National University

What you'll study

• Ten graduate courses (3.0 semester credit hours each) totaling 30 semester credits.
• Foundational course that orients students to research literature, development of a personalized teaching growth plan, selection of two inquiry questions for specialization work, and creation of a digital program portfolio (required first course).
• Course on the role of the early childhood teacher leader covering beliefs, ethics, history of social policy, and professional growth planning (addresses NAEYC Advanced Standard 6).
• Seminar on current issues in early childhood education with literature review and development of a research agenda.
• Course on current research in early learning and development, including cognition and curriculum implications.
• Instructional strategies course focused on research‑based effective teaching, curriculum integration, standards, and Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
• Course addressing interpersonal communication, parent‑professional partnerships, consultation, teaming, and community issues.
• Study of developmental variation, identification of disabilities, cultural and linguistic diversity, inclusive program strategies, and accommodations for at‑risk or special‑needs children.
• Course on adult learning theories and leadership principles for ECE leaders, including facilitation of diverse adult learners and role‑based responsibilities.
• Advocacy and advancement of the profession course covering grant writing, public policy awareness, and political action strategies.
• Capstone (ATP 699) requires completion of core and specialization courses; students select and defend artifacts demonstrating increased depth in instruction, assessment, and digital learning skills. Capstone is graded H/S/U and may be assigned an In Progress (IP) grade.

Entry requirements

Applications are reviewed year‑round. There is no application fee and applicants are not required to submit essays or exam scores. ATP 600 must be taken at National University; many courses list ATP 600 or MAE 610 as prerequisites. A maximum of 3 semester credits of equivalent graduate work may be applied toward the degree if those credits were not previously used in another advanced degree.

Career prospects

The program prepares graduates for leadership roles within early childhood settings and for positions in higher education preparing early childhood teachers. Lightcast data presented by the university highlights relevant careers, including:

• Education Administrators for Preschool and Childcare Programs — median salary $57,220 (USA) with 6,951 job openings in the past year.
• Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools — median salary $105,322 (USA) with 25,552 job openings in the past year.

Job listings emphasize skills such as child development, preschool education, performance review, regulatory compliance, and clinical experience; common employers include KinderCare Education, Learning Care Group, YMCA, and La Petite Academy.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should explore institutional aid options at National University, employer tuition benefits, federal student aid eligibility, and external scholarships or grants for educators. Contact the university’s admissions or financial aid office for current funding opportunities and guidance on application timelines.