Masters in Education, Early Childhood Studies

Program Description

The Early Childhood Studies graduate program provides advanced studies in working with young children, birth through age eight, and their families. The program is blended with early childhood education and early childhood special education; therefore, graduates are prepared to work with all children, those who are typically developing and those with delays and disabilities. Students come from a variety of settings: public schools; infant/toddler programs; child care; and Head Start. The program is based on advanced standards from two professional organizations: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Council of Exceptional Children – Division for Early Childhood (CEC/DEC).

The 33 credit program offers a core of general courses that all master’s candidates complete (6 credits) and a core of specialized early childhood studies courses (15 credits). In addition there are three options for a capstone experience: a thesis; project; or written comprehensive examination.  Students will receive an M.A. for the thesis option only and an M.Ed. for the project and comprehensive examination options.

Completion of the required courses does not qualify the candidate for state certification in Blended Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education. The candidate should seek advising to determine certification requirements.

The Masters in Early Childhood Studies program development checklist

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Comprehensive Examination

Comprehensive Exam Dates for the College of Education:

Spring 2007   

March 16 & 17

Summer 2007

July 13 & 14

Fall 2007

October 19 & 20

Spring 2008

March 14 & 15

Summer 2008

July 18 & 19

Fall 2008

October 17 & 18

As a general rule, Comprehensive Exams are from 8:30 to 11:30 am on the Friday and Saturday of the second full week of October, March, and July. 

Applications for the Comprehensive Exams must be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month (i.e., February 15th for the spring exam date).


Graduate Assistants

  • Each year one graduate assistant is assigned to the Early Childhood Studies program.
  • Interested:  Apply through the College of Education
  • Application from: http://www.boisestate.edu/gradcoll/
  • Go to Forms
  • Due: March 31
  • Stipend -$8000 with fee waiver for academic year

For more information and advising please contact:

Dr. Keith Allred
Education Building room 203
208.426.1548
keithallred1@boisestate.edu