Overview

The Early Childhood Education programme at Northern Illinois University provides a comprehensive pathway for professionals seeking initial educator licensure alongside a master’s degree. This hybrid specialization is specifically designed to enhance the expertise of those working with children from birth through the second grade. By combining academic rigour with practical application, the curriculum prepares graduates to excel in modern, complex learning environments.

Why Early Childhood Education at Northern Illinois University?

Choosing this programme means joining a supportive academic community where faculty members bring diverse scholarship and professional backgrounds into the classroom. The university is committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences both on and off campus, ensuring students are well-connected to resources and mentorship. The hybrid format offers the perfect balance for working adults, providing the flexibility of online components alongside essential face-to-face interaction.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 795 per credit
National fee: USD 397 per credit
Local fee: USD 397 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build deep expertise in pedagogical practices and child development. Students engage with core concepts that form the foundation of effective teaching and administrative leadership in early years settings. Modules may include:

Assessment and Data-driven Decision Making
Methods of Instruction
Curricular Development
Exceptionality and Difference
Human Growth and Development
Theories and Research in Child Behavior and Development
Educational Psychology and Development from Kindergarten Through Middle School Years

Careers with Early Childhood Education

Graduates from Northern Illinois University are highly sought after by major educational employers, including Chicago Public Schools and various community school districts. The programme prepares students for a wide range of impactful roles within the education sector. Potential career paths and job titles for alumni include:

Early Childhood Teacher
Preschool or Kindergarten Educator
Child Care Administrator
Family Services Worker
Parent-Educator
Intervention Specialist
Bilingual Teacher

The training provided ensures that professionals are ready to meet the demands of public school systems and private childcare organisations, often leading to roles such as lead teacher or school principal. Alumni benefit from a strong professional network and a degree that is recognised for producing skilled, licensed educators ready to make a difference in children's lives.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theories and Research in Child Behavior and Development

Theories of Child Development
Analysis of Instruction in Early Childhood Education
Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Primary Classroom
Preschool Movement in the United States
Comparative/International Early Childhood Education
Educational Diagnosis and Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education
Family and School Partnerships for Academic Success

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-06-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Early Childhood Education View 382 other Masters in Early Childhood Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.
Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.
If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).
Transcripts
Letters of recommendation.
Statement of purpose.
Test scores (if required).
Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)
Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25440 USD / year

≈ 25440 USD / year
Out-of-State

12704 USD / year

≈ 12704 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12704 USD / year

≈ 12704 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Early Childhood Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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