Each year, we accept up to eight Leadership Fellows into the Post Master’s Certificate in Early Education Research, Policy & Practice (PMC) at UMass Boston. Fellows are selected based on their experience and interest in advancing the field of early care and education. They represent a variety of public and community-based early education programs and employer- and home-based child cares and come from every level of the field.
The PMC equips seasoned educators with advanced skills in research, policy, leadership, and data-driven practice. This 12-credit advanced graduate course of study is designed to help you deepen your knowledge and enhance your impact on early childhood education from birth to age 8.
Program Highlights
Flexible Learning Format: Courses are offered on Saturdays and in a blended format, with approximately half of the classes taking place online. This allows you to balance your professional commitments while advancing your education.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes four essential courses:
- ECHD 701 Advanced Child Development and Early Learning
- ECHD 702 Early Childhood Policy
- ECHD 703 Translating Research into Policy
- ECHD 704 Leadership and Change in Early Care and Education
Expert Faculty: Learn from dedicated faculty members who are leaders in the field of early childhood education. They will guide you in developing your leadership and research skills.
Fellowship Opportunities: Fellowships are available to help cover the cost of tuition, making this advanced education more accessible.
Upon completion of the PMC, you will receive a PMC certificate of advanced graduate study from UMass Boston and join a powerful leadership corps. Past PMC graduates have gone on to pursue doctoral study to advance scholarship in the field, led quality improvement efforts in their programs, sought new positions to make change on a scale greater than that possible in their prior job, served on professional advisory boards, and launched entrepreneurial ventures.
Application Details
Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
Program Duration: Two academic years, with one course per semester (fall and spring)
How to Apply: Visit the Early Education Research, Policy and Practice Certificate page to start your application.
Please email Early Education Leaders Director of Leadership Development Lynne Mendes if you have questions.
