| Total credits | Estimated resident cost | Estimated Washington border cost | Estimated non-resident cost |
|---|
| 45 | $26,208 | $26,208 | $26,208 |
Program cost estimates are based on 2025/26 PSU tuition and fees only. This chart is provided to help you estimate the minimum tuition and fees for program completion. Additional fees may apply depending on the course of study that you choose to pursue and the specific courses for which you enroll, so you may also find it useful to review detailed tuition and fee information and the full cost of attendance for PSU programs. Financial aid and scholarship options may be available to offset program costs. Visit COE Scholarships for specific details on how to qualify and apply. |
Curriculum
This innovative master’s program in early childhood education prepares professionals to welcome multiple perspectives, engage communities, and make learning visible through deep collaboration. Through the coursework, students gain a critical understanding of child development, differing perspectives, and culture in the lives of young children and their families, while exploring practices that foster belonging and fairness. With four specialty pathways and a culminating action research project, graduates are equipped to lead with vision and impact in the field.
Course descriptions
For full course descriptions, please consult the Bulletin or Class Schedule.
Program format
Modality
Online, no scheduled meetings: This program is held entirely online with no required meeting times.
Part-time or Full-time
Time to completion: 2–3 years
Scheduling
All courses are delivered fully online with no scheduled meeting times. Students will complete coursework asynchronously through the Canvas learning platform. While there are no live sessions, students should expect weekly or biweekly assignment deadlines, which are typically scheduled between Thursday and Sunday late evenings.
Weekly Estimated Time Commitment
The PSU Credit Hour Policy defines 1 credit hour as requiring a minimum of 3 hours of student time per week over the course of the term. PSU operates on the quarter system, and terms last 10 weeks.
Graduate school is a big commitment; please consider this information as a starting tool to help you gain a sense of the time commitment. Students learn differently and you may find that it takes you more time to complete the coursework on a weekly basis. Generally, a graduate program is more intensive and should require more time on homework than undergraduate courses; therefore, we recommend planning for more time than the minimum.
Students typically enroll in one to two courses per term (3–7 credits) and are expected to dedicate approximately 10–20 hours per week to engaging with online modules, completing assignments, and participating in related activities on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This program does not include a formal experiential learning (fieldwork or practicum) component.
The culminating project of the degree requires students to design, write, implement, and evaluate an action research proposal and final paper. This project is spread over the final year, and students should expect to dedicate additional time to research and data analysis.
Program of study
| Year 1 | CR | Terms offered |
|---|
| Core + Research courses |
ECED 550 Foundations in Early Childhood and Inclusive Education
OR (with adviser approval and prior ECE coursework/experience)
ECED 553 Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood and Inclusive Education | 4 | Fall |
| ECED 551 Child Development and Critical Perspectives in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 4 | Spring |
| ECED 552: Social Justice and Transformative Practice in Early Childhood Inclusive Education | 4 | Winter |
| ECED 590 Action Research Proposal | 3 | Fall |
| ECED 591 Action Research Implementation | 3 | Spring |
| Total Core Credits | 18 |
| Specializations (Choose One) |
| | various |
| Total Specialization Credits | 18 |
| Electives Options |
| Suggested Elective Courses | | various |
| Total Elective Credits | 9 |
| Total Program Credits | 45 |
IMPORTANT: All 45 credits must be completed within a seven-year time frame, and students are encouraged to complete their degree program within two to three years.