Early Childhood/Special Education, M.A.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

• Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers who are concerned with the social, emotional, and intellectual issues of young children in the contemporary educational setting
• Apply advanced pedagogy in child development, curriculum, instruction, and assessment to engage young students in reaching their potential as individuals and as learners
• Develop the capacity to influence and advance positive change for young children and the profession of early childhood education in a complex global society
• Encourage development of collaborative relationships among all adults and agencies responsible for the appropriate emotional, social and cognitive development of young children

Acceptance Requirements

1. Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
3. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5; cumulative GPA of 3.0 for REACH to Teach 
4. Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability to work with children and families. The cover form for these letters is available on the University website. Note: Recommendations must be from individuals who are not family members, personal friends, or members of the School of Education at the University of Saint Joseph
6. Immunization record using the Health Services form available on the USJ website
7. A planned program of study developed by the candidate and the faculty advisor, approved by the appropriate department representative

Continuation Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses for continuous progression throughout the program.

Exit Requirements

Eglible candidates for the M.A. in Early Childhood/Special Education will successfully complete ECSE 599 - Thesis  as their exit requirement.

Other

Students seeking cross endorsement must meet with the Licensure Office to ensure the plan of study will meet your goals.