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MEd in Early Childhood Education

Two young students writing on worksheets

Ignite learning by supporting the education and development of young children.

The Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education program offers a range of coursework encompassing the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in the primary grades. Through coursework, field placements, and practical learning experiences, students develop competence in the use of developmentally appropriate practices in diverse contexts and settings.

While this program does not lead to a teaching certificate, it does prepare students to work in a variety of early childhood education-related settings such as private schools, preschools, childcare centers, and community agencies.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Master of Education (MEd)

Enrollment Term

Fall, Spring, or Summer

Format

In-Person

Credits

30

Application Deadline

Rolling

Admissions Requirements

GRE exam not required

Duration

Varies, depending on whether students are full-time or part-time.

Time Commitment

Full-Time or Part-Time

Upcoming Info Sessions

General Info Session (Virtual)

June 15, 2026 | Noon - 1 p.m.

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Program Overview

Supporting Youth

The Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education program focuses on the education of young children (birth to grade 4) in public and private schools and centers, homes, community agencies, and other facilities in which children are served. Strong emphasis is placed on developing relationships with the families of young children and working collaboratively with other professionals.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of required coursework, field experiences, and comprehensive exam.

Diverse Pathways

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of roles including working as a preschool teacher, caregiver, private school teacher, work with children in varied community agencies, professional development trainer, and early education policy development, among other related careers.

Please note that this program does not lead to a teaching certificate.  The program is appropriate for those who already hold a teaching certificate or who wish to deepen their understanding and expertise in early childhood education and plan to work in settings that do not require a teaching certificate, such as private schools that do not require a certificate, preschools, community agencies, and childcare centers.

Xinzhu Liu
This program provides systematic and theoretical foundation in early childhood education, as well as interdisciplinary learning and cooperation. This expands students’ perspective and understanding of the ecology of education.
Xinzhu Li - MEd in Early Childhood Education student

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Curriculum

The Early Childhood Education MEd is a 30-credit program  designed to prepare students to work in a variety of settings that support the learning and development of young children. It includes rigorous coursework, as well as opportunities for observation and fieldwork in schools and centers for children birth through age 8.

Students can complete 6 credits of their program by participating in Pitt’s month-long Early Childhood Education Study Abroad Program in Florence, Italy.

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Program Faculty

Katrina Bartow Jacobs
Sheila-Conway
Patricia Crawford headshot
Michelle Sobolak

Career Pathways

Preschool teacher, caregiver, private school teacher, work with children in varied community agencies, professional development trainer, and early education policy development, among other related careers.

This program does not provide a pathway for teacher certification.

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for the program, although students should have an interest of working in the field of study.

Admission Requirements

Academic requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5

Additionally, applicants must complete the School of Education online admissions application that will include:

  • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Goal statement
  • Contact information for three professional references
  • Academic transcript

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