Early Childhood Education (M.A.)

A strong early childhood education is a crucial building block for a child's future and encourages a lifetime of learning.

Kean’s early childhood education master’s program prepares you to deliver a robust educational experience to young students in preschool through third grade (P-3). The program focuses on developing current, research-based curriculum approaches and teaching techniques for the classroom, as well as empowering the families and communities where children live.

Kean also offers options for certification and endorsement. The P-3 Alternate Route program is available for those who hold a non-education degree but want to become certified to teach children in preschool through third grade. The P-3 Endorsement is designed for certified teachers seeking to specialize in early childhood education.

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Early Childhood Education graduate class — Kean's early childhood education graduate programs prepare students to be leaders in the field.

What You Learn

Develop your leadership skills to become a successful director, head teacher, administrator or supervisor of early childhood education
Master advanced curriculum and teaching of young children in theory and practice
Create positive partnerships with families and build family and community relationships
Learn how to observe, document and assess child development
Be able to build meaningful curriculum and use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and their families
Study the importance of play in young children’s development and learning

Your training will prepare you for a career as a leader in the field of early childhood education.

Application Deadlines
Fall: June 30
Spring: December 1

Admission Requirements

If you have admissions questions, contact Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@kean.edu or (908) 737-4723.

M.A. Early Childhood Education, Advanced Curriculum & Teaching Option

Course Requirements

Program Coordinator:
Eleni Zgourou, Ph.D.
ezgourou@kean.edu
(908) 737-3833

M.A. Early Childhood, Administration in Early Childhood and Family Studies Option

Course Requirements

Early Childhood P-3 Endorsement Certification

Course Requirements

Program Coordinator:
Eleni Zgourou, Ph.D.
ezgourou@kean.edu
(908) 737-3833

Non-Degree Alternate Route

Course Requirements

Program Coordinator:

Jea Lizz Basubas
Email: basubasj@kean.edu
Phone: (908)-737-3793

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I think the program is helpful and engaging; the courses and professors are preparing me for having my own classroom. The fact that you can work full-time, while also being in the program, is very helpful."

Allison Ingram, Early Childhood Education Alternate Route Program

Just landed first full-time job as a preschool teacher in a public school district

Early Childhood Education graduate student Allison Ingram

Cougars Climb Higher

At Kean, we believe learning and professional growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities, internships and more that we offer to advance your career and set the stage for continued success.

Graduate Assistantships

Master's candidates can gain valuable practical experience by serving as graduate assistants at our state-of-the-art child care center on campus.

Kean University operates an on-campus day care center.

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships and jobs that support their career goals. Career services staff provide professional services and offer job fairs and networking events year-round.

Kean students gain real-world experience through internships. (Medical Technology)

Research and Community Service

Students have opportunities to conduct research in their area of interest, and take part in community service projects to benefit children and education.

Early Childhood Education students take part in school supplies drive

All of the students are really open. Everyone shares their professional experience. That's how you really get teaching under your belt, is through experience. The faculty are great, they're understanding and approachable, and they share their own personal experiences."

Kimberly Kasten, Early Childhood Education Certification

Preschool teacher of the deaf