Early Childhood Education, M.A.T.

Early Childhood Education, M.A.T.

Program Snapshot

Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Delivery Format: On-Campus 
Credits Required: 45 credits
Typical Completion Time: 2 Years, Part-Time

Overview

The M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education prepares educators and leaders to advance equity, improve learning outcomes, and deepen instructional and organizational expertise. Graduate study emphasizes reflective practice, research-informed strategies, and engagement with diverse learners and communities.

This degree is designed for current and aspiring educators seeking advanced preparation for leadership roles in educational settings, including PK-12 schools, community organizations, and higher education environments.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for:

  • Classroom teachers seeking advanced instructional and leadership skills
  • Education professionals focused on curriculum, advocacy, or organizational change
  • Individuals preparing for specialized roles in educational policy or administration

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates of the M.A.T. program may pursue roles such as:

  • Instructional coach or specialist
  • Curriculum coordinator
  • School or district instructional leader
  • Educational consultant
  • Teacher leader or mentor

Curriculum

Program Requirements

  • Credit Hours: 45
  • Clincial Pratice Internship
  • 75 Field Hours

Required Core Coursework 

Development of the Learner and the Relationship to Content Learning Development

EDEE 510 Educational Theory, Behavior, and Development of the Young Child: Field Experience I*
EDEE 512 Facilitating Social-Emotional Development of Young Children in Inclusive Settings
EDEE 525 Advanced Foundations of Language and Literacies Development: Birth-Grade 6*

Pedagogy and Content Knowledge

EDEE 517 Methods and Materials for Integrating Science and Social Studies
EDEE 529 Advanced Instructional Strategies for Emergent Literacies PK-3
EDEE 538 Advanced Teaching Writing/Design with Children’s Literature and Multimodal Texts, PK-3
EDEE 550 Mathematics in Early Childhood Education

Creating an Effective Climate for Learning

EDEE 503 Creativity and the Fine Arts
EDEE 507 Creating Effective Learning Communities
EDEE 511 Introduction to Early Intervention for Young Children with Disabilities
EDEE 588 Advanced Curriculum, Instruction, and Literacies Assessment (Prek-3) Field Experience III*
EDEE 620 Home, School, and Community Relationships*

Culminating Professional Experiences/Capstone

EDEE 698 Clinical Practice in Early Childhood Education (9)

All courses are three (3) credit hours unless otherwise notated.

*Courses with an asterisk must be taken concurrently.

Electives

EDEE 568 Science for the Elementary School Teacher
EDEE 665 Elementary Mathematics: Content and Instruction (2-6)
EDFS 501 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth
EDFS 525 Literacy Development and Intervention for Students with Disabilities
EDFS 550 Classroom and Behavior Management
EDFS 632 Education Psychology Learning, Cognition, and Motivation
EDFS 635 Educational Research
EDFS 652 Foundations of Education
EDFS 670 Principles and Strategies for Teaching Multilingual Learners (PK-12)
EDFS 671 Teaching Reading and Writing to PK-12 Multilingual Learners
EDFS 672 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Education
EDFS 760 The Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students: Historical, Philosophical, and Current Perspectives
MTLA 606 Teacher as a Member of the Professional Community

Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting institutional admission requirements, applicants are expected to demonstrate an overall A/B average in previous college work or preparation judged to be equivalent.

  • Statement of purpose or goals describing academic and professional interests
  • Professional résumé or curriculum vitae.
  • Two (2) academic or professional references

Admissions decisions are reviewed holistically, considering academic preparation, professional experience, and fit with program goals. The M.A.T. program is designed for both full-time and part-time students. Criteria and standards for admission are the same for full-time and part-time students.

Graduate Tuition & Financial Information

Graduate tuition for the School of Education is based on credit hours. Estimated rates for 2025-2026 are:

South Carolina Educator Rate: $499/credit

Non-Educator Rate: $570/credit

Fees are not included.

For the purposes of the South Carolina public educator tuition discount, a public educator is defined as an individual employed by a public school, public school district, public charter school, or public higher education institution in the State. This includes:

  • P–12 educators and staff: classroom teachers, administrators, counselors, specialists, district leaders, and school support staff (including office personnel, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers).
  • Charter school employees: faculty, staff, and administrators serving public charter schools.
  • Higher education personnel: faculty and staff at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities.

Exact costs vary by enrollment status and term; course fees may apply.

Graduate students may pursue financial aid, assistantships, and scholarship opportunities through the Graduate School.

For the most current rates, review the Tuition and Financial Aid portion of the Graduate School website.

Connect with the Program

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Want to connect with an admissions officer? Contact Alice Ann Ruff at 843.953.xxxx.