We designed this program for practicing teachers who wish to develop skills to better work with preschool and primary-level children.
This program is nationally recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
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No job is more challenging, rewarding, or important than teaching small children. As an early childhood educator, you’ll help shape the character—and future—of every child in your classroom. It’s a big responsibility. If you want to work with preschool and primary school-aged children, this degree program will enhance your teaching skills in this area, and will prepare you to succeed.
For more than a century, Northern Arizona University has produced leaders for America’s schools. Our graduates have a 98 percent pass rate on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment exam. The College of Education is technologically advanced, culturally responsive, and student-focused. Small class sizes guarantee that you will receive lots of individual attention. You’ll also do plenty of classroom teaching.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | An emphasis, minor, or certificate is required for this major. |
Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
In addition to the NAEYC SPA accreditation standards, which are integral as we move into accreditation procedures for this degree, this program also incorporates the opportunity to enroll in coursework for National Board Certification:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 30 - 31 units:
Core requirements (12-15 units):
Select from (3-6* units):*For the Early Childhood National Board Preparation Emphasis select two courses.Early Childhood Leadership Emphasis (18 units):
At least fifty percent of the courses in your program must be at the 600-level or above. In addition, you must be admitted to this degree program before taking your last 12 units of graduate work.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.