Master of Arts in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership
Shape the future of early childhood education with CUNY SPS's online MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership. This fully online, asynchronous program prepares you to lead organizations, influence policy at every level of government, and champion equity in early learningβall while balancing your career and personal commitments. Join one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. specifically designed to transform early childhood professionals into the leaders, advocates, and decision-makers who shape systems that impact young children and families.

Overview
The online MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership at CUNY SPS is designed for current and aspiring early childhood professionals who want to shape the systems, programs, and policies that impact young children and families. This program prepares graduates to become leaders, advocates, and decision-makers in the growing field of early childhood education policy and administration.
As one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. focused specifically on early childhood policy and leadership, this masterβs degree equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience to:
This 30-credit program is offered fully online in an asynchronous format, allowing working professionals to balance career, life, and graduate study. Students engage with peers and faculty through dynamic discussions, applied projects, and community-based learning opportunities.
Students choose between the following two tracks:
Questions about the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership?
Learn more about the program at the CUNY School of Professional Studies:

E.J. Jun
Director of Higher Education Initiatives

E.J. Jun
Director of Higher Education InitiativesDay | Hours | Notes |
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9 AM - 5 PM
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9 AM - 5 PM
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Thursday |
9 AM - 5 PM
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Friday |
9 AM - 5 PM
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- Rescheduling, cancellations and missed appointments: If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please do so by going into your calendar and following the links to either cancel or reschedule. If you miss three appointments without giving your advisor prior notice, you'll no longer have access to the Acuity scheduling system. You'll need to request an appointment by emailing your advisor, who will determine availability based on their schedule.
- Please do not book more than one time slot for your appointment, which limits availability for other clients. "Holding" multiple time slots may result in your appointment being canceled or your email being blocked from the Acuity Scheduling system.
- ReprogramaciΓ³n, cancelaciones y citas perdidas: Si necesita reprogramar o cancelar su cita, hΓ‘galo ingresando a su calendario y siguiendo los enlaces para cancelar o reprogramar. Si falta a tres citas sin avisar previamente a su asesor, ya no tendrΓ‘ acceso al sistema de programaciΓ³n Acuity. DeberΓ‘ solicitar una cita enviando un correo electrΓ³nico a su asesor, quien determinarΓ‘ la disponibilidad segΓΊn su horario.
- Por favor no reserve mΓ‘s de un horario para su cita, ya que limita la disponibilidad para otros clientes. "Reservar" mΓΊltiples horarios puede resultar en la cancelaciΓ³n de su cita o el bloqueo de su correo electrΓ³nico en el sistema de programaciΓ³n Acuity.
Earn a MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership at the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. focused specifically on early childhood policy and leadership, this masterβs degree equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need.
Program highlights
18 credits of the program are approved for the NYSAEYC CPAC Credential.
What you'll learn
Students explore topics such as:
Graduates are prepared to influence the future of early childhood care and education, whether in government, nonprofit, or educational settings.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership are qualified for a range of roles, including:
This masterβs program supports pathways to leadership in early childhood education and advocacy for young children and families.
Who should apply
This program is ideal for:
Applicants should have experience in early childhood education or related fields.
Admission criteria
Applicants must possess a bachelorβs degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide one letter of recommendation. Letter of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. Please note that an individual interview may be necessary. Background in early childhood education is an advantage, but not required.
Application Deadlines
Information sessions
CUNY SPS MA Info Session in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us: