Master's in Birth-Kindergarten in Education and Development - Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration, and Coaching

The Master’s in Birth-Kindergarten in Education and Development – Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration, and Coaching Program at UNCG is an interdisciplinary, synchronous online program. It is for teachers, directors, administrators, technical assistance providers, and other professionals who work closely with early childhood educators to be leaders in the field.

The Department of Specialized Education Services and the Department of Human Development and Family Studies jointly administer the program. The degree will prepare students to assume leadership roles in education and community-based settings to serve young children with and without disabilities, ages birth to five, and their families.

Early Childhood Leadership Program, Administration And Coaching Program Distinctions

Students in the Master’s in Birth-Kindergarten Education and Development – Early Childhood Leadership Program Administration, and Coaching Program will be mentored by nationally recognized faculty. National rankings include:

• Universities.com ranked UNCG the No. 1 best Human Development and Family Studies college in NC in 2026.
• US News and World Report ranked UNCG No. 36 out of 333 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs in 2026. The program was ranked No. 3 in North Carolina.

The Masters in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development Student Experience

Students earning an M.Ed. in the Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development – Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration and Coaching can receive their degree in as little as two years.

• The program is fully online, delivered in a synchronous virtual classroom format.
• Students complete a leadership internship.
• Experienced and committed faculty from the Specialized Education Services and Human Development and Family Studies teach, advise, and mentor students in this innovative interdisciplinary program.
• The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides scholarships for qualified students in this program.

After Graduating from the Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration, And Coaching Program

Upon graduating, students will be prepared for a variety of careers, including:

• Program directors/administrators
• Early childhood coaches who mentor teachers
• Technical assistance providers
• Community college instructors
• Early childhood teachers
• Early interventionists
• Resource and referral specialists
• Child care consultants
• Family advocates.

Apply to The master’s in Birth-Kindergarten in Education and Development – Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration, and Coaching Program

To start the application process, go to the UNCG Graduate School application page. Full details for admission to the Master’s Early Childhood and Advanced Teaching Licensure Program are here.

• EARLY admission consideration deadline: OCT. 1
• FINAL opportunity for consideration deadline: JAN. 15