Pacific Oaks College

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. Early Childhood Education

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Master's students are trained to integrate Pacific Oaks' transformative approach to early childhood education into leadership roles in public schools, child care programs, state agencies, and a variety of nonprofits serving children and families. Practicum and fieldwork opportunities at Pacific Oaks' nationally recognized Children's School provide students with extraordinary real-world training experiences. Program is offered online or on campus.

Pacific Oaks Early Childhood Education programs provide students with a knowledge base for educating and developing learning environments for young children from birth through age eight based on an understanding of the characteristics and needs of early childhood. As actively engaged participants, students in the Early Childhood Education programs learn about essential principles and theories of pedagogy and child development and engage in supervised learning experiences to integrate and apply their knowledge. Coursework focuses on strategies of inclusion, issues of equity, social justice, and cultural competence.

* Offered both online and on-ground.
* Courses are taught in an accelerated 7.5 week format, with two consecutive sessions each semester, enabling many students to complete the program in as little as one year.
* In addition to various course-level assignments that require students to consult and/or collaborate with administrators and other leaders in early childhood education, the M.A. program includes a Program Evaluation course which requires that students engage extensively with a particular early childhood educational setting and conduct a formal evaluation of a program offered at the site. Online students may complete these fieldwork experiences locally upon approval of the site and supervisor by the college.

ABOUT PACIFIC OAKS COLLEGE

Pacific Oaks College is a nonprofit, accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in early childhood education, human development, counseling, and teaching credentialing.

Founded more than 60 years ago by a small group of Quaker families, Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to the fundamental Quaker principles of inclusion, social justice, and the valuing of every human being. The institution is known and recognized for its pioneering efforts to reduce bias within our nation’s education system, and for equipping graduates with the skills they need to help people from diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and strengths uncover and realize their unique individual potentials.

Students report that attending Pacific Oaks College is a transforming experience, enabling them to emerge empowered to stand up for themselves and others—and to help those they serve become all they can be.

Accreditation:

Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Pacific Oaks College has been accredited by WASC since 1959. In recognition of our unique teaching/learning pedagogy, Pacific Oaks has received Special Commendation for Distinguished Achievement in Undergraduate Education from the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Other Specialized Institutions

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: Under 1,000