Opportunities

Masters of Education
Early Childhood Policy Focus

Degree requirements are 60 credits, 45 of which must be at Teachers College, Columbia University.

The Master of Education with the Early Childhood Policy Focus is designed to give students a firm grounding in early childhood pedagogy, programs, and practice as well as in policy analysis and policy making related to young children and their families. Students will combine theoretical knowledge with practice in the policy field; they will also become familiar with an array of policy issues impacting contemporary child and family life. While the focus of this work is on U.S. policy, there will be opportunity for international and comparative work as well.

Course requirements for the degree fall into three course categories, totaling 45 credits. First, a set of courses in Curriculum and Teaching will provide the foundation for early childhood pedagogy and practice (15 credits). Second, courses in Human Development will provide analytic policy training and focus (15 credits). A third set
of course options is listed, from which students must take 15 credits; alternative courses may be taken with advisor approval.

Curriculum & Teaching Requirements (15 Credits)

C&T 4113 Early Childhood Methods and Programs
C&T 4121 Evolution of Early Childhood Strategies
C&T 4005 Principles of Teaching and Learning
C&T 5513/4 Seminar
C&T 5006 Readiness for School: Pedagogical and Policy Issues [3]
C&T 6006 Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Social Policy

Policy Concentration Requirements - Human Development (15 Credits)

HUDF 4000 Overview of Policy at TC (F)
HUDF 5645 Policy Analysis (WS)
HUDF 5646 Program Evaluation (S)
HUDM 4122 Probability and Statistical Inference or
C&T 5501 Intro to Qualitative Research
C&T 6408 Policy Internship

Optional Courses (Select 15 Credits from Following) *

C&T 4000 Introduction to Special Education
C&T 4004 School Improvement
C&T 4122 Issues in Parenthood and Education
C&T 4615 Young Children and Social Policy
C&T 5074 Curriculum and Teaching Policy
HUDF 4040 American Politics and Education
HUDK 4127 Developmental Psychology and Educational Reform
HUDK 6036 Child and Family Policy I (Institute for Child and Family Policy)
HUDK 6037 Child and Family Policy II (Institute for Child and Family Policy
ITSF 4050 Economics of Education
ITSF 4090 Issues and Institutions in International Educational Development
ORLA 4046 School Finance: Policy and Practice
ORLA 4047 Political Policy Analysis in Education
ORLA 4086 Law and Educational Institutions
T 6801 Social Welfare Policy (Social Work-Garfinkel/Waldfogel)
T 6820 Women and Social Policy (Social Work-Waldfogel)
T 7144 Seminar on Social Policy Practice (Social Work-Waldfogel)

* Substitution permitted with advisor's approval.

Electives (15 Credits)

An additional 15 credits are required. Up to 15 of these credits may be transferred in to Teachers College with approval. If a student does not transfer credits to Teachers College, electives not listed above may be taken with advisor's approval.

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Degree Programs in Early Childhood Policy Page

Ed.D. (Doctorate) Requirements