Early Childhood Education

Master of Education

About This Program

Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
dclough@springfield.edu
(413) 748-3729

Program Contact

Curriculum and Delivery

  • 32-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Students may opt to pursue licensure only
  • Gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to provide all young children (from preschool through second grade) the kind of early education they deserve
  • Receive a continuum of teaching strategies in order to support the learning and development of all children
  • Course requirements

Start Dates and Duration

  • Start in September (Fall semester) and January (Spring semester)
  • Courses are offered full- or part-time
  • Complete in 2 years

Paying for Your Education

Career Opportunities

Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Noon or 5:30 p.m. EST
Register

Primary school students sitting in an art classroom drawing together

The MEd in Educational Studies: Early Childhood Education at Springfield College prepares educators for initial licensure as an early childhood teacher who will work with students with or without disabilities in PreK through grade 2. All students entering the program will be required to meet the content area requirements as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The program addresses the need for tomorrow’s teachers to be prepared to serve and to value a far more diverse group of young children and families than at any time in the past.

Our curriculum features a semester-long, supervised practicum of 300 clock hours (100 hours at the PreK level and 200 hours at the grades 1-2 level), with at least one segment in a public school setting that includes students with disabilities for part of the school day. So, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, inspiring young minds and making a difference before graduating ready to lead classrooms of your own. 

Graduates can assume teaching positions in public schools, child care programs, private preschools and kindergartens, early intervention programs, family support and home visiting programs and inclusive early childhood settings.

 

How to Apply:

Education Requirements

  • Each course has a field-based component (this is usually 15-20 hours a week in a school).
  • A bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, sciences, or an interdisciplinary major prior to admission is required.
  • transcript review of undergraduate and any prior graduate work is required prior to admission.

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Fall

  • Application Deadline: July 15 
  • Supporting Materials Deadline: August 1

Spring

  • Application Deadline: December 1
  • Supporting Materials Deadline: January 1

Summer

  • Application Deadline: March 15
  • Supporting Materials Deadline: April 1

International Students:

Fall

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Summer

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.