Master of Education
Early Childhood
Master of Education
Early Childhood
Master of Education
Early Childhood
Stand Out in your calling.
MARCH 10
NEXT START
With several start dates throughout the year.
33
CREDIT PROGRAM
Complete the program in just 6 semesters.
ONLINE
COURSEWORK
100% online and asynchronous coursework.
$360
COST PER CREDIT
Earn your degree from one of Iowa’s most affordable programs.
You’re shaping bright futures for both you and your young learners. With Northwestern College’s online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3) 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.
It’s more than a lane change.
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 8-week online 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.
“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
Application requirements
Application requirements
Application requirements
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: [email protected] 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. (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.
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.
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.
EDU565 - Instructional strategies for Diverse Students and Settings
(3 credits) This course will focus on
building 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 to positively impact
learning in the PreK-12 classroom.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
Add your endorsement!
Early Childhood M.Ed. + Endorsement
Add an extra course and student teaching to earn your Birth–Grade 3 Inclusive Settings Endorsement while also earning your M.Ed.
Faculty + Staff
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.
