Why Study Integrated Early Childhood (PreK-3) at APSU?
This M.A.T. program allows students to complete initial licensure requirements and earn a master's degree in as few as 15 months.
Learn from expert faculty in real classrooms:
- Classes taught by experienced early childhood and elementary education specialists
- Extensive hands-on training in actual PreK-3 classrooms
The Eriksson College of Education has earned a reputation for excellence, with local administrators actively seeking our graduates. You'll thrive in our collaborative environment as you work alongside peers and faculty to become the teacher you aspire to be.
Is this you?
You're passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children. You find yourself naturally drawn to working with kids, whether you've volunteered at elementary schools, helped with youth programs, or enjoyed babysitting. You're curious about how children's minds develop and how they learn in those critical early years.
You'll thrive in our program if:
- You light up when interacting with children
- You're creative and patient, enjoying activities like crafting, storytelling, or organizing games
- You're interested in child psychology and development
- You want to explore innovative teaching methods and educational technologies
- You've found yourself taking leadership roles in community service, tutoring, or mentoring
Your APSU journey will transform your natural talents into professional skills, preparing you for a rewarding career as a PreK-3rd grade teacher, early childhood specialist, educational program coordinator, curriculum developer, or academic administrator.
Join us at APSU, where your passion for helping young children learn and grow becomes your profession!
Research and Professional Practice
The key assessment of some major courses requires a literature review or research-based study. Students engage in research activities beginning in Year 1, specific to their professional context and topic of interest.
Career Outcomes
Recent graduates are thriving as preschool to third-grade or special education teachers and early childhood education program coordinators/directors in both public and private educational institutions.
Admission Requirements
For information related to admission requirements please visit the graduate bulletin.
What Will I Learn?
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Design and implement developmentally appropriate instruction that addresses content-specific skills and concepts for young learners while creating positive, engaging classroom environments.
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Assess student learning through formal and informal methods, analyze results, and use data to provide targeted feedback and plan next steps in instruction.
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Develop strategies to support different language needs and help young children build communication skills essential for content understanding and academic success.
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Create learning experiences that actively engage all students in developing critical thinking skills through effective questioning and subject-specific pedagogical approaches.
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Apply knowledge of child development and individual student needs to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate support for all learners in the PreK-3 classroom.
Program Information
Integrated Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) Program Requirements
Teaching: Integrated Early Childhood Education (PreK-3), MAT
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Licensing agencies or boards also may have requirements in addition to an earned degree. APSU recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency or board before they enroll in an academic program designed to lead to licensure or certification and discuss their plans with an advisor.
Please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage to review specific licensure information for your state and academic program.
