On April 25, 2022, the CSU Chancellor’s Office issued a memo that GWAR will no longer apply to new and continuing graduate students (regardless of catalog year) at CSULB. Catalog copy has been updated on 07/21/2022 to account for this change.
Visit the College of Education Graduate Studies Office website for specific program details, application guidelines and materials, and application deadlines. Master’s students must complete Catalog requirements specified in the Catalog in effect at the time of admission to the graduate program.
Option in Early Childhood Education
The Master of Arts in Education, Option in Early Childhood Education (30-36 units) is designed to foster the development of educators who can apply research-based knowledge in designing developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and assessment strategies for children ages birth through 8. Candidates develop strategies and approaches for building family-school-community partnerships. The ECE program continues to develop teacher leaders and advocates of young children, families, and the field. We have revised the program to now offer more subject matter content, specifically candidates learn evidence-based practices that are culturally responsive in building skills and the knowledge for literacy development and learning, for integrated mathematics with STEM education, and for early intervention. Candidates will also develop a broader understanding of the diversity of family structures and child-rearing practices and apply that expanded understanding into the curriculum and interactions with families. Given the challenges facing young children and families, candidates critically reflect on issues that impact young children’s behavior, learning, and development, and identify approaches that support their growth and development through instruction and early intervention. Finally, candidates critically evaluate policies that impact young children and their families. Visit the program website for program details.
Application
Applicants use Cal State Apply to file all application materials before the deadline. Deadlines and details about the Program Materials (e.g., statement of purpose prompt, recommendation prompts) may be found in the Application Process section of the College of Education Graduate Studies Office website. Please contact the College of Education Graduate Studies Office if you have questions.
Submit official transcripts from the college or university from which you earned your bachelor’s degree. This set of transcripts will be used to determine grade point average eligibility. Failure to submit transcripts in a timely manner will result in a delayed review of the application.
After an initial review, select applicants are invited for an interview with program faculty.
Classified Admission
Successful applicants are admitted to the program with Classified admission status.
Advancement to Candidacy - Clear Admission
Students should advance to candidacy as early as possible. They should meet with the program coordinator to plan their program.
For Advancement to Candidacy (Clear Admission status), students must:
- Resolve all incomplete grades.
- Complete 6 units of program requirements.
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Please contact the College of Education Graduate Studies Office if you have questions.
