Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Application Instructions

Checklist of Application Requirements

How to apply:

Candidates will either complete a hard copy application, or an electronic application, depending upon their current enrollment status at SSU. 

Hard copy application: Candidates that are currently enrolled in a Stateside MA or Credential Program at SSU should contact the SoE Credentials Office for a hard copy application. If you are currently enrolled in an MA or Cred Program, you will NOT complete Cal State Apply. 

Email for application: [email protected]

Electronic Application: Candidates who are NOT currently enrolled in a Post Graduate Program at SSU will apply to the University and to the program via Cal State Apply. Attach all required supporting documents to Cal State Apply.

Required Documents:

1. Official Transcripts: One official transcript from each college or university you have attended. Candidates are required to provide official transcripts which contain at least one 3-unit college level course in child growth and development theory and milestones (birth to age 8 or birth through adolescence). No internet printouts accepted.  Official transcripts are to be submitted electronically to: [email protected]. Please refer to the SSU website for additional information on submission of official transcripts. SSU: Transcript Submission.

2. Recommendations: Two recent recommendation letters (not more than one year old) are required from people who (a) have direct knowledge of your experiences as either an undergraduate student or professional in the workforce, (b) can provide direct knowledge of both your academic writing and critical thinking abilities, and (c) can assess your capacity for success as a graduate student. At least one recommendation must come from a university professor and both recommenders should focus on the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate school. The recommendation letters must be submitted directly by your recommenders to CalState Apply. 

   Please provide your recommenders with the Guidelines above for Recommendation Letters.

3. A Narrative Statement of at least 750 words in which you answer the questions below. You do not have to list your answer to each question separately, but you should address all points in your narrative.

   One important purpose of this essay is to evaluate your responses for how well they demonstrate your scholarly potential, your professional integrity, your use of academic language, and the organization and clarity of your ideas. Please provide evidence for your statements, and include references to academic or professional sources to support your connections to theory and research.

   A second important purpose of this essay is for us to get to know you. When you are writing your essay, it's important that we hear from you. Relying on generative artifical intelligence (AI) tools to compose for you is not acceptable. The use of such tools will result in inauthentic, more generic writing that doesn't showcase your unique qualities. Your essay must be your own original work, based on your own thinking and experience. 

   In your essay, please address the following questions:

• What development and learning theories guide your work with young children and families? Please provide academic citations to support your discussion.

• How do you use current research to support your work with young children and families? How do you find reliable information to inform your practice? Please provide academic citations if you refer directly to specific research.

• What are the most pressing issues in the field of Early Care and Eduction today? How do these issues relate to your career goals, and how will you use your ECE MA degree to improve the lives of young children and their families? While your response to this question should be based on your own knowledge, experience, and values, please provide academic citations to support your position. 

• How will you meet the reading, writing, academic rigor, and time commitment required for successful graduate study? What previous approaches have worked for you, and what do you think you will need to do differently in graduate school?

• How will you ensure your success in the online program? Address your ability to work independently on asynchronous academic work; build a supportive learning community with your peers, participate effectively in synchronous Zoom classes, and manage technology.

4. Verification of 45 Hours of field work: In this context, "field experience" refers to a verified teaching or volunteering position in an Early Care and Education setting (must include children within the birth to age 8 range). If you do not have this experience at the time of the application, you may complete the hours before you begin the program. A link to the Field Experience Form can be found on Step 5 of the MA-ECE Application Checklist.

   5. A Personal Interview. Once a completed application has been submitted, candidates will be notified with regard to an interview date. All interviews will be conducted on Zoom.

International Students: Please refer to the SSU website for additional admission criteria, documents and deadlines that are required of an international student. Please note that since this program is online, a student visa is not required and cannot be sponsored.