该专业硕士学位的设计目的是为已经获得与幼儿期相关的学士学位的个人提供有关儿童发育的额外知识，以及领导或以其他方式帮助管理青年计划所必需的实践经验孩子们。专门针对幼儿发展和编程硕士课程的强化课程将使学生能够在短短12个月内完成学位要求，为2年制硕士课程提供负担得起的替代方案。该课程包括针对本地幼儿课程和学校跨多个学术术语的实地经验的实际要求，此外还侧重于幼儿发展方面的校园课程，包括识字，游戏和课程。其他重点领域包括针对有特殊需求的幼儿进行编程，以及成人的发展和学习，这与毕业生未来担任职员管理人员的职位高度相
This professional master's degree has been designed to provide individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree related to early childhood with the additional knowledge of child development and practical experiences necessary to lead or otherwise contribute to the administration of programs for young children. The intensive curriculum for the M.A. in early childhood development and programming is structured to allow students to complete their degree requirements in as little as 12 months, offering an affordable alternative to two-year master's programs. The curriculum includes practical requirements for field-based experiences in local early childhood programs and schools across multiple academic terms, as well as campus-based courses focusing on aspects of early childhood development, including literacy, play and curriculum. Additional areas of focus include programming for young children with special needs, and adult development and learning, which is highly relevant to graduates future positions as staff administrators. The program builds upon and extends partnerships with community-based organizations and schools that have been established by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.