Academic programs
Mills College at Northeastern University
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Master’s Degree
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential prepares you to work in early intervention, preschool, transitional kindergarten (TK), and kindergarten education settings with infants and young children (ages birth through five) who experience a range of disabilities. Our equity-centered approach to praxis advances social justice and increases access and opportunity for all children.
In your clinical experiences, you’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These clinical experiences total more than 900 hours, exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Location
Oakland, California
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
2 Years
Type
Classroom
Program overview
Our Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a 42-credit, two-year program. We aim for our experiential learning opportunities to set the global standard in preparing practitioners to lead in their professions as early childhood educators and leaders in California public schools. Through collaboration with families, you will support young children with disabilities, from birth through kindergarten, to live up to their potential.
Most of our MA in Early Childhood Education courses meet CCTC standards and utilize a strengths-based approach, which teaches you to approach early childhood with an appreciation of the diverse capabilities and resources children and families offer. Our program focuses on social justice and equity, centering on a disability-studies approach. You’ll examine how societal systems set limitations based on “othered” identities, and how instruction, interaction, and advocacy can create equitable and accessible learning opportunities. The master’s degree is conferred by Mills College at Northeastern University, and the teaching credentials are presented by CCTC.
Throughout the MA in Early Childhood Education course sequence, you’ll compile a digital portfolio, including course assignments such as reflection pieces, presentations, and papers. The portfolio will provide us with assessment evidence of varied experiences, depth of knowledge, and critical reflection around instruction gained during the program.
Unique features
- Fulfills CCTC Preliminary Education Specialist, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teaching credential requirements.
- Guidance from our academic coordinator and credential analyst to assist you with the CCTC aspects of the application, orientation to the degree program, and completion of the program.
- Gain clinical experience every semester for two years.
- Secure placement at our celebrated Mills College Children’s School and other schools/districts.
- Develop instructional competencies and personal disposition with seasoned mentors who are early childhood education professionals.
Program objectives
- Complete 42 total credits.
- Acquire a minimum of 600 hours of fieldwork.
- Gain clinical experience every semester for two years.
- Develop instructional competencies and personal disposition with seasoned mentors who are early childhood education professionals.
- Prepare to apply to the CCTC for a Preliminary Education Specialist credential with a specialty area of early childhood special education.
- Prepare to work with children with special needs in early intervention programs, preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and inclusive/special education classrooms.
- Achieve readiness to assume leadership positions within early childhood education as program directors or within policy or research institutions.
Career outlook
The state of California is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in early childhood education (ECE). By 2025, all four-year-olds must be offered a placement in TK, resulting in the need for 11,000–16,000 new ECE teachers, including those with a specialty in working with students with disabilities.
The ECSE program director, Jaci Urbani, has participated in multiple state-led web conferences about the current and future need for educators, specifically for special education and preschool through third grade (P-3). Discussion has focused on bringing diversity to the workforce by continuing to collaborate with community colleges and supporting those already working in the field without a teaching credential, such as teacher aides/assistants.
Explore the following resources for information on California’s ECE plans :
- Learning Policy Institute: Building a Well-Qualified Transitional Kindergarten Workforce in California: Needs and Opportunities
- News release, Gov. Gavin Newsom: Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids
- Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids
Curriculum
For 100+ years, Northeastern University has designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.
Experiential learning
To prepare you to become a leader in the field of early childhood education, we integrate coursework and fieldwork through assignments that require engagement in educational settings. You also will be placed in experiential learning/educational fieldwork every semester of this two-year program.
During your first year, you will be placed at the Mills College Children’s School, where you will be closely mentored by experienced and knowledgeable early childhood professionals. You will participate in weekly reflective circles with team members, where you’ll discuss instructional decisions and interventions, receive feedback, and identify the next steps for supporting children and families. During your second year, you’ll have student teaching assignments that will take place in an early intervention setting and a preschool-kindergarten setting.
In your field placements, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These experiential learning placements total more than 900 hours, far exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the CCTC.
“My career path was enhanced by attaining my masters and ECSE credential from Mills. My holistic approach is integral to my work with young children. I have a social and cultural consciousness that guides me in my daily practice.”
—Courtney Webster, ’13, Mills College
Tuition and aid
Tuition
$29.3K
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for academic year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
Finance your education
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
How to apply
Learn more about our required admissions materials and process, including deadlines.