The graduate programs in Early Childhood Education are designed to improve the teaching effectiveness of teachers working with young children in regular early childhood settings as well as teachers working with young children in early childhood special education settings. The Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education offers areas of concentration in early childhood curriculum and instruction and early childhood special education.
Certification is also available in early childhood and early childhood special education.
The study of theory, research, and current best practices are integrated with directed practica for young children, including the nationally accredited Child Development Laboratory School. The School of Family Studies and Human Services is a multidisciplinary school which, since its establishment in 1928, offers graduate training towards M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a broad range of the human sciences and human services. The Master's Degree Program in Early Childhood Education strives to develop caring, competent, and creative teachers of young children, who strive not only to teach without prejudice, but also to nurture multicultural knowledge and sensitivity, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills in their young students. During the academic year, there are insufficient courses offered on the Flagstaff campus for full-time study in these programs. The degree in Education is designed for certified teachers and other professionals in the field of education who want to further develop their knowledge and skills so that they may perform more effectively in their respective areas of interest.