M.A. Human Development: Early Childhood Education and Development
Students in the M.A. Human Development: Early Childhood Education and Development Concentration will have the opportunity to expand their understanding of young children and improve their skills in working with them. This master’s program tailored toward candidates who have taken foundational coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field or have prior experience working with children. Courses focus on the mastery/utilization of child-centered curricula, working with diversity in early childhood classrooms, and understanding the importance of social and cultural context to a child’s development.
Fieldwork Requirements
All M.A. and Credential programs require fieldwork or field experience appropriate to the program emphasis. Fieldwork ranges from classroom observations to completion of fieldwork- related projects at the students’ place of employment.
Sample Courses
Advanced Studies in Diversity and Anti-bias Issues
This course offers an in-depth critical evaluation of the impact of systemic and institutional oppression on human service programs for children and adults, and the significance of culture and political contexts on individual development and learning. Students are challenged to evaluate and critique theses influences on their growth and perceptions of human behavior as well as impact of their personal perceptions on the development and learning of others. Students are challenged to critically redefine their personal ethics and engage in developing their own theoretical and methodological framework for anti-bias work and advocacy within institutional settings with the goal of bringing about systemic changes with address and deconstruct inequality and oppression in their work with children and adults.
Authentic Infant-Competent Child
This class will evaluate diverse approaches to infant-rearing with special emphasis on the Pikler methods. Topics will include: sensory- motor development, human relationships and problem solving; infants’, parents’ and carers’ needs; infant learning processes; and effects of environments ranging from neglectful to over-stimulating. Students will use observations, evaluations and discussion to create optimal environments for infants.
Admissions Requirements
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official Transcripts from the bachelor’s degree granting institution
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement