Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education

This initial licensure program is designed for those who are seeking their teaching license in early childhood, prekindergarten through second grade (PreK-2).

Program Features

• Online evening courses offer flexibility through synchronous and asynchronous coursework to meet students' personal and professional needs.
• Work while earning your degree: Many candidates complete their field-based assignments in their own classrooms while serving as lead teachers, paraprofessionals, assistant teachers, or teachers of record. PreK-2 settings that meet DESE requirements can be used for both pre-practicum and practicum.
• Cohort model: Small class sizes and cohort-based learning help to support collaborative relationships between students and faculty.
• Faculty: Experienced, knowledgeable, and accessible faculty with extensive early childhood teaching expertise.
• Add-on endorsements: Students have the option to pursue a special education (PreK-2 or PreK-8) add-on license or a bilingual education endorsement (new for 2027).
• Concurrent enrollment opportunities: Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; and more.

Curriculum

This program requires 30-39 credits, depending on previous coursework and experience. Students complete a 300-hour practicum (or equivalent) under the guidance of an experienced early childhood educator. Early educators with a lead teacher credential from EEC may qualify for a reduced practicum.

The early childhood (PreK-2) initial license program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)*.

_{*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).}

Pacing and Time Commitments

Students can select a plan of study based on work-life commitments to best meet their needs.

_{All programs are based on the student’s previous coursework. Estimates are based on 30-36 credits.} 

One-year Accelerated Option

This three-semester option begins each summer and continues through the subsequent fall and spring semesters (3 semesters total). During the summer, participants intensively study educational foundation content and theory online. The following fall semester includes a full-time pre-practicum in a PreK-2 public school classroom while concurrently taking online classes on early childhood teaching methods. The final semester of the licensure portion of the program includes a full-time teaching practicum.

Two-year Option

The two-year option covers the same material as the accelerated program but over a more extended period of time. Participants typically take two classes per semester in the fall, spring and summer.

Self-paced Option

Because participants' schedules and opportunities for graduate study vary from semester to semester, students are welcome to increase or decrease the number of courses taken each semester as needed. All master's degrees must be completed within six years of acceptance.

Add-On Endorsements

Students have the option to select between two add-on endorsements, if desired.

• Special education license: designed for those seeking an initial PreK-2 license and an initial license in special education (PreK-2 or PreK-8). Students cultivate the skills, methods, and strategies required to support early childhood students, including those with mild to moderate special education needs, in a general education classroom. A practicum (or equivalent) in both PreK-2 and special education is required.
• Bilingual Education: designed for bilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency through the required state language assessment and prepares graduates to meet the growing need for bilingual educators in Massachusetts schools.

Funding Opportunities

• Financial aid: Graduate Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid. Students will be considered for all federal, state, and institutional aid based on their completed and verified FAFSA information.
• Grants and scholarships: The FAFSA is required to be considered for Salem State scholarships and many other scholarships.
• Early Childhood Educators (ECE) Scholarship Program: This scholarship provides financial assistance to prospective and currently employed early childhood and out-of-school educators and providers who enroll in a degree program in an approved area of study. The scholarship program is funded, subject to the availability of funds and appropriation from the Massachusetts Legislature.
• Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship Program: Aims to address the teacher shortage in Massachusetts and provide up to $25,000 per academic year, subject to the availability of funds, which may influence the amount awarded. This scholarship makes it more affordable for those enrolling in coursework who intend to obtain their teaching license to pursue a career in a Massachusetts K-12 public school.
• Graduate assistantships: Graduate assistantships offer the opportunity to earn a monthly stipend for 10 hours of work per week and tuition remission benefits in all courses except directed studies, courses by arrangement and thesis courses.
• Employer Reimbursement/Tuition Remission: Some employers may reimburse you in full or in part for job-related courses or offer you tuition remission benefits. Check with your employer's personnel office for details.