Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Early Childhood Studies

The Master of Science in Education specialization in Early Childhood Studies (MSE/ECS) is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of leadership required for professional excellence as early childhood teachers, administrators and program specialists, as well as adult or parent educators in the early childhood field. This program will prepare candidates to excel in their career and calling by providing a purposeful balance between theories, research and practice.

Interactive classes with real-world application

CBU's Master of Science in Education/Early Childhood Studies program is uniquely designed for working professionals seeking to develop technical skills and leadership competencies. Offering both online and hybrid courses, students can complete coursework around their own schedule. A master's degree in education with a specialization in early childhood studies from CBU will increase opportunities for career advancement, improve professional competencies, and develop interdisciplinary skills. 

CBU’s MSE/ECS program will give students both the broad and the specific skills to be a leader in early childhood. The program is designed to ensure students will graduate with a firm grasp of all the important skills and abilities necessary for leadership and excellence in the field of early childhood, including curriculum development, employee supervision and management, and program evaluation. “We want to train excellent practitioners; our program is an excellent mix of theory and practice,” Professor, Cammy Purper said. “Our students will learn the concepts and information they need to understand the theoretical foundations of the early childhood profession, but we also plan for them to gain some really solid practical and personal skills they will be able to put to good use as they work with children and families.”

With small, interactive classes, MSE/ECS students receive individual attention from dedicated instructors while also learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of fellow scholars. This intimate setting fosters an environment that encourages students to develop interpersonal and team-building skills, while also developing professional networks and supportive relationships. Emphasizing experiential learning through practical application of theory, MSE/ECS coursework incorporates rigorous assignments based on case studies derived from real-world scenarios as well as relevant and contemporary literature. 

Through the use of new, innovative distance learning tools, the online experience becomes more than just reading a syllabus and completing coursework. Online learning through CBU's accredited distance learning program provides an interactive learning environment where students can be involved and invested in the learning process.

Faculty with real-world experience

Cammy Purper has spent the past 25 years working in early childhood settings. She has a CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Masters degree from Pacific Oaks College in Human Development, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education. She has worked as a teacher of children from infancy to elementary school, and has administered multiple child development programs. She has also worked extensively with families as a parent educator.

Her background includes professional experience in a wide variety of educational programs, including public K-6 schools and private Christian preschools, as well as publicly funded early childhood programs. This depth of experience helps her connect to her students in important ways. “Most of the time, when students have professional questions or dilemmas I have usually had a similar experience, so I am able to reflect on my own experience and give them advice and guidance,” Purper explained.

Why Continue your Education?

This degree will prepare students to advance their proficiency as well as their professions as trainers, teachers, curriculum developers, administrators, designers and leaders in a range of educational settings and capacities. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and values, explore expanded career options, and work toward professional goals as effective early educators with specialized expertise. Graduates will not only be prepared to advance professionally, but to contribute actively to the body of knowledge in the field of early childhood education.

In the past decade, early childhood education has become widely recognized as important for children’s development. Increased emphasis on the importance of early childhood education, in addition to increases in the number of children in this age group, will spur demand for preschool programs and thus for early childhood professionals as well.

“There is an urgent need for professionals with master’s degrees to lead in the field of early childhood education. Our field is gaining momentum and increasing in recognition because of the emerging body of research indicating the importance of the early childhood period. In the past, children went to nursery school, but their real education didn’t start until they got to Kindergarten. Now we know that the period of early childhood is critical to children’s overall development, so we need highly educated practitioners who understand this and can design exemplary programs for children,” explains Cammy Purper, Associate Professor of Education at CBU.

Learn more today

To learn more about the many rewarding opportunities that come with the Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Studies, please attend an upcoming Information Session or contact admissions at 951.343.3900 or via email cbuonline@calbaptist.edu.