M.A. in Early Childhood Education

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Professor Fromberg, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-5768,
Doris.P.Fromberg@hofstra.edu

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is part of the Department of Curriculum and Teaching. This integrated program is designed for teachers who hold the Initial Certificate to teach and wish to prepare for the New York State Professional Certificate to teach Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2).

Admission Criteria

New York State Initial Certificate to teach Early Childhood or Childhood Education.

A minimum GPA of 2.75 in each of two categories:
1. Overall undergraduate course work;
2. Course work in the liberal arts and sciences.
Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
An interview with the program director.

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 criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

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.

SPED 310 - Issues in Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Parent and Family Involvement Programs Credits: 3 s.h.

Foundations of Education Elective - Semester Hours: 3

FDED 220 - Aesthetic Education Credits: 3 s.h.
FDED 225 - The Museum as Educator Credits: 3 s.h.
FDED 231 - Childhood and Adolescence in Historical Perspective Credits: 3 s.h.
FDED 247 - The Family as Educator: Multicultural Dimensions Credits: 3 s.h.
FDED 251 - Theory of Knowledge and Education Credits: 3 s.h.
FDED 252 - Ethics for Educators Credits: 3 s.h.
FDED 255 - Seminar: Social Foundations of Education Credits: 3 s.h.
or the equivalent (educational issues on sociocultural contexts)

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:

English/Literacy:

DRAM 277 - Theater Methods in Educational Dramatics Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 225 - Teaching English as a Second Language Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 265 - Children’s Literature for Early Childhood Educators Credits: 3 s.h.

Social Studies:

ISI 201 Cultural Diversity and Global Perspectives (New College), 3 s.h.

ELED 254 - History and Geography in the Early Childhood and Elementary Curriculum Credits: 3 s.h.

Mathematics, Science & Technology:

MATH 280T Workshop: Pre-College Mathematics, 3 s.h.

ELED 231 - Curriculum and Instruction in Science Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 232 - Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 239 - Technology Education in Elementary School Credits: 3 s.h.
MHAE 231 - Teaching Elementary School Children About Health Credits: 3 s.h.

Phase 1.

Admission to the Early Childhood Education M.A. Program

Phase 2.

ELED 270 - Methods for Study of and Research With Young Children Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 271 - Early Childhood Curriculum Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 272 - Curriculum Innovations in Early Childhood Programs Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 272L - Early Childhood Field Consultation Credits: 1 s.h.
(50 clock hours)
ELED 274 - Curriculum Supervision of Early Childhood Centers Credits: 3 s.h.

Phase 3: Professional Portfolio Project

Prerequisites: completion of Phases 1 and 2

ELED 273 - Early Childhood Professional Portfolio Credits: 3 s.h.
ELED 273L - Early Childhood Field Consultation Credits: 1 s.h.
(20 days)

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all course requirements for the M.A: Early Childhood Education with an overall GPA of 3.0;
Completion of the 35 s.h. course requirements in the M.A.: Early Childhood with no fewer than 26 s.h. in residence at Hofstra University;
A culminating Professional Portfolio Project successfully completed in Phase 3;
Completion of the master’s degree within a 5-year period.

Professional Certificate Requirements: Upon successful completion of the M.A.: Early Childhood, 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 and Allied Human Services.

Teacher Certification Requirements

See Teacher Certification Requirements within the School of Education and Allied Human Services.

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