Master’s in Early Childhood Teaching Degree Online

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Early Childhood Teaching Degree – Online Master's

If you want to go further in the field of education and build on your bachelor’s degree, consider the M.S. in Early Childhood Teaching program at Indiana Wesleyan University. In just one year, you can develop the skills to guide our youngest learners through effective curriculum and teaching methods during their most formative years. This MS in Early Childhood studies can help you prepare for your next role in teaching or administrative career paths that align with biblical worldviews. With our flexible and convenient online format, you can continue your education without slowing down your current career.

Why Pursue My Master’s in Early Childhood Teaching at IWU?

There are several benefits to earning your MS in Early Childhood Teaching at IWU. We provide a full spectrum of student services, including tech support, tutoring, and full-time chaplains to all our students. Courses are taught by faculty with experience teaching P-12 level students. Their insight can help you build the confidence to lead and apply your learning in real settings. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Plus, we lock in the rate of your tuition once you start the program, eliminating the worry of unexpected increases in cost once you begin classes.

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

This MS in Early Childhood Teaching program is designed to help students apply advanced teaching and assessment methods to early childhood classrooms. Course topics span several key areas, including how we learn, the craft of teaching, research, and classroom action tools. This program is designed for teachers who were awarded a graduate-level Transition-to-Teaching (TTT) Early Childhood Education Certificate within the last ten years and became practicing classroom teachers. To qualify for acceptance into this program, applicants must have at least one year of teaching experience.

What Makes IWU Different?

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Tuition & Aid

18 Credit Hours

$525/ Credit Hour

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Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

The curriculum for this MS in Early Childhood Studies teaching program covers how to:

Demonstrate the ability to use research using qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies
Apply advanced knowledge of student learning for effective teaching for every student
Foster supportive school environments and improvements through data literacy and analysis
Synthesize self-reflection and data analysis to improve teaching abilities
Lead and collaborate with teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
Apply global perspectives and philosophies to your teaching practice
Apply biblical principles to your professional decision-making

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

EDUC-510,EDUC-520,EDUC-530,EDUC-600,EDUC-630

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Childcare Administrator
Educational Service Agency Specialist in Early Childhood
P-12 Teacher (or rank advancement with a master’s degree)
Support Services Professional (Family and Early Childhood Initiatives)

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.

The program emphasizes developmentally appropriate, research-based instructional methods, including play-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and the Science of Reading. Students learn to create language-rich, inclusive environments that support cognitive, social-emotional, and academic development.

Students gain a strong foundation in child development, instructional planning, assessment, and classroom management. Clinical experiences provide hands-on practice, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead effective early childhood classrooms.

Yes. Students learn to design standards-aligned lesson plans and use formative assessment strategies to guide instruction and support diverse learners.

The program prepares students to work in a variety of environments, including preschools, child care centers, Head Start programs, and early elementary classrooms, as well as inclusive and community-based settings.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Successful awarding of a TTT Early Childhood Education Certificate within the last ten years.
Candidates need:
- A valid (but not necessarily current) teacher’s license or (state, national, or international) equivalent.
At least one year of early childhood teaching experience as teacher of record with supporting documentation from a school administrator.
Supporting documentation demonstrating access to an early childhood classroom.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the M.S. 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

Successful completion of the M.S. 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.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way ahead and pursue your goal of teaching P-12 or advocating for younger learners in your career in education. Contact us today to learn more about this MS in Early Childhood Teaching program at IWU!

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