Master of Arts in Education: Early Childhood
Create learning experiences that make an impact on young learners.
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Support Children Academically, Socially, and Emotionally
Make a meaningful difference during the most formative years of a child’s life with an online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Early Childhood from Concordia University Irvine. This program prepares educators to design developmentally appropriate, engaging learning environments that support children academically, socially, and emotionally.
Grounded in research and best practices, the program is ideal for educators who are passionate about child development and early learning. You’ll explore how young children grow, learn, and thrive and how educators can partner with families to support long-term success.
Designed with working professionals in mind, this fully online degree supports teachers, administrators, and curriculum specialists seeking to deepen their expertise in early childhood education. For students residing in California, the program meets the California Transitional Kindergarten (TK) requirements.
Online
Study fully online where it’s convenient for you.
30 Units
Complete your program in about 10 months.
$710/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
“The models of leadership and character have provided me with a template for faith in action.”
Megan S. ’24
Getting Started
The MAEd in Early Childhood is a 30-unit, online program delivered in convenient 8-week terms, making it ideal for working educators. The curriculum blends theory, research, and practice to help you design effective learning environments for young children.
Courses cover a range of topics, including child development theories, curriculum design, assessment strategies, supporting diverse learners, partnering with families, and the latest research in early childhood education. Plus, this program provides over 24 units of early childhood-specific coursework to prepare program participants to be a specialist in early education, which may be applied to meet CTC requirements for teaching Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
Next Start
August 24, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Fall 2 2026 October 19, 2026
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Spring 1 2027 January 11, 2027
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Spring 2 2027 March 8, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- EDEC500 – Child Development Theories and Early Education
- EDEC502 – Early Childhood Curriculum
- EDEC504 – Creating Engaging and Inclusive Early Childhood Environments
- EDEC506 – Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood
- EDEC508 – Observation, Assessment, and Early Intervention
- EDEL510 – Servant Leadership
- EDU542 – School, Community and Diverse Family Structures
- EDCE 533 – SEL Core Competencies
- EDR580 – Educational Research
- EDR605 – Capstone
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon earning your MAEd in Early Childhood, you’ll be able to:
- Develop instructional content and pedagogy and apply learned skills to support and assess learning outcomes for all students.
- Demonstrate analytical skills and knowledge to develop and implement informed content and pedagogy.
- Model servant leadership by supporting, collaborating, and sharing expertise within a diverse community.
- Implement a balanced approach to analyzing and developing teaching and learning processes.
- Identify strategies for lifelong learning in a global and digital world.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Lutheran Educator Discount
For applicants currently serving as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school, Concordia offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue a degree through Concordia University Irvine’s School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to submit a signed letter from their school administrator verifying employment along with all application materials.*
CUI Alumni Loyalty Discount
For applicants who have earned a degree from Concordia University Irvine, the university offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue an additional degree or program through our School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to inform the Admissions Office of your eligibility when applying for admissions.*
*Students receiving Concordia Faculty/Staff Waiver, Graduate Assistants, and Scholarship Athletes cannot combine with tuition discounts.
Admission Requirements
View the Graduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Information Sessions
Attend an Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Career Outcomes
The MAEd in Early Childhood equips educators for advanced roles in early learning settings, curriculum development, and instructional leadership. Graduates often pursue or advance careers such as:
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teachers
- Early Childhood and Elementary Educators
- Private School Teachers
- Curriculum Specialists and Instructional Leaders
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers in public schools earn a median annual wage of approximately $62,300, with thousands of openings projected each year due to workforce turnover.1 For educators interested in curriculum and instructional leadership, the BLS reports that instructional coordinators earn a median annual wage of $74,720, and typically hold a master’s degree with teaching experience.2
While career outcomes and wages vary by role, location, and credentials, this program provides a strong academic foundation for educators seeking to expand their impact in early childhood education.
MAED/MAEL Program Handbook
The Program Handbook provides you with certain graduate degree program descriptions and requirements needed to earn a MAED/MAEL degree.
Networking Opportunities
As a graduate student at Concordia, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of over 25,000 alumni and over 3,500 peers, fostering meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you discover and develop your callings through mentorship and collaboration.
Located in Irvine — home to more than 900 tech companies and a hub for innovation — students benefit from proximity to leading industries in life sciences and information technology. One-third of all Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Irvine, offering abundant opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career advancement.
Irvine’s strategic position in Southern California provides access to a dynamic business ecosystem, making it an ideal place to build your professional network. Whether you’re attending on-campus events or engaging with our online community, Concordia offers the resources and support to help you thrive in your various vocations.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
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Kathy Mueller
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/Assistant Director of Events and Partnerships
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Sandra Mercier
Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction
FAQs
Who is the MAEd in Early Childhood designed for?
This program is designed for educators, administrators, and education professionals who work with young children or want to specialize in early childhood learning, including those teaching or preparing to teach Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
Is this program flexible for working educators?
Yes. The program is delivered fully online in 8-week terms, allowing you to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.
Is a master’s degree in early childhood education worth it?
For educators who want to deepen their expertise and expand their impact during the most formative years of learning, a master’s degree in early childhood education can be a meaningful investment.
Many roles in education and curriculum leadership either require or strongly prefer a master’s degree. Beyond career advancement, many educators find value in the confidence, professional growth, and long-term effectiveness that come from advanced training in early childhood education.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (viewed Dec. 20, 2025).
2U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (viewed Dec. 20, 2025).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.