Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian Early Childhood Education
Wisdom. Faith. Purpose.
Advance Your Calling in Early Childhood Education and Family-Centered Learning
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian Early Childhood Education at Eldermont University is designed for early learning professionals, educators, and ministry leaders who desire deeper expertise in child development, early learning practice, family partnership, and faith-integrated leadership. Whether you serve in a childcare center, preschool, church-based early learning program, nonprofit, or community setting, this program equips you with advanced knowledge, research skill, and Christ-centered wisdom to strengthen early learning outcomes and nurture children during the most formative years of life.
Through our unique Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Thesis-Based model, students earn 30 credits through PLA (recognizing their professional experience in early learning and childcare leadership) and complete a 30-credit Master’s Thesis, demonstrating graduate-level research and applied improvement in Christian early childhood education.
Program Features
100% Online, Self-Paced Format – Learn on your schedule.
Earn 30 Credits Through PLA – Get credit for prior early childhood education or childcare leadership experience.
30-Credit Master’s Thesis – Conduct original research in early childhood education, child development, or program quality.
Faith-Based & Research-Driven Curriculum – Rooted in Scripture and evidence-informed practice.
Accelerated Completion in as Little as 90 Days – Most students finish in 6–12 months.
No Semester Deadlines – Progress at your own pace.
What Will You Study?
This program integrates biblical worldview, child development science, and advanced early learning leadership, preparing students to serve children and families with excellence, compassion, and scholarly depth.
Advanced Child Development (Birth–Age 8) – Deepen understanding of learning, behavior, attachment, and early formation.
Social-Emotional Learning & Behavior Guidance – Strengthen classroom culture, self-regulation, and positive discipline.
Curriculum Design & Instructional Leadership – Build developmentally appropriate, literacy-rich, inquiry-based learning experiences.
Inclusive Practice & Differentiated Support – Support diverse learners and children with varied developmental needs with wisdom and equity.
Assessment & Documentation – Improve observation, documentation, and progress communication to strengthen learning outcomes.
Child Well-Being & Trauma-Informed Practice – Create safe, resilient environments that support emotional wellness and stability.
Family Engagement & Parent Partnership – Strengthen home–school collaboration and family-centered support models.
Program Leadership & Quality Improvement – Lead teams, train staff, and improve early learning systems with integrity.
Degree Structure
The 60-credit program consists of:
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – 30 Credits
Students can earn credit through a comprehensive PLA portfolio, including:
Professional experience in childcare, preschool, early learning leadership, or church-based early education.
Training, certifications, professional development, or prior graduate coursework aligned with early childhood education competencies.
Evidence of curriculum planning, staff mentoring, coaching, program administration, or quality improvement work.
Published resources, lesson plans, training content, policies, or leadership contributions in early learning settings.
PLA allows students to accelerate degree completion based on prior experience and verified competencies.
Master’s Thesis – 30 Credits
Students complete an advanced thesis focused on Christian early childhood education, demonstrating graduate-level research, critical analysis, and applied recommendations for early learning improvement.
Career Paths with an M.A. in Christian Early Childhood Education
Graduates are equipped for advanced roles in early childhood education leadership and program development.
Early Childhood Program Director or Administrator (Non-Licensure)
Instructional Coach or Lead Educator (Early Learning)
Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist or Trainer
Family Engagement Coordinator or Parent Education Leader
Quality Improvement Specialist (Childcare/Preschool Programs)
Faith-Based or Community Early Learning Program Leader
This degree does not lead to state teacher licensure, but it is ideal for educators and leaders pursuing advancement, workforce development, curriculum leadership, and program improvement in early learning environments.
Master’s Thesis – Your Research Focus
Students conduct independent graduate research on a specialized topic in Christian early childhood education, applying Scripture-informed ethics to real-world early learning challenges.
Examples of Master’s Thesis Topics:
Faith Integration in Early Childhood Classrooms: Developmentally Appropriate Formation Practices
Family Engagement Models that Improve Outcomes in Early Learning Programs
Social-Emotional Learning and Behavior Guidance: Building Resilient Classrooms
Trauma-Informed Care in Early Childhood: Faith-Informed Support Strategies
Observation and Authentic Assessment: Improving Instructional Responsiveness
Program Quality Improvement in Childcare Centers: Leadership Strategies and Outcomes
The Master’s Thesis positions graduates as scholar-practitioners and early learning leaders, equipped to strengthen programs through research-driven improvement.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field (Education, Ministry, Human Services, Psychology, Theology, etc.)
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Resume/CV + Supporting Documentation)
Master’s Thesis Proposal Submission
Eldermont University offers a streamlined admissions process and does not require standardized test scores.
Why Choose Eldermont University?
100% Online & Self-Paced – Study from anywhere, at your pace.
Faith-Centered & Research-Driven – Grounded in biblical truth and strengthened through scholarly work.
Thesis-Based Program – No traditional coursework, just meaningful research and applied impact.
Earn Credit for Professional Experience – Maximize PLA credits for what you already know and do.
Flexible Completion Timeline – Graduate in 6–12 months, or accelerate to finish in as little as 90 days.
At Eldermont University, early childhood professionals are equipped to nurture, lead, and transform early learning environments through Christ-centered wisdom and academic excellence.
Take the Next Step in Your Christian Early Childhood Education Journey
Apply Now – Start your M.A. in Christian Early Childhood Education today.
Request More Information – Speak with an advisor about PLA + Thesis.
Explore Our Programs – See how Eldermont University prepares leaders for faith-based early learning and family engagement.