Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Non-Certification)
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is now accepting applications.
The Master of Arts Program in Early Childhood Education (non-certification) is concerned with the education and development of children from birth to eight years of age. It is designed to accomplish three major goals: (a) to relate research on the growth, development, and education of young children with practice in early childhood education programs; (b) to strengthen the knowledge of early educators and other educational personnel pertaining to the education and development of young children; and (c) to investigate issues central to early childhood education, specifically focusing on issues of equity and inclusion.
This program is ideal for those candidates who already have Early Childhood Education initial certification and are seeking a Master's degree as well as those who are not interested in initial teacher certification in New York State.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2026, Summer 2026, and Fall 2026 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) | |
| At least one (1) letter of recommendation should be academic |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact CTadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2025-2026)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 terms.
Early Childhood Education MA Non-Certification / Degree Requirements
Required Courses in Curriculum (9 Credits)
- C&t 4112: Integrated Curriculum in ECE: Inquiry and Design
- C&T 4114: Integrated Curriculum in ECE: Diversity, Equities and Technologies
- C&T 4131: Play, Language & Early Childhood Curriculum
Required Courses in Child Studies (6 Credits)
- C&T 4080: Childhood Development & Intersectional Identities
- C&T 6513 or 6514: Childhood Studies Seminar
Practical Application Courses (3 credits)
With advisors, students will take one course from one of the following areas
- C&T 4308 or 5118: Field Work
- C&T 4138, 4140, or 5137: Literacy and Culture
- ORLA 4071: School Leadership
- C&T 6199: Research Methods
- C&T 4899 or 5050: Policy
Electives (11 credits)
With advisors, students will select 11 credits of electives, at least 6 credits must be outside of the Curriculum & Teaching Department
Masters Project (3 credits)
C&T 5308: Teacher Action Research