The Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with a specialization in Montessori Early Childhood Education is built upon and includes the completion of the American Montessori Society (AMS) ECE credential.  This program is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and accredidated by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).  This program of study prepares students to teach in Montessori programs serving children ages 2.5 through 6 years. Upon completion of the M.A. in ECE with a specialization in Montessori Education and the AMS ECE credential, students may be qualified to apply for the California Child Development Permit through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A minimum of 30 graduate units are required.

Montessori Early Childhood Credential Courses (29 units)

Specialization Courses (23 units)

• MONT 210 - Learning and Development, 3 units
• MONT 261 - Montessori Philosophy in a Cultural Context, 3 units
• ECE 231 - Positive Discipline and Classroom Management, 2 units
• ECE 259 - Practical Life Curriculum, 2 units
• ECE 260 - Conceptual Curriculum (Sensorial), 2 units
• ECE 263 - Mathematics: Conceptual Learning, 3 units
• ECE 264 - Language and Reading Development, 3 units
• ECE 266 - Study of the Sciences, 3 units
• ECE 267 - Creative Arts I, 1 unit
• ECE 268 - Creative Arts II, 1 unit

Field Experience (6 units)

• MONT 311 - Field Observations and Seminars I, 1 unit
• MONT 312 - Field Observations and Seminars II, 1 unit
• MONT 320 - Internship I, 2 units
• MONT 330 - Internship II, 2 units

Research Courses (9 units)

• EDUC 572 - Research Seminar I, 3 units

• EDUC 582 - Research Seminar II, 3 units
• EDUC 592 - Thesis, 3 units or EDUC 597 - Synthesis Project, 3 units

Note: Passing the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) is required for unconditional acceptance to this graduate degree program and is a prerequisite to EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I). Therefore, all master's degree students are advised to pass the WPE in the first semester of their graduate coursework.