M.Ed. in Early Childhood: Administration or Teaching

  • M.Ed
  • Graduate
  • On Campus
  • Education

Earn your M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and become a well-rounded early childhood professional. Choose your path and begin making a difference in young learners’ lives.

Program Details

  • Next Start Date:  October 23, 2024
  • Est. Program Length: 2 years
  • Credit Hours:  39
  • Course Length:  7 and 14 weeks
  • Cost Per Credit (2024-25 Academic Year): $691
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Why Study Early Childhood Education at Rivier?

In Rivier’s M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program, you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching and leading in the 21st century.

Our M.Ed. program offers two options based on your career goals.

The Administration option prepares you for a variety of roles in early childhood education and leads to N.H. licensing as a childcare program director. Taking on leadership roles in childcare facilities, programs, and agencies, you can become involved in staffing, curriculum development, policy change and enforcement, compliance monitoring, budgeting, reporting, and overall management. Becoming a credentialed director demonstrates expertise and leadership in this field.

The Teaching option leads to New Hampshire teacher licensure if you choose to pursue the K-3 teaching certification. Coursework includes literacy, writing, mathematics, and social studies content early learners, as well as human development, psychology, research methods, curriculum and assessment.

In this program you will:

  • Develop the knowledge and skills necessary for leading in the 21st century
  • Become an effective educator and communicator
  • Connect theory with practice for classroom success
  • Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Program of Study

This is a 39-credit program, which includes coursework and related field experiences. Coursework spans a wide range of subjects—child development, learning theory, early childhood education program design, and more.

If you choose the administration option, you will be required to take business electives that will build your management knowledge and skills. If you choose the teaching option, you will be required to complete a minimum 14-week internship tailored to your goals, competencies, and experiences.

Courses are offered in 7-week or 14-week terms. There are a total of six 7-week terms per year (two terms in each of the fall, spring, and summer semesters). 14-week terms are offered once per semester in the fall, spring, and summer.

Licensure

Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible for certification in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario per the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.

  • The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education: Administration fulfills the NH Bureau of Child Care Licensing requirements and standards for director licensure.
  • The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education: Teaching prepares graduates for NH K-3 teacher licensure. Licensure is not automatic with the completion of the student teaching internship, but rather students must apply and be recommended for licensure after successfully completing all state and program requirements.

Dr. John Gleason, Dean of Education and the Director of the University's Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning program, guides the curriculum to ensure Rivier students are prepared for 21st-century classrooms. Coursework embeds technology into the teaching and learning process—exploring animation, visual literacy, and multimedia concepts—while working in small, collaborative teams. The goal is to prepare teachers to reach beyond themselves and the walls of the classroom. This ensures continuous growth for educators and enables them to provide the best learning experiences for their students.

Where Will Your Early Childhood Education Degree Take You?

Graduates of this program are well-rounded administrators and teachers, prepared to work effectively with colleagues, parents, and the community to help students get the best education possible.

Careers

  • Early childhood program directors
  • K-3 teachers
  • Daycare program directors and owners
  • Childcare agency professionals
  • Community college professors

Take the Next Steps

Contact

Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions

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Choose your path and prepare for a rewarding career as a teacher or administrator with an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education.