Master of Arts ~Early Childhood Education
The department of Curriculum & Instruction~Literacy Studies in the College of Human Resources & Education offers a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This program is oriented towards developing an understanding of developmentally appropriate, research-based methods of teaching and assessing young children, ages birth to eight years. Innovative, research-based methods of teaching and assessment are incorporated in an experiential curriculum designed to examine interactions with children, families, and educators.
The graduate program in Early Childhood Education includes study of international early childhood education programs from Reggio Emilia Preschools [Italy], Montessori Schools [Italy], Forest Kindergartens [Germany & Austria], Head Start Programs [USA], and a wide variety of program models used across the United States and the world. Resources for graduate students in the Early Childhood Education Master’s program in Curriculum & Instruction include publications, photos, student products, teacher interviews, and films from international models gathered in study tours from faculty and students. Opportunities for participation in future international study tours can be arranged. The program of study is listed below. For further information or questions, please contact Joy Faini Saab, Ed.D., Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, joy.saab@mail.wvu.edu , 304-293-3442.
Student Highlight Section:
“As a non-traditional graduate student at WVU, I am able to pursue a
program of study that suits my needs perfectly, Early Childhood
Education with an emphasis on Integrated Arts.
Being a full time educator with Ohio County Schools, flexibility is
essential to my schedule. This program provides me with flexibility of
time and coursework including the following: evening and summer classes, relevant and current work that is meaningful to my field, and international study in Italy, observing the exceptional practice of Reggio Emilia preschools (a highlight of my educational journey).
WVU is meeting the needs of this 21st Century student while fulfilling
my belief that one must always be a life long learner.”
Ellen
Wheeling, WV
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (Birth to age 8) M.A. in Elementary Education Required Courses:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
C&I 612 |
Early Childhood Curriculum |
3 |
C&I 614 |
Early Childhood Instruction |
3 |
C&I 616 |
Early Childhood Program Development and Evaluation |
3 |
C&I 414 |
Promoting Creative Expression in Elementary/Early Childhood Classroom |
3 |
Or THET 461 |
Creative Dramatics |
|
PET 384/400 |
Special Topics: Kinderskills |
3 |
Or PET 410 |
Preschool PE |
|
Or PET 671 |
Infant/Early Childhood Motor Development [Online] |
|
| SPED 610 |
Typical/Atypical Development: Early Interventions |
3 |
Or SPED 500 |
Introduction to Special Education |
|
Or SPED 611 |
Curriculum: Early Intervention |
|
Or SPED 608 |
Hearing Impaired Children in the Schools |
|
Graduate Course in Early Childhood Development |
3 |
|
or *CDFS 493 |
Child Development Practicum |
|
Or *CDFS 693 |
Child Development Practicum |
|
Total Hours |
21 |
|
| Electives Requiring Advisor Approval (ECE Topic Focus) | ||
| C&I 693 | Global Perspectives on Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| C&I 693 | Teaching For Creativity | 3 |
| RDNG 623 | Emergent Literacy | 3 |
| Additional Electives Approved by Advisor | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 |