Western Kentucky University

Online Learning

Online Graduate Degree Programs

MAE Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education for Teacher Leaders

Purpose

The M.A.E. in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education/Teacher Leader program, offered by The School of Teacher Education, is designed to prepare educators to create and plan experiences and instruction that support the development and learning of infants, toddlers, preschool children, and kindergarten children (birth through five years), and their families, including those with disabilities.

The IECE teacher is charged with creating and maintaining learning environments in a variety of settings that support development and learning of students (B-5). Learning and development of infants, toddlers, preschool children, and kindergarten is assessed regularly in collaboration with colleagues, and the results are communicated to families. The MAE in IECE also prepares candidates to provide support for families through family-centered services that promote independence and self-determination.

Program Requirements

The MAE in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Teacher Leader Program, Advanced Master's Concentration, requires 36 hours, and is divided into two instructional components:

  1. Professional Education (18 hours) provides advanced level pedagogy, leadership, and content related to Kentucky Teacher Standards and applicable to all P-12 teachers working in a wide gamut of developmental levels and content areas, and is available completely online.
  2. Specialization (18 hours, including nine hours of pre-approved required courses) directs the student into an individual program in content, pedagogy, and/or areas of professional growth consistent with the goals of each candidate.

Delivery Mode

The MAE in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education utilizes a variety of delivery formats and is not available entirely online. Delivery formats include: web delivery, face-to-face courses, and IVS courses available at Regional Campus locations. If you would like additional information regarding earning this degree at a distance, please contact Dr. Sylvia Dietrich at sylvia.dietrich@wku.edu.

Admission Requirements for Advanced Master’s Concentration (criteria vary, depending on the student’s undergraduate institution and GPA)

WKU Graduates
No qualifying GAP score will be required for graduates of the WKU B.S. in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program, as long as they have or are eligible for a teaching certificate for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. A copy of the certificate or statement of eligibility must be submitted with the application.
Graduates of Higher Education Institutions other than WKU, including Out-of-State Graduates
Applicants with undergraduate degrees from all other accredited universities must have a 2.75 GPA or higher for all previous coursework (undergraduate and graduate) or must have a GAP score of 2200 or higher and a minimum GRE analytical writing score of 3.5. Candidates must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. A copy of the certificate or statement of eligibility must be submitted with the application.

Contact Information

Program Contact: Dr. Sylvia Dietrich
Email: sylvia.dietrich@wku.edu
Phone: (270) 745-2317
Web: www.wku.edu/ste/iece/graduate_programs.php

 Last Modified 10/25/11