Online M.S. Early Childhood Education Degree

All applicants must have:

• A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by any accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University. Transcripts from foreign institutions may need to be sent to an outside agency for evaluation and determination of transferable credits, degrees, and GPA. If this outside review is necessary, students are responsible for the initiation of this evaluation and for any fees incurred during the process.
• An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least a minimum of 30 hours was completed.
• Supporting documentation of the following:
  • At least 2 years of experience in a professional position related to the support of young children and their families (i.e. pediatric nurse, children’s ministry, social services, etc.).
  • Access to a P-3 classroom and childcare center (Letter of agreement).
  • Approval to utilize current early childhood professional position/setting as a potential alternative site for field requirements, if approved.
• Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
• Proof of up-to-date TB test.
• A signed Field Placement Requirement Notification form.
• A criminal history background check that meets School of Integrated Learning and Development guidelines.

NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools. Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators. Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check that is acceptable to the university as a part of their application materials, that successful background report will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program. School corporations are governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees who set policy for their school corporation. All accepted candidates should understand that additional background checks at the candidate’s expense will most likely be required by school corporations and early childcare facilities before participating in clinical experiences.

NOTE: Applicants need to be prepared to have vaccination records on hand, if requested by an outside facility, to prevent delay of any required Field Experiences. Since this is an “outside” of IWU request, it will be up to the student to be prepared.

• Successfully complete the program curriculum.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
• Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.