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 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 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, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | June 1, 2025 |
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 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
Curriculum, Language and Literacy Methods
C&T 4131 Play, Language and Early Childhood Curriculum (3)
C&T 4112 Integrated Curriculum in Early Childhood Education: Curricular Inquiry and Design (3)
C&T 4003 Differentiation and Inclusion in Early Childhood Classrooms (3)
Child Development
C&T 4080 Child Development and Intersectional Identities (3)
C&T 4083 Home/School/Community Partnerships (3)
Equity in Early Childhood Education
C&T 4114 Integrated Curriculum: Diversity, Equity, and Technologies (3)
Field Experiences
C&T 4308 Introduction to Diverse Early Childhood Classrooms (3)
C&T 5308 Advanced Practicum in Teacher Research (3)
Additional Courses
-
at least 6 Teachers College points outside of the Department
-
a minimum of 32 points total
Beyond the required courses (identified above), all other courses will be electives selected in consultation with the advisor.
Culminating Project:
Students complete an integrative project over the course of the degree program.