Early Childhood Education MA Initial

In the Early Childhood Education M.A. Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, students are prepared to skillfully address critical issues in early education through pedagogical, political, psychological, and sociological perspectives.

Our program offers both a full-time and part-time option. However, please note (in accordance with NYS guidelines), all students will be required to engage in one semester of full-time student teaching. Designed as a cohort model, anticipated duration for full-time students range from 1 ½ years (3 semesters + 2 summers) or 2 years (without summers). 

Prioritizing theory in practice, our program at TC requires that students participate in several field experiences, which serve as the foundation from which to theorize about development, learning, and curriculum. By bringing together coursework and fieldwork, graduates are well-prepared to begin and continue to develop their professional identity and practice in research-informed ways. Many of our graduates have gone on to become early childhood practitioners, administrators, community organizers, school founders/leaders, authors, researchers, and professors.  

Through a curriculum that integrates early childhood education, early childhood special education, and bilingual education content, the Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education/Teaching Students with Disabilities- Dual Certification programs at TC prepare initial certification students to become outstanding early childhood teachers, early interventionists, early childhood special education professionals, decision makers, and leaders. Honoring the contextualized and situated nature of teaching and learning, the Master of Arts program emphasizes collaboration with families and other professionals and considers policies affecting young children with and without disability labels and their families.