Master’s in Early Childhood Education, MA
The Master’s in Early Childhood Education program is a flexible, customizable degree designed for working professionals without an undergraduate major in education. The degree leads to an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
This intensive, field-based program prepares you to work democratically with diverse children and families, including those with special needs and second language backgrounds.
The 2-year program consists of a mix of in-person and online classes on the Chicago campus. Your final semester will include an in-person student teaching placement at a field experience site. Admissions are open for fall start dates only.
Why Roosevelt for your Master's in Early Childhood Education?
Social Justice Focus
Roosevelt University is known for its social justice focus, and this commitment extends into our master's in early childhood education program. You’ll build inclusive, engaging relationships with faculty, school practitioners and learners while immersing yourself in diverse school and community cultures. The program nurtures social justice leadership and coaches candidates toward career success.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
The master's in early childhood education program consists of primarily online classes, with two classes held in-person at our conveniently located Chicago campus during the evenings.
In your final semester, you’ll complete a 15-week student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.
100% Pass Rate on the edTPA Exam
The master’s in early childhood education has a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the capstone assessment for an Illinois teaching license. The program leads to an Illinois Early Childhood Teaching license and the Early Childhood Special Education Approval.
You can also add one or more endorsements to your teaching license to increase your employability and earning potential:
- Bilingual/ESL education
- Elementary education
- Special education (LBS 1)
What can I do with a master's in early childhood education?
A master’s in early childhood education can prepare you to teach and lead learning programs for young children in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary settings. It may also open pathways to roles such as curriculum specialist, instructional coach, program director, or early childhood education administrator.
What is a Professional Educator License (PEL)?
A Professional Educator License is the primary Illinois teaching license, required for most public school teaching positions. This program results in earning your PEL, with optional endorsements in key areas including Bilingual/ESL Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education (LBS1).
How do I get an endorsement on a teaching license?
The most straightforward way to add an endorsement to your teaching license is by completing a state-approved endorsement program, such as Roosevelt's early childhood education master’s degree that includes the required coursework and student teaching experiences.
“My students are going to be social justice change agents. Early childhood teachers are the first educators in children’s lives who help them navigate the future and advocate for them in cases of injustice. It’s imperative that they learn about social justice, multiculturalism and anti-bias curriculum, which is an approach that respects and embraces differences—something I care deeply about given my own experiences.”
Jin-Ah Kim
Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, Roosevelt University
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