Early Childhood Concentration, MEd

Master of Education

Overview

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) prepares practicing educators from a biblical perspective for school administrative, instructional leadership, and teaching positions in the United States and around the world. M.Ed. graduates complete a concentration in either Early Childhood, Educational Administration or Instruction and Learning. The program is available fully online. Students should consult with their academic advisor in planning their degree programs. CIU Education Programs are endorsed by the Higher Education Approval Program (HEAP) of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Program graduates who meet specific requirements are eligible to apply for appropriate ACSI teacher or administrator certificates. 

Objectives

Candidates will develop:

1. Competency in content so that they demonstrate the ability to:
   1. Apply biblical principles to formulate a philosophy of education and articulate this to various audiences.
   2. Understand instructional strategies and learning theories to meet the development of learners and their individual needs.
   3. Develop and analyze curriculum based on philosophy, theory, and biblical principles and their relationship to instruction and learning.
2. Proficiency in skills to promote learning for all students so that they demonstrate the ability to:
   1. Employ various research procedures and technology for problem solving within the school setting.
   2. Assess and monitor student learning through a variety of methods.
   3. Foster a nurturing school culture that enhances student learning, including consideration of the cultural differences within the school community.
3. Professionalism so that they demonstrate a commitment to:
   1. Intentionality to create a climate conducive to spiritual transformation within the school setting.
   2. The professional role of the educator that includes being a lifelong learner by reflecting and gaining from experiences and being aware of current issues in education.
   3. Collaborating and communicating effectively with other professionals, community members, and parents to improve student learning.

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Application fee
• Official transcript for highest earned degree and any master’s level credits earned
  • A minimum 2.7 GPA for the most recent degree obtained

• Previous experience in education, as verified by one of the following:
  • Two years of classroom experience or educational administration
  • A current teaching certificate
  • An undergraduate degree in education
• Professional Reference
• General Reference

Residency and Transfer Policies

Policies governing transfer credits are outlined in the Admission section of this catalog. Transfer credits may be received on a limited basis, but the majority of coursework must be taken at Columbia International University. Candidates wishing to receive transfer credit for the M.Ed. program should consult with the Registrar’s office and seek approval from the dean. 

Time Limitation

The time limit for completion of all requirements is six years, measured from the date a student begins coursework in the M.Ed. program.

Completion Requirements

Although advisors assist students in planning their courses of study, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for graduation have been met.

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and earn no grade lower than a “C.”
• Demonstrate competency of each of the program’s outcomes through satisfactory completion of program courses.

Course of Study (Foundation + Core + Concentration) (30)