Support Children’s Learning and Development
Prepare to work with young children (ages 3–8) in classrooms, programs, or other educational settings with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education (EdM). You’ll learn to design and implement inclusive, engaging curriculum, support children’s social and emotional learning and well-being, and create learning environments that include and affirm children’s cultural and linguistic identities.
BU Wheelock offers four pathways to an early childhood education master’s degree, based on your prior studies and desire to seek initial teacher licensure. This flexible program is available full- or part-time, and coursework is offered in the evenings.
Program Pathways and Features
This program offers four pathways to grow your expertise, including three that lead to endorsement for Massachusetts Early Childhood Education (PreK–2) licensure. BU Wheelock offers a full range of support to graduate students seeking teaching licensure.
For students who are not seeking licensure to teach in public schools but want to develop an understanding of how young children learn and develop. Includes 28 units of required courses and 6 units of field experience.
For students entering with minimal or no coursework in early childhood education and seeking endorsement for Massachusetts Early Childhood Education (PreK–2) licensure. Includes 36 units of required courses and 12 units of field experience.
For students who have completed a previous degree in early childhood education or elementary education. Includes 28 units of required courses and 6 units of field experience.
For students who have completed the BU Wheelock undergraduate Education & Human Development major with the Teaching & Learning pathway and the Early Childhood Education focus. Includes 28 units of required courses and 6 units of field experience.
Gain hands-on teaching experience in early childhood classrooms. You’ll complete at least one semester of student teaching, guided by Wheelock faculty and a carefully selected classroom teacher.
Career Outcomes
As a student in the Master’s in Early Childhood Education program, you’ll learn how to create and sustain partnerships with families, caregivers, and other professionals to support the individual strengths and needs of all students and families. This early childhood education degree will prepare you for such roles as:
- Early childhood teacher (PreK–2)
- Literacy specialist or instructional coach
- Curriculum developer or instructional designer
- Program or education coordinator
- Family engagement specialist
- Policy or research assistant
“I wanted a graduate program that would push me to grow, not just academically, but in how I think about equity, identity, and student experience. I was drawn to how much the program centered justice, community, and real-world classroom impact.”
Featured Faculty
The faculty of BU Wheelock’s early childhood education master’s degree are experienced educators and internationally known researchers. Their areas of expertise include working with multilingual children and those with special needs, STEM education, arts-based and anti-bias education, curriculum design, and creating socially and emotionally affirming classrooms.
Dr. Nermeen Dashoush is a clinical associate professor at BU Wheelock. Her work focuses on leveraging media and technology to expand access to high-quality STEM education for young learners. She has helped create several award-winning educational apps and children’s television programs, and has been part of two Emmy-nominated production teams. She also serves as a lead advisor for PBS KIDS.
Early Childhood Education Courses
This early childhood education degree provides a solid foundation in early childhood care and education through coursework spanning policy, psychology, instructional methods, and curriculum development.
Detailed course and fieldwork requirements vary based on your chosen pathway. Courses in this program include:
- STEM and Inquiry-Based Learning
- Role of Play in Early Childhood Education
- Socially and Emotionally Affirming Classrooms
- Early Childhood Special Education: Policy and Practice
- Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum: Literacy, Social Studies, and Arts
Related Program
Master of Arts in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being
Shape policy and lead efforts to address inequalities that affect young children and families. This fully online Master of Arts program combines leadership training with the expertise you would get from an education policy master’s and a master’s in early childhood studies.
Scholarships Available
Don’t let financial concerns keep you from pursuing your Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Boston University graduate programs are eligible for merit-based scholarships.
Admissions & Dates
Fall 2026 Start
Jul 1, 2026
Application Closes (International Applicants)
Fall 2026 Start
Aug 1, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 15, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program focuses on how young children learn and develop. You’ll study curriculum design, inclusive teaching practices, and social and emotional development, while learning to create learning environments that support diverse learners and families.
Yes—this early childhood education master’s degree offers pathways to endorsement for the Massachusetts Early Childhood Education (PreK–2) license. You’ll complete coursework and supervised field experiences that prepare you for the classroom.
No—this Master’s in Early Childhood Education welcomes students from a range of backgrounds. Whether you’re new to teaching or looking to advance your career, the program provides the foundation and support to help you succeed.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised placements in early learning settings. This early childhood education degree connects coursework to practice, helping you build skills working with young children in diverse classrooms and communities.