Child Development (M.Ed.)

Southern New Hampshire University's graduate Child Development and Counseling program, one of the most comprehensive programs in New England, prepares practitioners to work with families in diverse settings. The School of Education's rich interdisciplinary approach to the study of children is firmly rooted in cultural and relational approaches.

Collaboration, peer learning and choice are key components of the program. Students select a course of study from several degree and concentration options, which lead to a variety of licensure and certification opportunities.

The program begins with students from all concentrations learning together. This approach allows educators, counselors, psychologists, policy experts and researchers to share their unique perspectives and inform each other about issues relevant to their fields.

Students focus on their concentrations after their first five courses in the program. During the final term students participate in a research seminar designed to provide them with the support and guidance necessary for the completion of an applied research project.

The M.Ed. in Child Development focuses on the unique characteristics, crises and developmental tasks of people at specific periods in their lives, including the cultural, social, affective, biological and cognitive factors that affect development. Three concentrations are available: Policy and Administration, Child Development and Early Childhood Education.

A degree in child development prepares graduates for a variety of careers, such as operating early childhood businesses, working on policy issues in the public or private sectors or becoming a licensed director for an existing program.

Child Development Courses
DEV 520 - History and Philosophy of the Child Study Movement
DEV 540 - Language and Cognitive Development
DEV 545 - Psycholosocial Development
DEV 560 - Family and Culture
DEV 565 - Play
DEV 601 - Child Assessment
DEV 699 - Child Development Practicum
EDU 520 - Introduction to Research Methods
EDU 601 - Research Seminar

The Master of Education degree program in Child Development offers three concentrations. Students complete one of the following concentrations:
Administration Concentration Courses
Two business electives
DEV 550 - Administration of Child Development Programs
EDU 570 - Practicum in Curriculum and Instruction

Early Childhood Education
This concentration leads to New Hampshire teacher certification for birth-grade 3
RDG 503 - Emerging and Early Literacy Development
EDU 503 - Methods of teaching Elementary Mathematics
EDU 551 - Integrated Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
EDU 571 - Student Teaching and Seminar

Student Designed Concentration Courses
Choose three EDU, PSY, or SPED courses