MEd, Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Program

Admission Requirements (Master of Education in Early and Special Education, Emerging Leaders)

• Baccalaureate degree (in any field) with 3.00 GPA
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Program Agreements: 1) Commit to three years in the program with fall and spring coursework, including seminars and action research, 2) Commit to engage in early childhood leadership in Idaho both during the program and upon completion
• A 1-2 page letter of application describing the following: (a) why you are interested in this program, (b) what experience and/or interest you have in leadership in early childhood education, (c) a brief description of your personal goals and your goals for early childhood education in Idaho, and (d) an explanation of why you believe you are a strong candidate for the program. At the top of your letter of application, please note in bold font that you are applying for the Emerging Leaders in Early Childhood Education program.
• Professional resume (please upload in the designated “writing sample” space in the application system)
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to your potential for success in the program and as a leader in early childhood education in Idaho

Apply to the Graduate College

Deadline to apply to the Master of Education in Early and Special Education for either summer or fall admission:

• March 1: Regular deadline
• February 1: Priority deadline

Competitive Application and Admission Process

The Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program is a pathway through the MEd in Early and Special Education that includes an emphasis in Early Childhood Leadership. Applicants who are not selected for the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program will still be considered for admission to the MEd in Early and Special Education without an emphasis.

After all applications are reviewed and program interviews are conducted for the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program (typically in late March to early April), you will receive notification of one of the following admission decisions: a) admission to the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Program, b) admission to the MEd in Early and Special Education without an emphasis, or c) no program admission. If you are admitted to the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program or to the MEd in Early and Special Education without an emphasis, you will have the opportunity to accept or decline your admission.

Program Requirements

This unique pathway through the MEd program will bring participants together in group seminars focused on early childhood leadership and pair them one-on-one with a faculty member to engage in applied action research and mentoring.

Emerging Leaders 3 year plan

Graduate Assistantships

The College of Education offers graduate assistantships each year.
Click here to learn more about College of Education graduate assistantships