Early Childhood Education, MST

This program will prepare you to take on the many roles in early childhood, including classroom teachers, developmental specialists, home visitors, and family support professionals.

A Pace University student teacher working with students in an elementary classroom.

Location

Online

Duration

36 Credits
24 Months, full-time and part-time

Modality

Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

F1 Visa

No

STEM Designated Program

No

Impact Early Learning

Transform young lives with a certification in Early Childhood Education. Dive into a curriculum tailored to nurture children's growth from birth to 2nd grade. Engage in coursework that focuses on practices that address the cultural, emotional, developmental, and linguistic needs of young children in the classroom, at home, in community settings, and through partnerships with families. No prior education degree required—ideal for career changers! Enjoy flexible online classes to suit your busy schedule with this program that you can complete in two years.

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98%

of our graduates are employed (Source: Pace University Career Services)

#1

highest paid education early childhood graduates (Source: College Factual)

#3

special education job placement (Source: Intelligent.com)

Curriculum

Immerse yourself in coursework with renowned faculty and clinically rich field experience. Graduate equipped with the skills to promote child development and learning through building family and community relationships. Leverage developmentally effective approaches to build a meaningful curriculum. Observe, document, and assess learning that supports both young children and their families.

View Curriculum

Take Courses Like…

Image
Children interacting in a school setting.

Program Highlights

  • In addition to completing 100 hours of fieldwork hours targeted toward the three developmental age groups of early childhood, you will complete a full-time internship for 14 weeks in pre-school, kindergarten, or first/second grade with an accompanying student teaching seminar (ED 714).
  • Become part of an education network for life. The bonds that form between our faculty and students last long beyond graduation.
  • Our coursework integrates key knowledge and outlooks necessary to teach in today’s modern classrooms, using technology to address the specific needs of all learners, including students with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse students.
  • We are a proud member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), an accreditation organization that holds our programs to the highest standard of teacher preparation and effectiveness.

Careers

This program will prepare you to take on the many roles in early childhood, including classroom teachers, developmental specialists, home visitors, and family support professionals. Our strong partnerships with local school districts mean our students are getting hired before they even graduate.

As a Pace student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our robust career services team to develop a career plan that best fits your goals.

Where Pace Graduates are Employed

  • New York City Department of Education
  • Westchester Public School District
  • Putnam Public School District
  • Rockland Public School District

Featured Faculty

Admission and Financial Aid

You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.

    • A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
    • A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities.
    • Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
    • All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to Pace University, directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
    • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a Liberal Arts major/concentration or the equivalent. In addition, the candidate’s transcript will be evaluated for 6 credits in each of the following areas: History, Natural Science, and Math. Candidates who have 12 credits or fewer of “deficiencies” in these areas are eligible for admission. Deficiencies will be required to be addressed prior to student teaching.
    • International Applicants: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, and they must have their international transcript evaluated by a NACES accredited service such as World Education Services (WES). The purpose of the evaluation is for the agency to determine the American equivalent of courses completed, and credits and grades earned for each course. The evaluation is required by New York State Education Department (NYSED) to determine eligibility for teacher certification.
  • Per credit: $1,095 | Total cost of program: $39,420
    *Tuition based on current year and subject to change.

  • Fall Term

    • Domestic Students: August 1
    • International Students: June 1

    Spring Term

    • Domestic Students: December 1
    • International Students: October 1

    Summer Term

    • Domestic Students: May 1
    • International Students: March 1
  • Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.

  • Every admitted student is automatically considered for all available financial aid options, assessed based on both availability and individual need. Financial resources include:

    • Merit-based Scholarships: Awards of up to $4,800, automatically considered during the application process.
    • Graduate Assistantships: Opportunities for hands-on experience while earning financial support.
    • Endowed Scholarships: Awards funded by generous donors to support student success.
    • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: A federal loan program with favorable terms.
    • Graduate/Professional Direct PLUS Loan: For students who need additional funding.
    • Work-Study Programs: Part-time work opportunities to help fund your education.
    • Military Benefits: Includes the GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Pace’s Veteran Tuition Scholarship.

    For more information about affordability and the full range of financial aid options, visit Pace University Financial Aid.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Contact Us

Admission Contact

Office of Graduate Admission
Phone: (800) 874-7223 
Email: graduateadmission@pace.edu

Departmental Contact

Raquel Plotka, PhD
Email: rplotka@pace.edu