This is a fully online (asynchronous), non-licensure program focused on inclusive education for young children, birth through age 8. We believe that children and teachers construct knowledge, alone and in collaboration, through interaction with the social and physical world. Our early childhood courses reflect an inquiry-based, constructivist approach to teaching and learning in which field work with young children in group settings is essential to completing our program.
We develop highly reflective and responsive early childhood educators and social service professionals who have a deep understanding of the role of development, diversity, and culture in the lives of young children and their families. While a practicum is not required, our classes include opportunities to apply your learning in your field. Graduates understand how to implement an inclusive approach, guided by a commitment to anti-bias education – they are prepared to be leaders!
Whether you are seeking leadership opportunities or looking to change your career path to focus on young children and families, our program will advance your professional growth. This 45 quarter- credit non-licensure program, completed at your own pace, enables you to specialize in one of three critical areas:
· Constructivism (Inquiry-Focused Education)
· Infant-Toddler Mental Health
· Early Childhood Special Education (non-licensure)
You can also combine classes from each area in the Distributed Pathway.
Early Childhood Education Certificate of Completion option
If you aren't ready to embark on a graduate degree, you have the option to take courses towards our 12 credit Early Childhood Education Certificate of Completion at either the undergraduate or graduate level. This program does not require admission. Up to 15 pre-admission graduate credits may be approved to transfer into the MS/MA in Early Childhood if admitted. Credits can be used for 7 years.
Any of these credits can also be used to advance in Steps on the Oregon Registry. In our schedule we have noted which courses may be used towards this certificate.
Respect ~ Honoring our diversity, welcoming multiple perspectives, affirming equity
Participation ~ Engaging all members of the community
Constructing knowledge ~ Inquiring, experimenting, theory building
Listening ~ Paying close attention
Reflection ~ Thinking deeply, inviting transformation
Representation ~ Making learning visible in many possible languages
Collaboration ~ Having wonderful ideas together
Change ~ Leading and engaging together with children, families, and communities.
Online Learning. Engage in powerful discussions with colleagues in diverse professional settings, from around the nation and globe. Learning is accessible without the limitations of time and place.
Innovative Practice. Draw on the inspirational practice of educators at the PSU laboratory school, the Helen Gordon Child Development Center, focused on anti-bias and inquiry-based education. through optional field experiences.
Interdisciplinary Faculty: Learn from ECE faculty who are grounded in inclusive practice and research, and committed to innovation and collaboration.
International Study. Explore notable early childhood programs, currently in Reggio Emilia, Italy, through optional faculty-guided study tours.
Summer Intensives. Learn about social constructivist curriculum "big ideas" through our summer intensives on site at our lab school.
Action Research. Inquire into a question about your professional work that you feel passionate about through the culminating action research sequence.
Our fully online program offers admitted Early Childhood degree students Reduced Differential Tuition (RDT), which is similar to in-state resident tuition, regardless of your location, and without many of the fees required of in-person students. The estimated total degree program costs can be found at COE Estimated Program Cost. Information on COE and PSU Scholarships and financial aid is also available online. Federal student aid is available for degree programs.
For additional information contact askcoe@pdx.edu.
U.S. News and World Report 2024 rankings for the Best Online Master's in Education Programs placed our Masters of Early Childhood: Inclusive Education at Portland State University’s College of Education (COE) in the top 12% nationwide, tied at No. 35 out of 303 programs. This is a significant jump, rising 47 spots from No. 82 in 2023.
Intelligent.com announced on January 16, 2022 that, among its online degree program rankings, Portland State University was No. 6 for its Master in Early Childhood: Inclusive Education and Curriculum & Instruction.