Education Edge » Deadline Extended for Online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

 

Deadline Extended for Online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

by UM School of Education on April 19, 2018

August 1 is the deadline to apply for admission into the University of Mississippi’s online master’s degree in early childhood education, which will start its next cohort in the fall.

Designed to fit the busy schedule of working teachers, administrators and other education professionals, the program focuses on the best practices and latest research associated with the development of young children. Prospective students can apply online with the UM Graduate School or request more information about the program through the SOE’s Graduate Studies Office.

The program is 100 percent online, allowing students to participate in the program from anywhere and can be completed in 18 months. With a flat-rate tuition, there is no extra costs for out-of-state students.

“Students will have flexibility to work around their work schedule,” said Jessica Essary, assistant professor and coordinator of the program. “They will be given a period of time to complete their assignments, and can do them when it is convenient for them.”

Qualifications for admission into program include a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, passing Praxis II Content Scores and two Graduate Reference Forms. The Graduate Reference Form can be found on the University’s website. The GRE is not required for this program .

Established in 2016, students from the second cohort of the program will graduate this year, including Mary Catherine Lantham, a teacher from Southaven.

“I do feel I am better equipped for my career because of this program,” Lantham said. “I feel like I have a lot more knowledge, specifically about young children. Early childhood aged children are so different from older children. I am glad that I have learned so much about them through this program.”

Many students currently in the program describe the curriculum as both accessible and intellectually challenging.

“This program meant that I could further my education, while still working,” said Karen Krikorian, a teacher in Bartlett, Tennessee. “It showed me that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. I wanted to apply to this program because I wanted something that I could do from home, so I could begin my teaching career.”

Graduate students in the program also stress a new confidence in their own classrooms, as a result of the program.

“This program has given me the confidence to go into the field with knowledge of research-based practices and strategies that will work in the classroom and allow students to truly learn in an engaging environment,” said Jenny Kate Smith of Tupelo, who is completing program this May. “My biggest takeaway from this program is that early childhood education matters! So often, early childhood educators are looked down upon, and early childhood education is underfunded or pushed aside, but early childhood education is critical to preparing young children to lead a successful life.”

The next program will start in August 2018. Apply by May 1 to have a spot on the next cohort.

The UM School of Education offers five graduate degrees 100 percent online. Click here to learn about our online programs, watch testimonials and more.

By Riley Kinard