
Masters in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS)
Masters in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS)
Bay Path’s online Master’s in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) is meticulously designed to align with the professional standards of both the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Through an intensive course of study focused on these standards, the program meets DESE Professional Standards for Teachers in the following areas:
- planning curriculum and instruction.
- delivering effective instruction.
- managing classroom climate and operations
- promoting equity.
This Early Childhood Education Master's Degree is intended to deepen the content and subject matter knowledge base for teachers at the early childhood education level (PreK-2).
Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Master's Degree has three program options:
- Initial Licensure: For students seeking Massachusetts Initial Licensure in Early Childhood Education PreK-2
- Professional Licensure: For students seeking Massachusetts Professional Licensure in Early Childhood Education PreK-2
- Non-Licensure: For students seeking the MSEd or EdS degree without licensure
Our flexible structure gives you the option to attend full-time, or to study part-time while continuing with family life, work, and other commitments.
Did you know? Massachusetts ranks in the top 15 categories of early childhood education jobs and is ranked #6 in the U.S. for best salary.
Bay Path also offers a Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) Professional Licensure Certificate, designed for educators seeking to gain expertise in the area of literacy instruction and advance their Massachusetts initial teaching license to professional status. Completion of this 12-credit, online certificate program prepares educators to position themselves in their organizations as knowledgeable of current trends and best practices related to the science of reading. Furthermore, the certificate program provides educators with applicable learning experiences embedded within the theories of practice presented within the program’s courses.

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Master's in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) Degree Program: Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start the Master's in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) Online Degree program?
Classes start every January, May, and September.
Can I complete the Master's in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) while working full-time?
The majority of our students are working full-time and are able to manage their academic coursework with their outside commitments.
How many courses and credits are there?
The ECE Master's Degree program is a 39 credit program, taught entirely online.
Is the Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) Master's Degree offered online?
Yes, the course schedule is 100% online. Students learn in a small, intimate, highly dynamic, and interactive online community.
Do you offer MTEL preparation?
Yes. Bay Path University’s educator preparation programs offer various ways candidates can prepare for MTELs (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure). Learn more here.
How much is tuition for the Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) Master's Online Degree program?
The cost per credit is $560/credit.
Can I get help paying for my Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS) Master's Degree?
Yes, financial aid is available.
Do you accept transfer credits?
Yes, graduate credits can be transferred into the program.
Do I have to take a standardized test for admission?
No. The GMAT and GRE are not required.
Will I have access to learning resources?
Yes. Students have access to mentoring, tutoring, library resources, academic resources, and career services.
Are there professional certifications available if I'm not looking for MSEd or EdS?
Yes, there's a 12-credit certification course available for Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) Professional Licensure. Learn more here.
Will this Master's degree program help me prepare for the EEC Professional Certification?
Yes, our Early Education programs will help you prepare for the Early Education and Care Professional Certification.
What are the learning outcomes of the Early Education Master's Program?
Meet Massachusetts's Department of Elementary and Secondary Professional Standards for Teachers by:
-Planning curriculum and instruction
-Delivering effective instruction
-Managing classroom and climate operations
-Promoting equity
-Meeting professional responsibilities
-Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills through in-class assignments and presentations, to be applied in the teaching-learning process.
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Why choose Bay Path University for your Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education (MSEd/EdS)?

- For our faculty’s extensive experience teaching in public schools, as well as their academic qualifications.
- For small classes where you are not “just a number,” and faculty are attentive to your individual needs and learning style.
- For the flexibility to attend full-time or part-time, and to earn a Master's degree with or without licensure.
- For our cutting-edge curriculum supported by “hot topics in education” discussions and guest speakers.
- For the University’s strong reputation among principals who have hired Bay Path grads.
- For our virtual peer communities developed through online discussion posts and live Zoom conversations.
The Bay Path Difference
Faculty Commitment & Expertise
Our accomplished faculty bring their real-world experience into the classroom. Their ability to address current issues and best practices ensures that our students gain relevant, up-to-date skills and knowledge which they can put into action immediately in their workplaces and communities.
Diversity and Inclusion
Bay Path students find a supportive and diverse community. We firmly believe that individuals have the right to a safe, accepting, and enriching higher education experience and we are committed to fostering an environment in which diversity is welcomed and all individuals feel that they belong.
Success Focused
Bay Path's faculty and staff foster close relationships with students, ensuring they are supported in their educational goals and equipped to succeed. Students are empowered to become leaders in their careers and communities with an innovative approach to learning that prepares them to advance their careers.
About Bay Path University
Our Mission and Vision
Since Bay Path opened its doors to students in 1897, its goal has been to provide a practical, affordable, and career oriented education to meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities, while preparing students to realize their dreams, and to make a lasting difference in the world.
Accreditation
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and our Master's Degree Education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Flexible and Affordable
Bay Path was one of the first universities to pioneer online learning. Our courses are a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous, letting you study when it works for you and enabling us to offer extremely competitive tuition rates.

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