Teacher working with an elementary school child in a classroom.

Master of Science  in
Early Childhood Education
Online or On Campus

Engage Children in Meaningful Learning

Build on your expertise in teaching preschoolers and children (Birth – Second Grade) to help them develop age-appropriate language, literacy, and content area knowledge and skills.

The program includes courses in literacy instruction, language acquisition, and pre-school/elementary teaching of science, mathematics, and social studies. Additional courses cover assessment methods, family engagement, intervention strategies, data-based decision making, and Next Generation Learning Standards.

If you hold initial New York State (NYS) teacher certification in early childhood education, or if you already hold permanent NYS teacher certification in another content area, the master's in early childhood education enables you to pursue professional certification to teach grades B-2.

Program of Study

programofstudy

This curriculum is regularly updated to include current best practices of professionals working in the field. Coursework can be completed part-time online or part-time or full-time on campus.


Core Courses

  • Classroom Literacy Instruction
  • Language Acquisition, B-2
  • Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties
  • Literacy in Society
  • Teaching Social Studies, B-6
  • Early Literacy Development, B-2
  • Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice
  • Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
  • Science for Children

Elective (choose one)

  • Children's Literature
  • Teaching Writing, B-6
  • Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6
  • Media Literacy
  • Literacy for English Language Learners
  • Assessment in Education

 

Final Project

Teachers complete the NYSED and university required culminating project during their final course.

To pursue professional certification once you complete the program, you must request the University recommend you to the New York State Department of Education.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Reisha Rieder at [email protected] or 518-442-5100.

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State. 
For more information on Professional Licensure Disclosure, please see the Graduate Bulletin.

Median Annual Salaries: Albany, NY
  • Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher: $40,838
  • Kindergarten Teacher: $55,729
  • Elementary Teacher: $63,277
  • Preschool Director: $64,397


Source: salaryexpert.com

Teacher and student working with flashcards
UAlbany graduate at Commencement
Attend a Top-Ranked Program

The School of Education has been delivering exemplary online courses for more than 20 years. In 2024, UAlbany online graduate programs in education were ranked 4th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

You can earn your master’s degree part-time or full-time through online courses and/or campus-based evening and summer classes that work with your schedule.

In this designated OpenSUNY+ program, you also have access to comprehensive support services including a 24/7 help desk, online tutoring, and personal advising.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines
  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 1

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • A teacher certification in early childhood/kindergarten level from any state, or NYS professional certification in any area
  • Transcripts from all schools attended (with at least a 3.0 GPA)
  • Three letters of recommendation (see Special Notes below)
  • Program-specific application questions


 

Special Notes

This program is available fully online. This program leads to NYS professional certification if you hold a NYS initial. This program does not lead to certification as a Literacy Specialist. This program is not available to international applicants.

The Early Childhood Education program requires three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a college/university professor/instructor.  The other two letters can come from individuals who have observed you in a professional context. All the recommendations should come from people who would be able to evaluate your capability for academic success.

Complete all questions on the application and take your time with the written questions. We read your responses carefully, not only for what you say but also to learn how you express your thoughts in writing. Be candid about your goals, experiences, and your own literacy abilities.

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter, please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

 

Available information for applicants.

admissions

Content

Accreditation

The University at Albany is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.


 

Logo for the AAQEP - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Accreditation Details

The programs listed below have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2028. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.


AAQEP-Accredited Programs and Annual Reports at the University at Albany


Advanced Graduate Certificate Programs


Master of Science Programs

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Our students demonstrate an understanding of the literacy knowledge and instruction appropriate for educational and/or community settings.
  • Students apply their understanding of diversity, equity, and technology to educational and/or community settings.
  • Students apply their content knowledge and understanding of literacy practices to the education and/or community setting of their choice through a reflective essay or inquiry project.
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Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
518-442-3529

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