Enrolling in accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts opens the doors to many rewarding career paths, especially for those who focus on early childhood education. Graduates of these programs are qualified to work with children and their families in numerous settings, including child care centers and schools. Massachusetts has over 114 colleges and universities, many offering early childhood education programs. The state is also home to some of the highest paying jobs in the country across all early childhood education categories, including childcare workers and kindergarten teachers. If you are eager for a rewarding career, enroll one of the following accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts:
Bridgewater State University
College of Education and Allied Studies
The goal of the College of Education and Allied Studies is to produce graduates passionate about lifelong learning. Horace Mann founded the College in 1840, intending it to be a permanent fixture in the field of education. It has grown to include both undergraduate and graduate programs, including master’s degree programs, and is widely considered a leader in the education field. Approximately 94 percent of the College’s faculty holds terminal degrees or doctorates in their field, resulting in a superior education for their students. Bridgewater State University boasts one of the best educator to student ratios, at 19:1, with an average class size of only 22 students.
Early Childhood Education, BSE
The College of Education and Allied Studies offers a bachelor of science in education in early childhood education. This accredited education degree program in Massachusetts prepares students for careers working with children aged 8 and younger by educating them in the stages of growth and development, planning and executing a curriculum, and effective teaching procedures. The school focuses on developing graduates with a child-centered approach to education, taking into consideration the child’s background, abilities, and interests.
Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.8 to enter and remain in the program. Those enrolled in the program must also complete 80 hours of practical experience, including 15 hours at a preschool and 25 hours at the primary level. Failure to maintain a 2.8 grade point average may lead to ejection from the course. Students who have concerns about academic performance should speak with their advisors as soon as possible to avoid education disruption.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
College of Education and Allied Studies
Hart Hall, Rooms 124-125
Bridgewater State University, MA 02325
(508) 531-1347
lisa.battaglino@bridgew.edu
http://bridgew.prod.acquia-sites.com/academics/colleges-departments/college-education-allied-studies
Fitchburg State University
Education Department
The Education Department at Fitchburg State University offers many of the highest rated accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts. Out of the 60 postsecondary institutions in the country, Fitchburg State University is one of only seven to have its curriculum nationally recognized and praised. Students have the chance to receive hands-on experience at the McKay Campus School with rotating yearlong field placements a part of each program. Additional enrichment opportunities are available to interested students, as the school has partnerships with community-based child care centers. Graduates enjoy the excellent reputation Fitchburg State University’s education department has across the United States, with many reporting improved job opportunities over those with degrees from other schools.
Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Education
Inclusive learning is the focus of the early childhood education Bachelor of Science program at Fitchburg State University. Founded over 100 years ago, the education department’s goal was originally to provide a high quality education to those responsible for teaching at neighborhood schools. The program has since expanded to be one of the most reputable in the country. Students are taught techniques and strategies for meeting the needs of children of all learning types and abilities, including those with and without disabilities.
The Education Department strongly encourages applications who have a 3.0 or higher grade point average to apply. Representatives from admissions will review applications from those with lower grade point averages depending on the results of the SAT scores using a sliding scale. If you are interested in pursuing Early Childhood Education but are worried you lack the requirements, contact an admissions officer to learn more about their sliding scale admissions or their summer bridge program.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Fitchburg State University offers a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education at two different levels. Students may wish to obtain their initial licensure prior to taking the courses required to achieve their professional licensure. The initial licensure program prepares students for the challenges of working in early childhood education. Completion of this program grants graduates their Masters in Education as well as an initial license.
Students of the professional licensure program work closely with an advisor to select 36 elective courses designed to assist the student in advancing their knowledge and skills in the education field. Those enrolled in the program are expected to meet with their advisor often to discuss their professional and educational ambitions along with licensing requirements based on those goals. The courses selected should be approved by the advisor, and selected only after careful consideration of all alternatives.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Curriculum Has Earned Recognition From:
o National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
o Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
o Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE)
o Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
o International Literary Association (ILA)
Contact
Education Department
Main Office, McKay Campus Building C, Room C176
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
(978) 665-3770
nmurray5@fitchburgstate.edu
http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-departments/education-dept/
Salem State University
School of Education
Salem State University offers numerous accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts leading to public school teaching licenses with early childhood education specialties. The school also offers programs aimed at students who want to work outside of the public education system in private homes or childcare centers. Salem State University is one of the largest postsecondary institutions in Massachusetts, with a focus on helping students grow as individuals. This focus on personal growth and an emphasis on creating a diverse and culturally aware learning atmosphere makes Salem State University one of the top teaching universities in the state. Students seeking undergraduate or graduate studies at a school with a strong focus on social justice and civic engagement should consider enrolling at Salem State University.
Early Education and Care, B.S.
The Early Education and Care Bachelor of Sciences specialty focuses on preparing students to work in private daycare and preschool environments. Students learn qualities such as leadership, early intervention, and problem solving while also acquiring the skills to teach young minds. Other areas such as literacy, family integration and involvement in education, and early childhood policy are also the focus of many courses.
The School of Education expects all applications have a basic reading and writing skills as well as a grasp of basic mathematics. Students are required to take courses aimed at improving their ability to run and maintain an inclusive learning environment. These classes include studies in contemporary society and world cultures. Prior to graduation, students must also obtain scientific reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and written communication credits. Salem State University recommends that students interested in pursuing their Masters of Education speak with academic advisors before selecting their free electives.
Master of Education (M.Ed) in Early Childhood Education
Graduates of the Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education program obtain their initial licensure to teach preschool through the second grade in public schools. The School of Education expects all students to complete a practicum as well as in-class credits. Salem State University will endorse students for their initial licenses as soon as they complete the practicum component.
Unlike other schools, Salem State University designed its Masters of Education program specifically for students already working full-time jobs. The courses run in the evenings, with many of them also offered online. Students can often take two classes at the same time, allowing for a faster completion date. Applicants seeking initial licensure must successfully complete the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy prior to submitting their application. These students must also possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. Applications are reviewed by the School of Education on a rolling basis, allowing for admission year-round.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
Salem State University
School of Education
352 Lafayette Street, Sullivan 304
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-2854
edussu@salemstate.edu
https://www.salemstate.edu/education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
College of Education
The College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst consistently ranks in the Top 50 of all Colleges of Education across the country. Programs focus on improving the delivery of educational policy while also improving the structure of the educational system itself. Students are expected to commit themselves to learning fundamental aspects of social justice and diversity, and to live out these values. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a Land-Grant institution, with a focus on research. As such, the programs offered prepare graduates for work in the public education field. The College of Education offers many accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts, allowing students to find the right program for their career goals.
Bachelor’s Degree, Early Childhood Education Concentration
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education concentration have numerous career options at the completion of this program. These course focus on preparing students for work in public schools, private residences, and childcare centers. Students will receive their Early Childhood licensure, a Preschool Lead Teacher Credential, or both depending on their career goals and course success. This is a challenging program, where students are expected to participate and remain engaged in both classroom discussions and practicum settings. The College of Education expects all graduates to complete field placements in a wide range of settings and working with a diverse group of children from birth until eight years of age.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children has recognized the Early Childhood Program as one with high teacher competencies and standards. Applicants must pass the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 before the College will consider admissions. Completion of a strong personal statement is also required.
Child Study and Early Education (M.Ed.)
The focus of this Masters program is to give students the knowledge they need to work with children across a diverse range of educational and developmental backgrounds. Students can specialize in one of five different areas: Early Intervention (birth to three years of age), Early Childhood Education (birth to five years of age), Family Services, Public Policy for Children and Families, or interdisciplinary work in Childhood Studies. Each program puts the focus on studying the child, paying specific attention to cultural and developmental context. The College of Education finds this type of approach results in graduates with a better ability to assess students and develop effective educational programming.
The College of Education encourages students with extensive experience in early childhood education across diverse settings to apply to help strengthen the school’s cultural understanding of childhood development. Those interested in applying can contact the College of Education directly to learn more about the process. Since the College focuses on graduates from a diverse range of backgrounds, admission requirements may vary depending on prior education and workplace experience.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• U.S. News Ranked UMass Amherst 27th out of over 700 public postsecondary institutions in 2017
• The Princeton Review ranked UMass Amherst #1 in 2017 for Best Campus Food
Contact
University of Massachusetts Amherst
College of Education
813 North Pleasant Street, W114 Furcolo
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-6984
educgrad@educ.umass.edu
https://www.umass.edu/education/
Westfield State University
Education Department
The Education Department at Westfield State University fosters a vibrant and engaged learning atmosphere. Programs focus on preparing graduates for immediate employment in the field, with 90 percent of placement supervisors indicating that student teachers met or exceeded all requirements for the initial teacher licensure. Westfield State University offers graduate and undergraduate accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts in a variety of fields, including early childhood education. The Education Department also facilitates transfer from community colleges into one of many degree programs, including early childhood, elementary, and special education. Almost all degree programs offered by the Education Department have national or state-level recognition.
Early Childhood Education Degree (B.S.E.)
The Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Education, program prepares students to become teaching candidates at the initial licensure level. This allows students to teach preschool to grade two in public school settings. Programs include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education: Moderate Disabilities. The Education Department strongly encourages all applications and current students to meet with an academic advisor to ensure you select the program and elective that matches future career goals. Successful applicants to this program have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher, and have completed the Massachusetts Tests of Educator Licensure (MTEL). The Education Department offers this program to full-time students with daily classes, and to part-time students with evening and online course options.
Westfield State University has received recognition from the National Association of the Education of Young Children for their Early Childhood Teacher of Students With and Without Disabilities specialty. The Association for Childhood Education International has recognized the teacher licensure program in Elementary Education, and the Council for Exceptional Children has endorsed the Special Education licensure program.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood (PreK-2)
Graduate Degrees from Westfield State University focus on expanding the early childhood knowledge base for both new and experienced teachers. These programs give students the ability to further develop current skills, and provide research opportunities for those interested in expanding their area of study. The main goal is to educate students about the educational issues and concerns affecting young children in modern society, with a focus on developmental studies, learning models, and parent intervention. Successful completion of this program helps graduates work with children across a diverse range of backgrounds and developmental challenges.
Depending on the applicant’s education and workplace background, additional courses may be required before admission can be granted. Applicants should contact the Education Department to find out more if there are concerns about admission requirements. Graduates of the M.Ed. in Early Childhood will complete extensive practicum and school-based fieldwork prior to receiving their Masters.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• U.S. News Ranked Westfield State University Among The Best Universities, 2012-2017
• Department Of Elementary And Secondary Education (DESE) approval
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• National Association of the Education of Young Children
• Association for Childhood Education International
• Council for Exceptional Children
Contact
Westfield State University
Education Department
577 Western Avenue, Parenzo Hall 222
Westfield, MA 01086
(413) 572-5323
sberkowitz@westfield.ma.edu
http://www.westfield.ma.edu/academics/education-majors
Wheelock College
School of Education, Child Life and Family Studies
The School of Education, Child Life and Family Studies at Wheelock College has been providing accredited education degree programs in Massachusetts for over 130 years. Each program focuses on giving students a strong background in childhood development, including the benefits of play-based learning and anti-biased teaching. Graduates of the School of Education, Child Life and Family Studies are prepared for careers as teachers, childcare providers, child advocates, and policy experts. Wheelock College was the first postsecondary institution in the country to offer degrees in Child Life, a specific therapeutic approach to helping children and their families cope with chronic illness. This focus on putting the child first carries over to their early childhood education programs.
Wheelock College’s School of Education, Child Life and Family Studies has received accreditation from both the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Association for Child Life Professionals.
Early Childhood Education BS and MS
The Early Childhood Education program at Wheelock College has an innovative approach to achieving both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in only five years of study. Students can earn their Bachelor’s degree in four years, with their fifth year dedicated to obtain their Master’s. This is a fast-paced, challenging program, with high expectations of all students enrolled.
Early childhood education programs have a strong social justice focus, requiring students to practice an empathetic approach to lesson planning. Students learn techniques and strategies for meeting the needs of all children across a diverse range of social, economic, developmental, and cultural backgrounds. The program focuses on fostering an anti-biased learning atmosphere, where all children can thrive.
Students interested in pursuing the fifth year Master’s option must successfully complete the Massachusetts Tests for Educator License, pass the undergraduate teaching practicum, and submit their application in the fall of their senior year.
Early Childhood Education MS
Master’s Programs in Early Childhood Education focus on creating a responsive learning environment for all children regardless of background. Curriculums developed by graduates take into consideration children’s interests and abilities to foster a supportive, creative, and interesting learning environment. Students are expected to advocate for a multi-racial and multicultural society, partnering with community agencies to achieve that goal in the classroom.
Both the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children recognize the Master’s program at Wheelock College for its commitment to producing anti-bias graduates. Applicants must maintain a high grade point average for consideration, and must have successfully completed the Massachusetts Tests for Educator License. At the conclusion of this program, graduates must have at least 300 hours of fieldwork in a setting that corresponds to the student’s specific field of study.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Association for Child Life Professionals
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
Contact
Wheelock College
School of Education, Child Life and Family Studies
200 Riverway, Classroom Building, Room 205
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 879-2218
rruggiero@wheelock.edu
There is no career more rewarding that helping a child learn, but finding the perfect program can be challenging. Focusing on finding a school with education principals that align with your own guarantees you get the most out of your education. Thankfully, thanks to the wide variety of programs and specialties available, there is an accredited education program in Massachusetts for everyone.
Related Resource: 20 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
