M.Ed. Early Childhood Education
As a student at Concordia University, Nebraska studying Early Childhood Education, you will gain an in depth knowledge to increase your pedagogy and leadership skills. These skills will enable you to positively impact young children and their learning.
When you choose Concordia for your M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, you will:
- Learn innovative educational theory and instructional techniques through curriculum that explores current research and modern issues in teaching.
- Be prepared to step into the role of an accomplished teacher and mentor.
- Learn from expert veteran educators who deliver relevant, real-world experiences.
- Earn your master’s from a university that intentionally intersects Christian faith, life experience and academics to help you grow as a whole person.
- Receive guidance with finding the perfect opportunity to complete your 45 hours of direct field experience.
standard rate
special rate*
*Special rate: Those who work in a Lutheran institution, members of Lutheran congregations, alumni of any Concordia University System (CUS) school or Nebraska residents1
Lowest price among CUS schools and in Nebraska
Get more info and start your Early Childhood Education journey today!
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Program Highlights
WHY STUDY Early childhood education AT CONCORDIA?
With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, you’ll find a distinctive blend of faith-based instruction and real-world, hands-on experience, including:
- Guidance in completing 45 hours of direct field experience.
- Developmentally appropriate practices to support children birth through third grade and their families.
- Early Childhood Education endorsement options. If you have already earned a master’s in education degree from Concordia Nebraska, you can earn the Early Childhood Endorsement or one of our many additional teaching endorsements.
- TEACH Grant eligibility. Students who meet requirements for the TEACH Grant may be able to apply grant funds to the Master of Education in the early childhood education program.
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from experts in special education who bring faith, years of experience and specialized knowledge to the classroom.
MEET OUR STUDENTS
“Every single course I took was applicable to the field of early childhood education. I appreciate how I can and already have applied what I have learned directly into my own classroom.”
Mary A.
Information Sessions
These 20-minute sessions cover program details, the application process, financial aid, payment plans and any questions you may have. Click "RSVP" next to your preferred date and time to reserve your spot.
For Nebraska Public School Educators
If you're currently teaching or working in a public school in Nebraska, join one of these upcoming info sessions tailored specifically to your needs.
Information sessions coming soon.
For Private School, Lutheran School and Non-Nebraska Public School Educators
If you work in any private, parochial or Lutheran school, or in a public school that's not in the state of Nebraska, schedule a call with a Concordia graduate recruiter to learn more about your program of interest.
Accreditation
Concordia’s online degree in Early Childhood Education conforms to the standards prescribed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Concordia is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCREDITATION
Requirements
No teaching certificate or GRE required; students with current elementary teaching certificates may add the ECE endorsement to their degree.
Degree Goals
Earning an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education equips you with the skills, knowledge and experience you need to become an accomplished teacher who provides young children with the best start in their education.
An Early Childhood Education graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Understand and process current research and issues in early childhood education.
- Commit to professional standards within the early childhood education profession.
- Establish and maintain inclusive environments that ensure children’s safety and their healthy development.
- Develop positive, supportive relationships with children, families and communities while incorporating diversity and differences based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, language, spiritual development and special needs.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of child development, the ability to implement appropriate curriculum activities and techniques for appropriate learning assessment.
FAQs
What can I do with an early childhood education degree?
An early childhood education degree prepares you with the advanced knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to promote learning in all young children. Schools, social service agencies, health care systems, institutions of higher education and governmental agencies across the United States and Internationally are investing in well trained early childhood educators which allows you to earn wages commensurate to your advanced qualifications.
With an online master’s in early childhood education, you can apply your advanced expertise to a number of teaching and leadership careers including PreK-3rd grade teacher, professor, family support specialist, consultant, mentor, researcher and program administrator. You will also be prepared for continued studies in a doctoral program.
Is an early childhood education internship required?
Through the program, you will complete a total of 45 hours of a required practicum experience. The practicum will give you valuable experience within the field and the classroom environment. Depending on where you reside, there may be many early childhood education practicum opportunities available close to you.
Is early childhood education the right career path for me?
Depending on your early childhood education career path, you may teach young children language, motor and social skills or fundamental knowledge in basic subjects like reading, writing and math. If you enjoy making a positive impact on the lives of young children and transforming them into lovers of learning, then early childhood education may be the right career path for you.
Does this program lead to certification or endorsement?
Students from states who are not members of the Interstate Mobility Compact will be enrolled in a “field of study” program that does not lead to certification or endorsement. The coursework and requirements of field of study programs are exactly the same as those that lead to certification/endorsement in Nebraska. Questions? Please contact your enrollment specialist.
Related Programs
M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction
The Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction online helps you become a forward-thinking curriculum coordinator or teacher leader.
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Birth–3rd Inclusive
Concordia’s online degree in Early Childhood Education Birth-3rd Inclusive prepares you to teach and help young children develop fundamental skills they’ll use throughout their lifetimes. As a Concordia University student, you’ll benefit from a distinctive blend of faith-based instruction and real-world, hands-on experience that will equip and prepare you to effectively lead in your vocations.
Learn more about Early Childhood Education Birth–3rd Inclusive
M.Ed. Early Childhood Special Education
Our early childhood special education master's program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement and assess learning experiences in an early childhood special education (birth through kindergarten) classroom. As a teacher or other professional who understands disabilities, you have the opportunity to work closely with students with diverse developmental needs and help them establish a firm educational foundation filled with unique potential.
1Discounted rate does not apply to course-only options.