We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the brand-new Master of Arts in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership at the CUNY School of Professional Studies — a fully online, asynchronous program designed to prepare early childhood professionals to become leaders, advocates, and decision-makers in early childhood education policy and administration.
The new program:
✅ Is designed and developed by leaders and practitioners in early childhood and public policy
✅ Combines graduate education with credentialing aligned to state standards
✅ Builds both theoretical insight and professional skills tied to systems-level impact
Why earn a master’s in early childhood policy and leadership?
As one of the few graduate programs in the country focused specifically on early childhood policy and leadership, this master’s degree equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience to:
- Lead early childhood organizations and systems
- Influence policy at the local, state, and federal level
- Advance equity and inclusion in early learning
- Drive program quality and family engagement
- Connect learning to real-world challenges in New York City, New York State, and beyond
Students choose between the following two tracks:
- Early Childhood Public Administration: For students interested in obtaining an interdisciplinary perspective to early childhood policy and leadership
- Children’s Program Administrator Credential: For current and aspiring children’s program directors and administrators and those seeking the New York Association for the Education of Young Children’s CPAC Credential
💡 Program at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Format | 100% online and asynchronous, allowing working professionals to balance career, life, and study. |
Credits | 30 graduate credits required. |
| Certificate Options | Students who do not plan to complete the full master’s degree may choose to complete the 12-credit certificate in early childhood policy or the 18-credit certificate in children’s program administration. |
| Part-Time Option | Can be completed in two years, with a part-time option available. |
| Credential Boost | 18 of the credits are eligible toward the Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) issued by the New York Association for the Education of Young Children, which measures program management and leadership ability. If you hold an “Initial” teacher certification, the master’s degree can be used to meet the graduate-level coursework requirement to attain “Professional” certification. |
| Esteemed Faculty | Taught by leading scholars and practitioners in early childhood and public policy |
What you’ll learn
Through dynamic discussions with peers and faculty, applied projects, and community-based learning opportunities, students will explore:
- Early childhood systems and governance
- Policy development and implementation
- Budgeting and resource management
- Leadership in diverse communities
- Research, data, and evaluation
Where you’ll go
Graduates of the MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership are qualified for a range of roles, including:
- Policy analyst or advisor
- Director or manager in educational, nonprofit, and government settings
- Education and child care advocate
Who should apply
This program is ideal for:
- Early childhood educators, administrators, and site leaders
- Advocates in policy, social services, or public health
- Staff in community-based organizations and city agencies
- Anyone with a bachelor’s degree who aspires to lead change in early childhood
Applicants should have
- A bachelor’s degree (recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher)
- A personal statement
- A current resume (not required for the advanced certificate)
- One letter of recommendation (not required for the advanced certificate)
An interview may be requested for some applicants.
For more information about the new master’s,
