Early Childhood Education, MEd

The Departments of Curriculum Studies and Special Education in the College of Education and the Department of Human Development Family Studies in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) offer a 30-credit interdisciplinary program leading to the degree of Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (MEd-ECED). The program is designed to support professional development and promote leadership in personnel who work in programs and services for young children and their families.

Course of study includes understanding the developmental and educational needs of young children ages birth to five; knowledge of family and community systems, needs and resources; development of the ability to design and implement programs and services to meet the needs of all young learners ages birth to eight including culturally, linguistically, and neurodiverse children, as well as those with disabilities; current issues and trends in early education policy, assessment, and research; and development of reflective practice and ethical leadership skills. Students may choose: 1) non-license, or 2) Add-a-Field early childhood education (PK-K or PK-3). The MEd-ECED is offered in a 2-1/2 year cohorted Summer intensive format with core courses held onground at UH Mānoa between mid-June and mid-July for 3 consecutive summers and on-line seminars during the academic year.

Students with an initial teacher license in another field may Add-a-Field to an existing Hawaiʻi teacher license in two ways. Students may either earn an 18-credit ECED Graduate Certificate or, if they want to earn a Master’s degree and an ECED Graduate Certificate, they must be concurrently enrolled in both programs for at least one semester. The ECED Graduate Certificate coursework fulfills 9 credits of the MEd-ECED program prerequisites and up to 6 credits may be double counted towards the completion of a MEd-ECED.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements of Graduate Division, applicants for the MEd in Early Childhood Education must provide the following:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited and UH Mānoa recognized four-year institution of higher education with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
2. Evidence of successful academic performance in child development and early childhood education. This includes a minimum of one course each in: a. child development, age birth to five; b. developmentally appropriate practice; c. family studies/working with families and communities;
3. Resumé or CV documenting coursework and experience of working with young children and their families or in early childhood program administration or public policy;
4. Three (3) professional references from people who are able to comment on the quality of the applicant’s experience, ability to pursue graduate study, and professional strengths.
5. Written statement of objectives; and,
6. Successful completion of interview with key staff.