Master Degree in Education
Early Childhood Education

The M.Ed. is offered with emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Educational Technology, Reading and Special Education. The Master of Education Programs extend and develop classroom skills and abilities of practicing teachers in elementary and secondary education. Applicants to the Master of Education Program must have a bachelor of education degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and/or a current teaching certificate.

The M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Program is designed as a part-time program for practicing pre-school and primary teachers, with mainly an emphasis on classroom application. It is possible for teachers to complete the course work during two school years and three summers, while teaching in their own district. Though most of the program can be distance delivered, at least two weeks of on-campus time is required during two summers.

The purpose of this program is to extend and develop classroom skills and abilities for practicing teachers in levels pre-kindergarten through third grade. The plan of study should reflect the graduate student's own professional and personal growth objectives. A maximum of 3 credits of 400-level coursework can be included in the approved plan of study.

The M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Program is not a teacher credential program. The program has earned national recognition through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.)

To view details of the program, visit the School of Education Website.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Admissions to the Master of Education Program requires the following:

1. A completed application and $50 processing fee
2. Official academic transcript indicating baccalaureate degree and a GPA of 3.0
3. Two recommendations addressing professional dispositions on specific forms provided by the UAS School of Education
4. Statement of Professional Objectives. This is a 2-3 page typewritten and double spaced formal paper containing a summary of educational experiences, a description of professional goals related to what is needed to teach students in Alaska and beyond, and a statement of how the program for advanced teaching candidates might help in attaining those goals. (An advanced teaching candidate is someone who is currently teaching, has taught, has experience in education, or has a teaching credential and access to a classroom for field experience.) This statement will be judged in terms of readability and style as well as compatibility ofthe student’s objectives and expectations and the goals of the program
5. A sample of professional or work-related writing or media production demonstrating proficiency in writing and/or computer-mediated communications
6. Field experience statement form, also available in packet of application materials, if required
7. A copy of a teaching or administrative certificate, or program coordinator's permission is required for entry into the M.Ed. Reading program and preferred for entry into the M.Ed. Educational Technology program.

Applicants to the Early Childhood Education and Reading program should also apply to the appropriate certificate program at this time.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (2007-2008 CATALOG)

Minimum Credit Hours			33
Major Requirements			24
ED	S465	Math and Science for Young Children	3
ED	S605	Early Childhood Education Principles & Practices	3
ED	S610	Guidance and Discipline in Early Childhood Education	3
ED	S652	Understanding and Teaching Young Children I: Social and Emotional Development	3
ED	S653	Understanding and Teaching Young Children II: Creative, Physical and Healthy Development	3
ED	S661	Literacy and Young Children	3
ED	S664	Young Child & Classroom Management	3
ED	S698	Master's Research Project or Portfolio	3
Electives			9
Select three credits from each of the following areas (9 credits total)
Research Technology Special Student Populations or Multicultural Education The Master's Research Project or Portfolio must provide evidence that the student meets all program goals/outcomes.

CONTACT INFORMATION

University of Alaska Southeast
Cara Wicks-Ortega, Ph.D.
11120 Glacier Highway
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Ph: 907-796-6412
Program Website: www.uas.alaska.edu/education
Email: cara.wicksortega@uas.alaska.edu