Because of the diversity of the population being served, this program is designed to develop a deeper understanding of those aspects of early childhood education that are particular to each student's needs and interests, while also developing a broad understanding of the field of early childhood education. Admittance into the specialization is dependent upon completion of the Curriculum and Instruction application materials and admittance processes as follows.

Admission Criteria:

To be considered for admissions in the MS*/MA** in Education: Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education Specialization, candidates must have:

• Completed BA or BS degree from an accredited institution
  
• GPA: 3.0 cumulative undergraduate, 3.0 on all upper-division courses, or 3.0 cumulative graduate courses (a minimum of 12 credits)
  
• Submitted two complete application packets by the application deadline
  
• Intention to maintain continuous enrollment for the entire 30-credit block of coursework

*MS (Masters of Science) does not require foreign language competency.
**MA (Master of Arts) indicates competency in a foreign language. The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature administers the required foreign language examination.

Application Instructions:
(To apply, two packets are required)

Packet #1 to the PSU Office of Admissions:

Packet #2 to the to the Graduate School of Education:

Please feel free to download the forms in each of the packets. You may also contact Graduate School of Education (503-725-4619) for an application packet to be mailed to you.

It is the applicant's responsibility to follow-up and ensure that all admission materials are submitted in a timely manner.

Application Deadlines

• Winter Term - September 1
• Spring Term - November 1
• Summer Term - February 1
• Fall Term - April 1

Program Information:

The following program is in effect for MS/MA: ECE Specialization candidates.
Theme: *Big Ideas in Early Childhood Education*

Course Requirements: The 45-credit program has a 30-credit core (includes culminating activity) and 15-credit elective sequence. Core courses in Curriculum and Instruction and the ECE Specialization will be offered on a rotating schedule, including options for summer term. Please check the current schedule of classes to determine when particular courses will be offered. The current course schedules are found at http://www.pdx.edu/registration/class_schedule.html

II. Electives** (15 credits)
The remaining 15 credits are electives chosen with the help of the advisor. Electives that can be applied to other specializations and/or endorsements are listed in brochures that may be obtained through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. See your advisor for further information about these programs/endorsements that can be taken in conjunction with your core classes. Students may choose courses offered throughout the Graduate School of Education and other departments on campus as well.

Total Credits: 45 (minimum for a MS/MA)

NOTE: All substitutions for any course need to be approved by advisor before the student takes the course. Substitutions appear
in the “remarks” section of the GO-12 form, on the students planned program of study. All transfer courses need to be taken for a
letter grade from an accredited university at the graduate level. Use the GO-21 for Pre-admission and transfer credits. Be aware that there is a 6 credit LIMIT for PSU 800 level classes or equivalent professional development courses from other institutions, with the exception of courses numbered 808, which will not count towards any degree.

Students will select one of the following three options to complete the requirements for the master’s degree:
(1) An independent project –3-6 credits; (2) A thesis –6 credits; or (3) A written comprehensive exam.

Candidates completing the independent project option must complete the following Prerequisites.
CI 560 – Action Research (3 credits)
CI 501 – Action Research Individual Projects (can be taken as a class or “By Arrangement” with a faculty member)
The purpose of action research is to systematically study and improve ones own classroom practice. In CI 560, candidates design and write their independent action research project proposal. In CI 501 candidates implement their project. Some students may take CI 506- Action Research Group Projects when they are working with others on the same action research project.

2. Thesis

Candidates selecting the thesis option will register for 6 graduate credits for the completed project.
Prerequisites: CI 560 – Action Research or equivalent research methods course.
Candidates will follow the most current Graduate School of Education Style Manual for Dissertations and Theses.
Candidates selecting this option will be expected to work closely with their advisor and may be required to join a thesis seminar that may be taken as an independent study.

3. Comprehensive Examination Option

The comprehensive examination is a rigorous experience covering all Curriculum and Instruction MS/MA core content areas. The examination is evaluated by an examining board of faculty members.

A. Development of the Comprehensive Examination:
Questions for all comprehensive examinations are developed by program faculty. Three questions will be selected from a pool at the time of the examination- two related to specified course requirements and one related to the elective area.

B. Administration of the Comprehensive examination
The exam will be administered on designated dates, at a site to be announced. Students may take up to three hours for the examination. Appropriate accommodations will be made for students with special needs and/or disabilities.

C. Evaluation of the Examination
Students must pass all sections of the examination. If a student fails either the entire examination or any section thereof, the department may dismiss the student from the degree program, or allow the student to repeat the entire examination, or the section that was failed after a minimum of three months. The result of the second examination is final. Question evaluations will be completed within four to six weeks from the date of the examination, and students will be notified of the results.

*A minimum enrollment of 1 credit is required during the term in which oral or written exams are taken.