common core of 18 required credits and select 12 credits of specialization courses in an area of interest within their major.

Students pursuing Add-a-Field licensure in PK-3 must complete appropriate license track requirements in addition to Master’s program requirements in order to receive a recommendation to the Hawaiʻi Teachers Standards Board for licensure and a master’s degree from the College of Education.

Plan A (Thesis) Requirements

The Plan A program is designed for those who are interested in research and writing a thesis. Students completing a Plan A will take a minimum of 30 credit hours including 18 credits at the 600 level or higher, a core consisting of 18 credits, at least 6 credits of electives, and 6 credits of thesis research (EDCS 700 ). The culminating experience for Plan A students will be a thesis based on original research.

Plan B (Non-Thesis) Requirements

The Plan B program is for those who wish to focus on strengthening professional knowledge and skills. Students completing a Plan B will take a minimum of 30 credit hours including 18 credits at the 600 level or higher, a core consisting of 18 credits, 9-11 credits of electives and 1-3 credits of Plan B preparation. The culminating experience for Plan B students will be the submission of a paper, project, or professional portfolio that documents their competency in demonstrating program standards. A faculty advisor will guide and direct the development of the Plan B capstone.