Early Childhood Education (Grades P-3)
Program Info
Make a Greater Impact with the TROY Master's in Early Childhood Education
Are you ready to become a certified early childhood educator — or strengthen the impact you're already making in the classroom? Troy University's Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) in Early Childhood Education provides you with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to teach and support learners from preschool through third grade. Whether you pursue the Traditional or Alternative-A certification route, this master's in early childhood education offers expert faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a curriculum focused on early literacy, developmentally appropriate practice and classroom assessment.
Teachers: Earn Early Childhood Education Certification
If you're already certified to teach and want to expand your qualifications in early childhood education, TROY's Traditional Program offers a structured pathway to advance your career. Aligned with Alabama's P-3 certification standards, this 36-hour, fully online program includes coursework in classroom management, educational psychology and the evaluation of teaching and learning. You'll study how young children build logical and mathematical understanding, explore curriculum and instruction design and learn to integrate technology to support learning. Required courses, such as Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education and Assessment in Early Childhood Education, focus on translating theory into practice. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination, preparing you for continued success in careers in early childhood education.
Transition into Teaching with TROY's Alternative-A Program
If you hold a non-teaching bachelor's degree and want to become a certified early childhood educator in Alabama, TROY's master's in early childhood education Alternative-A track offers a clear, supported path into the profession. This 48- to 51-hour graduate program is designed to help you build foundational teaching skills while gaining a deep understanding of how young children learn. Coursework covers classroom management, instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, and specialized early childhood methods. A full-semester teaching internship allows you to apply what you've learned in a real classroom with guidance from an experienced mentor teacher. Upon completion, you'll meet early childhood education teacher requirements and be eligible for Class A certification to teach preschool through third grade in Alabama.
Early Childhood Teacher Certification Curriculum
Fully Online Master's in Early Childhood Education
Earn your early childhood teacher certification on your own schedule through 100% online courses. See the Concentrations section for more information or for more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.
Learn from Experienced P-3 Educators
Careers in Early Childhood Education
A TROY M.S. Ed. helps you move forward in rewarding careers in early childhood education, whether you're interested in how to become a preschool teacher or plan to teach in early elementary classrooms. You'll build the skills and earn the certification needed to support young learners and advance in the field.
Faculty Profiles
Dr. Kelly Russell
Dr. Dana Evans
Dr. Julia-Kate Rabitaille
Choose the Path That Matches Your Goals
Designed for licensed educators, the Traditional Program helps you strengthen your
expertise in early childhood education while meeting advanced certification standards.
This 36-hour, fully online degree includes coursework in curriculum development, instructional
design, educational psychology and assessment. You'll examine issues that influence
early learning today and learn how to implement strategies that support diverse student
needs. Ideal for educators looking to grow in their role or move into leadership positions,
this program prepares you for career opportunities in early childhood education such as lead teacher, instructional coach or curriculum specialist.
Degree Map - Traditional Program
Academic Catalog - Traditional Program
If you're looking to enter the classroom for the first time, the Alternative-A track is designed to show you how to become a preschool teacher or early childhood educator in Alabama. This 48- to 51-hour graduate program blends theory and practice, with coursework in classroom management, instructional methods and child development — plus a semester-long teaching internship. You'll graduate eligible for Class A certification and ready for jobs in early childhood education such as preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher or early intervention specialist..
Related Programs
FAQ About the Early Childhood Education (P-3) Program
A master's in early childhood education can prepare you for teaching roles in preschool through third grade, as well as leadership positions such as instructional coordinator, curriculum specialist or center director. TROY graduates are also well positioned for career opportunities in early childhood education beyond the classroom, including consulting, advocacy and curriculum development.
If you're exploring how to become a preschool teacher, TROY's Alternative-A program is a strong choice. It combines essential coursework with hands-on experience and a full-semester internship to help you meet certification requirements and start teaching in preschool or early elementary classrooms.
In addition to teaching, careers in early childhood education can include roles in early intervention, curriculum design, instructional coordination and educational consulting. A TROY graduate degree can help you qualify for positions that influence how young children learn and grow — inside and outside the classroom.
Yes, demand remains high for qualified educators. With a TROY degree, you'll be prepared for early childhood educator jobs in public and private schools, childcare centers, Head Start programs and community-based education settings.
Helpful Links
News
Using Your Early Childhood Education Degree to Give Kids the Best Start
The earliest years are the building blocks that set children up for educational success. Research shows that when highly qualified early childhood teachers work in high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs, children experience both short- and long-term positive effects. Troy University is helping give children the best possible start by training highly qualified teachers through its early childhood education degree program.
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