Overview
If working with young children, families, and communities during a critically important stage of development is a passion of yours, the University of Colorado Denver’s online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) — with the option of an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist licensure or endorsement — can take you to the next level, no matter where you are now. We prepare highly skilled professionals who are leaders and advocates known for embracing the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
Our highly ranked, flexible, cohort-based hybrid and online ECE program of study features personalized support and reaches you where you are — throughout Colorado and around the world — with admission every semester. Students may apply to this program in any semester. We encourage you to apply at least four months prior to the start of the semester for which you are seeking admission, or as early as possible. We strive to provide rolling decisions and will communicate admissions decisions within two weeks of the submission of a complete application.
Program Details
The online MA in Early Childhood Education program of study includes a variety of options: Personalized Professional Master’s Degree, master’s degree plus initial licensure, or a master’s degree plus added endorsement.
CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development faculty members emphasize inclusive, family-centered practices, culturally sustaining teaching and a curriculum that is inspired by the potential of all children and families. The online program is taught by well-known faculty members, who work under the direction of the Dean of the School of Education, Rebecca Kantor. Dr. Kantor is a nationally recognized expert in the field who prioritizes excellent instruction, a solid commitment to full inclusion in the classroom and innovation.
The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. Your “high-tech and high-touch” experience in this program includes: 24/7 technical support, faculty video-coaching and conferencing/advising, and small group learning in both real-time as well as on your own time.
Our graduates are known for thriving in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse ECE settings. We prepare highly competent teachers, leaders and advocates with the knowledge and skills to identify strengths and meet the needs of all children and their families. You will be taught by the same incredible faculty who teach in our on-campus, face-to-face classrooms. Together, our faculty form a unique partnership that will fuel your professional goals.
You will learn about administration and leadership, diversity and inclusion, pedagogy, teaching and learning, and leadership possibilities within this field. We prioritize innovative and evidence-based practices with real-world applications. Your studies will prepare you for the many possibilities within the early childhood education field now and in the future.
CU Denver is committed to increasing the number of highly qualified and well-compensated early professionals in the field. We offer ECE scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities to support early childhood teachers and leaders. Our graduates work in a number of settings, including as lead teachers, center directors, mentor teachers, educational coordinators, early childhood special educators, early childhood professional development coordinators and coaches, resource and referral staff members, home visitors, and community college instructors. Our commitment to early childhood professionals compels us to participate in efforts to elevate the profession, and to help you seek out scholarships and partnerships for academic support and job placement. The scholarships include the Early Childhood Education Scholarship Fund (up to $10K awarded to two recipients per academic year) and the William Goodwin Scholarship (up to $500 awarded per semester). We have additional scholarships that are open to all students, regardless of major. Whether you live in the Denver metropolitan area or outside of Denver, you will take your coursework entirely online, with practical experiences in your concurrent work with young children.
