General Information

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program began admitting students in the 2001–2002 academic year. Since its establishment, the program has aimed to provide graduate-level education grounded in both theory and practice. It is supported by a well-qualified academic staff consisting of 4 full professors, 4 associate professors, 2 assistant professors, 1 research assistant with a PhD, and 2 research assistants. This diverse and experienced faculty plays a key role in offering high-quality instruction, supervision, and research guidance.

Length of Programme & Number of Credits

2 Year - 120 ECTS

Feature & Definition

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program prepares students to work in a variety of educational settings, including public and private schools, daycare centers, and other institutions that serve children from birth to age six and their families. The program aims to cultivate highly qualified early childhood educators, informed decision-makers, and ethical leaders who can make meaningful contributions to the field. The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program emphasizes the importance of understanding children’s development and learning within their social, cultural, and familial contexts. To this end, the program strongly encourages collaboration with families, interdisciplinary teamwork, and partnerships with other professionals, recognizing these as essential components of high-quality early childhood education.

Mode of Study

Full Time

Head of Department

Prof. Dr. ÖZKAN ÖZGÜN

ECTS / Course Catalog Coordinator

Doç. Dr. MUSTAFA YAŞAR

Erasmus Coordinator

Prof. Dr. ÖZKAN ÖZGÜN

Internship Coordinator

Prof. Dr. EBRU DERETARLA GÜL

Orientation Staff

Doç. Dr. İNANÇ ETİ

Goals

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate plans aligned with preschool education programs. Through a balanced integration of theoretical frameworks and empirical research, the program encourages critical thinking and reflective practice in curriculum planning and assessment. The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program also prioritizes helping students develop a professional, ethical, and effective working style when engaging with young children, their families, and interdisciplinary teams. Emphasis is placed on building strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships that support children's learning and well-being across various early childhood settings.

Objectives

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program aims to prepare highly qualified educators and researchers who are committed to advancing excellence in the field of preschool education. The program supports the development of professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also reflective and responsive to the diverse needs of young children. The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program enables students to gain a deep understanding of early development and effective learning strategies, empowering them to apply this knowledge across a range of teaching contexts. Graduates are equipped to adapt their instructional practices to meet the developmental needs of young children and to contribute meaningfully to high-quality early learning environments.

Specific Admission Requirements

- Holding a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Preschool Education/Teaching or Child Development. - Having obtained a minimum score of 55 in the verbal section of the ALES (Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam). - Passing both the written and oral entrance exams for the master's program.

Qualification Awarded

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program awards its graduates the academic title of Scientific Specialist in Early Childhood/Preschool Education upon successful completion of the program with a thesis. This degree signifies advanced expertise in the field and reflects the graduate’s ability to conduct independent research, apply theoretical knowledge in practice, and contribute to the academic and professional discourse in early childhood education.

Level of Qualification

Master's

Qualification Requirements of Graduation

The total duration can be at least 4 and at most 6 semesters. The course period is at least 2 semesters and at most 4 semesters. Minimum 7 credit courses/21 credits (maximum 10 credits can be taken in one semester (excluding UAD and seminar). Seminar course must be taken in addition. GPA ≥ 2.50. At least 2 semesters must be completed in the thesis phase. At least 120 ECTS must be taken in total. The student must successfully defend the thesis.

Access to Further Studies

The graduates of the Early Childhood Education Master’s Program are eligible to apply for doctoral studies in their own field or related disciplines, provided they meet the requirements set out in the Çukurova University Regulations for Graduate Education. These requirements include achieving a qualifying ALES score and demonstrating adequate proficiency in English, along with successfully passing the program’s evaluation and selection process.

Internship

None

Applied Course

None

Work Placement

None

Double Major, Additional Major & Exchange Possibilities

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program offers graduate students the opportunity to participate in the ERASMUS and ERASMUS+ Internship Exchange Programs, allowing them to gain international academic and professional experience in the field of early childhood education.

Employment Opportunities

The Early Childhood Education Master’s Program equips graduates with expertise in early childhood development, education, research, and program management. The program is grounded in research-based education, with a strong emphasis on understanding early childhood and effective teaching practices. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to take on professional roles in various educational settings or pursue academic careers. They also have the opportunity to advance their studies by enrolling in a doctoral program, further deepening their knowledge and contributing to the field through original research.