The Online Master’s in Education and Development Birth-Kindergarten degree (M.Ed.) at UNCG prepares students for leadership roles in diverse settings that develop and implement programming for young children with and without disabilities, ages birth to age five, and their families. The degree is a synchronous online program and prepares graduates for careers in education and the community.
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Specialized Education Services offers the program jointly. Students will select one of two concentrations: Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure, or Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration, and Coaching.
Online master’s in Education – Birth-Kindergarten Program Distinctions
Students in the Master’s in Education and Development Birth-Kindergarten program will be mentored by nationally recognized faculty. National rankings include:
- UNCG is ranked the No. 1 best Human Development and Family Studies college in NC in 2026 by universities.com.
- US News and World Report ranked UNCG No. 36 out of 333 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs in 2026. The program is ranked No. 3 in North Carolina.
The Online master’s in Birth-Kindergarten Education and Development Student Experience
The Master’s in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development (BKISED) program is fully online and is synchronous. Students can complete the program in as little as two years. There are two concentrations: Early Childhood Leadership and Advanced Teaching Licensure, or Early Childhood Leadership, Program Administration, and Coaching. Students in the two concentrations will have similar opportunities:
- Complete a leadership internship.
- Learn from experienced and committed faculty from the Department of Specialized Education Services and the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. These departments will teach, advise, and mentor students in this innovative interdisciplinary program.
- Qualified student will be eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program.
After Graduating with your master’s in Education and Development Birth-Kindergarten Degree
This program focuses on leadership, coaching, mentoring, consultation, supervision, and administration in a broad range of career settings. Upon graduation, alumni of the BKISED program will be eligible for careers such as:
- Early childhood teacher/director
- Coaching/mentor for early childhood teachers
- Early interventionist
- Inclusion specialist
- Community college instructor
- Curriculum specialist
- Early childhood consultant
- Family specialist/advocate
- Development specialist
- Supervisor/administrator
- Home-based service provider
Apply to Master’s in Education and Development Birth-Kindergarten program
This program is offered fully online. Review the information on which states UNCG is allowed to offer online education. To be considered into the program, please note the application deadlines:
- Early admission consideration deadline: Oct. 1
- Final opportunity for consideration deadline: Jan. 15
Program Details
Degree Type: Master's
College/School: School of Health and Human Sciences
Program Type: Majors & Concentrations
Class Type: Online
Catalog Name: Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development, M.Ed.
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Contact Us
Dr. Catherine Scott-Little
Professor & Director of BK Graduate Program
mcscottl@uncg.edu
Dr. Carol Jordan
B-K Co-Director
cwjordan@uncg.edu