Master's in Early Childhood Education Online

If you want to channel your love for teaching into a rewarding career as an early childhood education teacher, discover this MS in Early Childhood Education online program at Indiana Wesleyan University. Upon completion, you can have the skills to provide our youngest learners with an effective education during their most formative years. Plus, we lock in the rate of your tuition as soon as you start the program. This eliminates the stress of cost increases as you earn your master’s degree in early childhood education.

Why Pursue My M.S. in Early Childhood Education at IWU?

There are several benefits to the MS in Early Childhood Education online program at IWU. We offer online students flexible, accredited programs and supportive student services. We provide tech support, tutoring, and full-time chaplains to all our students. Courses are delivered through innovative, interactive learning technology, and taught by experienced faculty who offer 1:1 support for every student. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. In other words, we offer the same quality of education online that students expect from a campus-based experience.

What Will I Learn in This MS in Early Childhood Education Program?

The MS in Early Childhood Education online curriculum can teach you the skills to help young students thrive through effective teaching methods. Curriculum includes experience working with younger students in classroom settings. Throughout the program, you will be guided and mentored by faculty with experience in early childhood teaching. Course topics include early childhood advocacy, foundations in early childhood development, classroom action research tools, and more.

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Early Childhood faculty include nationally recognized experts in literacy and early learning. Faculty such as Tina Shultz and Sherry Pomeroy specialize in the Science of Reading, while Rita Gamble is a dyslexia and reading specialist. Ann Gorbett holds a doctorate in Early Childhood Education and brings deep academic and practical expertise. Faculty members are located across the United States and actively contribute to the field through conferences such as NAEYC, ensuring students learn current, research-based practices.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office directly by phone, email, or through their online student portal. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days.

All courses include embedded field experiences or service-based learning, allowing students to apply early childhood education concepts in real-world settings. This hands-on approach prepares graduates to confidently work with children from birth through third grade.

Licensure tracks prepare students to become licensed K–3 teachers in public or private schools. Non-licensure tracks prepare graduates for careers such as early childhood program directors, preschool teachers, curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, family support specialists, child life specialists, higher education instructors, and nonprofit leaders focused on early childhood development.

For licensure students, key courses include EDUT-534, EDUT-542, and EDUT-582 (student teaching). For non-licensure students, courses such as EDUT-524, EDUT-544, and EDUT-532/533 provide strong preparation in early childhood leadership and practice.

Licensure graduates typically complete state testing and obtain teacher licensure. Non-licensure graduates often advance into leadership roles, pursue promotions, or continue into doctoral programs. Many work in roles that support children, families, and early learning systems.

All courses include field-based experiences that allow students to apply their learning in real early childhood settings. These experiences are essential for building practical skills and professional confidence.

Yes. The program is fully online, with the exception of required field experiences and student teaching, which are completed in person in approved local settings.

Most courses are 6–8 weeks in length. Student teaching is typically a 14-week experience.

Students typically take one course at a time, allowing them to focus deeply on each subject while balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Students progress independently at their own pace, following a recommended course sequence

Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete work on their own schedule. Some instructors may offer optional live sessions.

Students should plan to spend approximately 1–2 hours per day on coursework, including reading, assignments, and fieldwork.

Students follow a structured course sequence but can pause between courses if needed, working with an academic advisor to manage their schedule.

Yes. Multiple start dates are available throughout the year, providing flexibility for working adults.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career services through IWU’s online platform.

Yes. Field experiences provide opportunities for mentorship, supervision, and professional growth through interaction with faculty and experienced practitioners.

Yes. Field experiences function as internships and are completed in person in early childhood settings, providing hands-on learning opportunities.

Students with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential may receive credit toward their degree. Additional prior learning may be evaluated through IWU’s Prior Learning Assessment process.

Students complete performance-based assessments such as teacher work samples, digital portfolios, and recorded teaching sessions to demonstrate mastery of skills and competencies.

IWU’s Early Childhood programs combine academic rigor with a Christ-centered mission. The program emphasizes that early childhood education is both a profession and a calling, preparing students to serve children and families with excellence, compassion, and purpose.

Students who are self-motivated, passionate about early childhood education, and committed to serving children and families tend to thrive in this program.

The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and aligned with high-quality standards. Students also benefit from partnerships such as the TEACH grant program.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program, including weekly devotions and opportunities to reflect on how faith informs teaching, leadership, and service.

This program focuses on early childhood development from birth through age eight, including infant, toddler, preschool, and primary (K–3) stages. Students gain expertise in supporting development across all critical early learning years.

The program is built on nationally recognized early learning standards and research-based best practices, including NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies. Coursework emphasizes child development, culturally responsive teaching, inclusive education, trauma-informed practice, and family engagement. Students apply these frameworks through real-world projects and field-based assignments.

Yes. Each course includes field-based assignments that allow students to apply concepts in real early childhood settings.

Graduates work in a wide range of settings, including preschool and prekindergarten programs, child care centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, faith-based organizations, early intervention programs, and nonprofit organizations. Many also pursue leadership roles such as program directors, instructional coaches, and curriculum specialists.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have:

A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by any accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University. Transcripts from foreign institutions may need to be sent to an outside agency for evaluation and determination of transferable credits, degrees, and GPA. If this outside review is necessary, students are responsible for the initiation of this evaluation and for any fees incurred during the process.
An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least a minimum of 30 hours was completed.
Supporting documentation of the following:
- At least 2 years of experience in a professional position related to the support of young children and their families (i.e. pediatric nurse, children’s ministry, social services, etc.).
- Access to a P-3 classroom and childcare center (Letter of agreement).
- Approval to utilize current early childhood professional position/setting as a potential alternative site for field requirements, if approved.
Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
Proof of up-to-date TB test.
A signed Field Placement Requirement Notification form.
A criminal history background check that meets School of Integrated Learning and Development guidelines.

NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools. Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators. Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check that is acceptable to the university as a part of their application materials, that successful background report will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program. School corporations are governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees who set policy for their school corporation. All accepted candidates should understand that additional background checks at the candidate’s expense will most likely be required by school corporations and early childcare facilities before participating in clinical experiences.

NOTE: Applicants need to be prepared to have vaccination records on hand, if requested by an outside facility, to prevent delay of any required Field Experiences. Since this is an “outside” of IWU request, it will be up to the student to be prepared.

Graduation Requirements

Successfully complete the program curriculum.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Accreditation

Successfully complete the program curriculum.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

MS in Early Childhood Education Online