Master’s in Early Childhood Education (M.S.Ed.)

In order to apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university.

If you have a non-Early Childhood Education degree, please see Supplementary Essay below for details.

If you have a degree from somewhere outside the U.S., it must be validated by World Educational Services, Center for Educational Documentation, Inc., or another appropriate agency. The decision to accept the degree is made on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Dean for Graduate and Continuing Education.

You must also have professional access to active programs for children and families in order to complete field experiences, including research projects.

To apply to UMF’s Master’s in Early Childhood Education, submit an online application and email any completed forms to gradstudies@maine.edu. You will need to provide the following:

1. Transcripts – Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and graduate). They must be sent directly to UMF’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education. If you attended a University of Maine System school, UMF can obtain your transcript for you.
2. Essay (500 words) – Address the following:
   • Self-Assessment: Your strengths, career and leadership experience, and skills you wish to develop.
   • Vision and Values: Your vision for high-quality early childhood education and the values that guide your work with children and families.
3. Supplemental Essay (500 words, if applicable) – Required if your undergraduate degree is not in early childhood or a closely related field (e.g., child development, human development, early childhood special education). Address:
   • Your preparation for advanced study in early childhood education
   • Your work experience with children and families (birth to age eight)
4. Recommendation Forms (2 required) – From individuals who know you professionally or academically and can speak to your readiness for graduate study. Must use the official fillable recommendation form.
5. Criminal History and Child Abuse/Neglect Documentation – Most courses involve direct contact with children through observations, projects, or research. You must provide proof of a clear criminal history and child abuse/neglect check to the Office of Graduate Studies. Any fees are your responsibility. See next FAQ below for acceptable documentation.

Criminal History and Child Abuse/Neglect Documentation – Most courses involve direct contact with children through observations, projects, or research. You must provide proof of a clear criminal history and child abuse/neglect check to the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education. Any fees are your responsibility. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Option 1:Maine Department of Health and Human Services clear check of substantiated Maine Child Protective Services cases (initiated by your employing agency)
  Maine State Bureau of Identification criminal history check (can be obtained independently)
• Option 2: Copy of current Maine DOE public teaching certification indicating a criminal history check has been completed
• Option 3: Copy of Initial Educational Approval from Maine DOE indicating a criminal history check has been completed

Typically transfer decisions are made at the time of admission. A student may transfer up to 9 graduate credits from another institution into his/her academic program; only 3 of these credits may be in the core of the program. These credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited institution, within 5 years prior to admission, and with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent). Graduate credits applied toward any other degree cannot be used toward the Master’s degree.