Master of Education
Early Childhood
Stand Out in your calling.
NEXT START
May 12
Classes begin every 8 weeks
FLEXIBLE
Finish in just 2 years
Take one course every 8 weeks to finish in 6 semesters
ONLINE
100% online coursework
Learn on your schedule, wherever you are
AFFORDABLE
$360 per credit
Affordable tuition + 33 credit program
Expertise Enhancement
Expertise Enhancement
Expertise Enhancement
You're shaping bright futures for both yourself and your young learners. With Northwestern College’s online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (PreK–3rd grade) program, you can build on your experience and gain advanced skills in child development, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching strategies.
Whether you want to enrich your classroom, lead as an early childhood administrator, or consult with schools and families, this flexible, supportive program empowers you to become a leader in the field—without putting your current career on hold. Build a brighter future for both you and your young learners.
Earning a graduate degree doesn't have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Log into class each week and complete your coursework, whenever it's most convenient for you. Take one online 8 week class at a time, completing two classes each semester, and you'll finish your M.Ed. in 2 years or less and be eligible for financial aid.
Add your endorsement!
Early Childhood M.Ed. + Endorsement
Add an extra semester of courses and student teaching to earn your Birth Through Grade Three Inclusive Setting Endorsement while earning your M.Ed.
Find out how
"The classes I have taken at Northwestern have constantly challenged me to go beyond a textbook
or a journal article to applying what I have learned in my practice as an elementary educator."
-Barb, M.Ed. Early Childhood Student
"The classes I have taken at Northwestern have constantly challenged me to go beyond a textbook
or a journal article to applying what I have learned in my practice as an elementary educator."
-Barb, M.Ed. Early Childhood Student
"The classes I have taken at Northwestern have constantly challenged me to go beyond a textbook
or a journal article to applying what I have learned in my practice as an elementary educator."
-Barb, M.Ed. Early Childhood Student
Tuition + fees
Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.
Financial aid information
Alumni Grant
The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
- Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).
TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant may be available to help pay for your master's if you teach or plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. For more information visit the TEACH Grant website.
TEACH Grant
Additional resources
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional Resources
Click the link below to access frequently asked questions.
M.Ed. FAQs
Accredited through the Iowa Department of Education.
Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.
Financial aid information
The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
- Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).
The TEACH Grant may be available to help pay for your master's if you teach or plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area. For more information visit the TEACH Grant website.
TEACH Grant
Click the link below to access a variety of additional resources designed to support your educational journey. Here, you'll find helpful tools to provide further assistance as you move forward.
Additional Resources
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
No GRE required. No application fee.
No GRE required. No application fee.
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Official transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts are needed from your bachelor's degree institution.
- No undergraduate transcripts are required of NWC alumni.
Degrees from colleges accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education [ABHE] or affiliated with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Universities [TRACS] will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Send official transcripts to onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu or Northwestern College, Graduate & Professional Studies, 101 7th St SW, Orange City, IA 51041.
Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
Documentation of valid teaching license.
- A digital or scanned copy from your state's Department of Education website is sufficient.
Program Specifics
Program Specifics
Program Specifics
33 credit program
33 credit program
33 credit program
Core curriculum:
Core curriculum:
Core curriculum:
The required 10 courses below provide a comprehensive foundation in early childhood disciplines (30 credits):
The required 10 courses below provide a comprehensive foundation in early childhood disciplines (30 credits):
The required 10 courses below provide a comprehensive foundation in early childhood disciplines (30 credits):
EDU505 - Collaboration and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Community
(3 credits) Examine characteristics of the diverse cultures and structures
prevalent
in American families, and how those factors influence children's growth
and development. This course emphasizes strategies to improve
collaboration with families, schools and community partners to improve
students' success outcomes.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU525 - Advanced Child Development
(3 credits) Intensive study of typical and atypical development of children
from
birth through age eight. This course will immerse you in research that
will improve your ability to facilitate the cognitive, emotional,
physical and social development of young children with diverse abilities
and needs.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU530 - Leadership of Early Childhood Programs
(3 credits) Thorough examination of roles, responsibilities and
characteristics of
effective leaders of early childhood programs with a focus on personal
growth in leadership and communication. Emphasis on identifying areas of
strength and need in programs and staffing to create opportunities for
improvement.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU535 - Strategies for Early Literature Development
(3 credits) Examine widely accepted theories of language, reading and
writing
development in young children. Use research and assessment data to
identify curricula and instructional strategies most suited to the
diverse needs of young children. Examine research and develop strategies
to leverage play in providing successful literacy instructional
experiences.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU555 - Trends and Issues in K-12 Education
(3 credits) Teachers and schools must continually examine current
practices in PreK-12 education in search of better solutions to increase
student
achievement and to thoroughly prepare children for the world in which
they will live and work. In this course students will study current
social, political and academic trends and issues affecting children,
teachers and schools. Students will define their personal positions
based on facts and experience, and will collaborate with others to
advocate for solutions that improve education for PreK-12 grade students.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU560 - Curriculum and Assessment for Student Learning
Through a process of discussion, reflection, reading, discovery and practice, this course will lead students to a more comprehensive understanding of how curriculum and assessment are interrelated. Students will delve into timely issues associated with curriculum and assessment affecting schools. Upon completion, students will be prepared to develop aligned curriculum and assessment that takes into consideration local, state and national standards, best practices and students' diverse needs.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education. (3 credits)
EDU570 - Teaching and Learning with Technology
(3 credits) Technology integration in the K-12 setting can enhance
learning, improve motivation and engagement, increase accessibility,
individualize instruction, differentiate assessment and improve
communication with parents and stakeholders. In this course students
will broaden their understanding of the technology available to them in
the PreK-12 classroom and improve their ability to leverage specific
technology to improve teaching and learning.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU575 - Science and Math in Early Childhood
3 credits) Integrate science and math instruction throughout the early
grades curriculum, with a focus on activating children's innate
curiosity, modeling habits of the mind, and fostering students' belief in
their ability to learn. Focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment
that are developmentally appropriate for young children.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU610 - Educational Research Methods and Design
(3 credits) This course will provide an overview of research methodology
employed for studies in the field of education. Topics include basic
research methodology, interpretation of findings, and application of
research in educational settings. Students will develop their ability to
critically evaluate educational research and to judiciously apply
findings in their professional settings. By the conclusion of the course
students will be able to identify a potential topic for future research
and outline the basic methodology needed to conduct the study.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
(3 credits) In this course students will apply the cumulative knowledge and
skills learned in their master's program. The research focus may be related to student learning, teacher effectiveness,
school quality, school policy, or other area by approval. The project will be
proposed, approved, designed, and implemented prior to the
student's graduation with a master's degree in education from Northwestern
College. Students who do not have a finished capstone approved by the
M.Ed. Director at the conclusion of EDU635 will repeat the
course for credit.
Prerequisite: EDU610.
Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
Choose 1 course below focusing on diverse student needs (3 credits):
Choose 1 course below focusing on diverse student needs (3 credits):
Choose 1 course below focusing on diverse student needs (3 credits):
EDU540 - Teaching Young Children with Diverse Needs
(3 credits) Students will learn to design curriculum, instruction and
assessment
specific to the needs of diverse children ages 0 through 8. Create safe
and nurturing classroom environments that are developmentally appropriate
and respect diversity. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet the needs
of young children.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU565 - Instructional strategies for Diverse Students and Settings
(3 credits) This course is intended for experienced teachers, and will
focus on
building off of prior knowledge and experience to improve student
learning. Research-based instructional strategies will be studied, with
particular emphasis on adapting and employing strategies to fit students'
cognitive abilities, motivation, interest, cultural background and other
unique characteristics in diverse settings. Students in this class will
apply new instructional strategies in their practice to positively impact
learning in the PreK-12 classroom.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
Dr. Angila DeJong
Program Director, Master of Education Programs
Dr. Carrie Thonstad
Assistant Professor of Education; Licensure Official; Department Chair
Rachel Van Roekel '99
Director of Enrollment