Start your journey
Help all children reach their potential with a master's in early childhood education for licensure
High-quality early childhood education is grounded in the science of child development and developmentally appropriate methodology. Our master's in early childhood education prepares you with the skills to create equitable learning experiences that help all children achieve their full potential.
Our teaching methods, field experiences, and student teaching courses are grounded in early childhood education theory and methods and elementary education methods, providing you with the skills needed to teach children from birth to 3rd grade. Teacher candidates are trained to nurture children's development and learn to make instructional decisions based on current research, national standards, and recognized theory.
This program is for students pursuing their first Minnesota teaching license. There are no prerequisite courses required for admission. After completing program requirements, you’ll earn your MEd and be recommended for a license to teach in early childhood classrooms in Minnesota.
If you're already licensed to teach elementary education in Minnesota, see our additional licensure program for information about how to add an early childhood education license.
Careers
Graduates of the master’s of education (MEd) in early childhood education are prepared to earn an early childhood teaching license in Minnesota.
A teacher's salary depends on two factors: number of years teaching and level of education. A teacher with a master's degree is able to start at a higher salary. Minnesota teachers tend to make more than the national median wage.
Preschool teachers
Kindergarten and elementary teachers
How to apply
We accept applications for our master’s in early childhood education for licensure each year. Admission is available for fall and spring sessions.
Application deadlines
Two groups of students typically apply to our program. Follow the timeline that’s right for you.
Students transitioning from the BS + MEd program
Deadline for applications: December 15
Students earning an early childhood foundations of education bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota are eligible to earn a master’s degree in early childhood education and a Minnesota teaching license in just 5 years.
Applications are open for the fall semester only.
Applicants applying directly to the MEd program
Priority deadline for fall applications to be considered for financial assistance: December 15
Final deadline for fall applications: February 15
Deadline for spring applications: September 15
Students who do not have an early childhood undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota don't need to complete particular prerequisite courses to apply to this program. Once admitted, you may take prerequisite courses listed in the catalog. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.80.
Applications are open year-round for students applying directly to the MEd program.
Admissions requirements
Test scores
No tests are required for you to apply to the program (except Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL] scores for international students). We don't require the GRE.
Information for international students
Students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Demonstration of proficiency is met through the TOEFL.
TOEFL minimum score:
- Speaking score of 23 or higher
View the University of Minnesota's English language proficiency information.
You’ll need to enter your self-reported TOEFL scores in the online application and send your official electronic scores to the University of Minnesota:
- TOEFL ETS institution code: 6874
Academic exception: Non-native English speakers who completed the entirety of their undergraduate degree (four years) in an English-speaking country within the last five years do not need to demonstrate English language proficiency through an English language test.
How to apply
Before you begin
Before you begin the online application, gather the following materials:
- Unofficial transcripts: You must submit an unofficial transcript or academic record for each institution you’ve attended. International students must submit an English translation of their transcript.
- Personal statement: Tell us about what factors have drawn you to teaching. (You might include personal, social, or professional inspirations.) What experiences with children have influenced or informed your process? Reflecting on this, how do you anticipate this program will help you grow as a professional educator? Your essay should be no longer than five pages (12-point font, double-spaced). Include your name on the top of each page.
- Resume or CV: In your resume, highlight your work with children, classroom experience, diversity experience, and other experiences relevant to teaching young children.
- Two letters of recommendation: Identify and get contact information for two people who will serve as your recommenders. Recommenders should be individuals (e.g., administrators, colleagues, or instructors) who can speak to your experience working with children/youth or your commitment to educational equity.
- Application fee: $75 ($95 for international applicants). Must be paid online with credit card.
Optional materials
- DOVE statement: If you wish to be considered for the Provost’s Professional Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship, please write a statement describing how your distinctive perspectives or life experiences could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. Learn more about the Provost’s Professional DOVE Fellowship.
Submit all materials through the University’s online application system. Please don't submit materials via mail. We cannot review your application until you've submitted all the materials listed below.
Your admissions decision will be emailed to you once your application has been reviewed, and all transcripts and credentials are authenticated by the Graduate School. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions four to six weeks after the application deadline for their selected term of entry. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.
Tuition
View the College of Education and Human Development’s 2025-2026 professional graduate program costs for information on master’s in early childhood education (MEd) for license tuition. Full-time enrollment is 6 to 14 credits per semester.
Every year, students in the College’s initial licensure/MEd programs receive more than $600,000 in scholarships. Learn more about financial support for future teachers. There are also scholarships dedicated for students enrolled in this program.
- Tuition rates
- Graduate/professional loan comparison chart
- Funding and tuition information from The Graduate School
- Office for Equity and Diversity funding opportunities
- Disability Resource Center scholarships
- Women’s Center scholarship information
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA scholarship program
Funding
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Get more information on funding opportunities.
Questions about funding
University Funding Opportunities:
gsfellow@umn.edu
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out OneStop for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines. If you have questions, you should contact OneStop@umn.edu.
Quote from Mingyu He
The ICD program broadened my understanding as an educator and offered many valuable hands-on experiences. The program also considered my personal background, which helped me connect my learning with my own cultural perspective and contribute to the community in a meaningful way.
Coursework
Based in developmental theory, our curriculum provides you with the skills needed to meet each child where they are in their educational journey. To prepare you to teach children from birth to 3rd grade, coursework will include classes on early childhood education theory and methods, and elementary education methods.
You’ll complete two student teaching experiences: one in an early childhood classroom and one in a lower elementary classroom (K-3). To earn your MEd, you’ll complete a capstone project on how to improve early childhood education teaching methods.
Coursework topics
Early childhood education
- Foundations of early childhood education
- Social and emotional learning
- Cognitive and language learning
- Creative and motor learning
- Education of infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities
Teaching methods
- Reading instruction
- Language arts instruction
- Science instruction
- Teaching English learners
- Social studies instruction
- Mathematics instruction
What school leaders say
Quote from Joel Knorr
The University of Minnesota Early Childhood Education Master's Program is setting up their student teachers for success! We've found U of M students have a deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices that are aligned with standards. U of M students have a deeper understanding of developmental psychology and inquiry-based instruction, and demonstrate a strong understanding of strategies for active engagement.
Contact
We’re here to help. Contact us at icdapply@umn.edu and a member of our department will be in touch.