Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Early Childhood Education, MA


“No longer accepting students.”

Associate Professor Elijah
, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-6382
Professor Libresco, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-6543

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is part of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology  . This integrated program is designed for teachers who hold the initial certificate to teach early childhood education or childhood education* and wish to prepare for the New York state professional certificate to teach early childhood (Birth-Grade 2).

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission to this Master of Arts Program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology  are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

  1. New York State initial certificate to teach early childhood or childhood education.
  2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate course work or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
  3. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on course work in the liberal arts and sciences.
  4. Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
  5. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  6. An interview with the program director.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 35



Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree but will be included in determining the grade point average.

Foundations of Education Elective - Semester Hours: 3


Content-Pedagogy Linked Course Work Electives - Semester Hours: 12


Content-Pedagogy linked course work electives, including a minimum of 3 s.h. in each of the following three areas for a total of 12 s.h. with advisement:

Phase I


Admission to the Early Childhood Education MA Program

Phase III - Professional Portfolio Project


Prerequisites: Completion of Phases I and II

Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of all course requirements for the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with an overall GPA of 3.0.
  2. Completion of the 35 s.h. course requirements in the Master of Arts in Early Childhood with no fewer than 26 s.h. in-residence at Hofstra University.
  3. A culminating professional portfolio project successfully completed in Phase III.
  4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
  5. All course work offered in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Professional certificate requirements: Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, students are eligible to be recommended by the University for New York state professional certification in early childhood. Additional information pertaining to certification can be found in the School of Education of HCLAS .

Teacher Certification Requirements


Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. 

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.