Early Childhood Studies, MS

Admission to the master’s program in early childhood studies is a two-step process. Each applicant must first apply to and meet the general admission requirements of the Toulouse Graduate School at UNT.

Then, applications for students who meet initial admission standards are forwarded to the Early Childhood Studies Admissions Committee for review and final decision. Final acceptance into the master’s program is contingent upon the following:

GRE or GMAT scores submitted to the Toulouse Graduate School. Standardized test results will be considered in combination with other indicators and need not exclude a candidate who otherwise demonstrates strengths that would facilitate master’s study.
Three satisfactory letters of reference from professionals who address the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue graduate study.
An application letter explaining the purpose for undertaking graduate study at UNT, including professional plans or career goals and a discussion of professional interests.
A resume detailing professional experience.

Degree Requirements

All MS students in early childhood studies are required to complete the following.

Early Childhood Studies Master’s Core (18 hours):

Research Requirement (6 hours):

Thesis Options:

Students may select either the 36-hour thesis option or the 39-hour non-thesis option.

Thesis Option: Students must successfully develop a thesis proposal, defend the proposal, and complete and defend the proposed research. In addition to the early childhood studies master’s core and the research requirement cited above, students selecting the 36-hour thesis option must also complete 6 hours of EDEC 5950 - Master’s Thesis . In consultation with the student’s committee (see below), the student will select 6 additional hours of course work; a minimum of 3 of these hours must be chosen from early childhood education (EDEC) courses.

Non-thesis Option: In addition to the early childhood studies master’s core and the research requirement cited above and consultation with their committee (see below), students selecting the 39-hour non-thesis option must also complete 3 additional hours of EDEC courses and 12 hours from a related area. Students choose their related area in consultation with their committee; a maximum of 3 of these hours may be EDEC courses. Suggestions for related areas include but are not limited to: educational administration (to be eligible for temporary principal’s certification), higher education (for specialized courses in teaching at community colleges/junior colleges), and reading (for the reading certification or depth).

Comprehensive Exam:

All students must complete a comprehensive exam, including an oral exam. The comprehensive exam for thesis students will be the thesis defense. Non-thesis students may elect to complete a written exam of three to four questions.

Master’s Committee

Each student’s degree program will be guided by a master’s committee. The committee will be composed of at least three members including two from the UNT early childhood studies faculty. The committee actively participates in approving the student’s degree plan and evaluating the comprehensive exam.