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The Graduate Diploma in Education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) gives formal recognition to those graduate students who have undertaken concentrated research and study concerning the education of young children (birth to age eight). This diploma does not lead to ECE certification.
Options
- Concurrent (Option A): The requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education are completed concurrently with a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
- Direct-entry (Option B): The Graduate Diploma in Education in Early Childhood Education can be completed as a stand-alone non-degree diploma.
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible to take the Diploma concurrently with a degree, candidates must first be admitted to the Graduate Program in Education.
In order to be eligible for the Direct Entry (stand-alone diploma), candidates must be admissible to the Graduate Program in Education.
More Information:
Diploma Structure
Course only MEd
Degree + Diploma = 27 Credits*, including:
- Diploma core course (3.0)
- 3 courses from approved course list (9.0)
- Elective credits (15.0)
MEd with MRP
Degree + Diploma = 21 credits* + MRP including:
- Diploma core course (3.0)
- 2 courses from approved course list (6.0)
- Elective credits (12.0)
- MRP must address diploma topic
MEd with Thesis
Degree + Diploma = 15 Credits* + thesis including:
- Diploma core course (3.0)
- 2 courses from approved course list (6.0)
- Elective credits (6.0 credits)
- Thesis must address diploma topic
PhD with Dissertation
Degree + Diploma = 24 credits* + dissertation including:
- Diploma core course (3.0)
- 2 courses from approved course list (6.0)
- Elective credits (15.0)**
- Dissertation must address diploma topic
*Includes 1 extra course (3.0) beyond MEd or PhD degree requirements
**Includes Doctoral Seminar (EDUC 5100)
Direct Entry (Stand-Alone Diploma)
Diploma = 12 Credits including:
- Diploma core course (3.0)
- 3 courses (9.0) from approved course list
- Must be completed on a part-time basis
Courses
Courses may be offered in an online, blended or face-to-face format. Course format may vary in each academic year. The nature of blended courses is at the discretion of each faculty member who is teaching.
View the Graduate Diploma Checklist for course information
Note for graduate diplomas taken concurrently with degrees (Type 2): Following Senate guidelines, courses taken in fulfilment of degree requirements may count towards the graduate diploma, but some part of the graduate diploma requirements shall be additional to degree requirements. All the requirements for the degree as well as for the graduate diploma must be fulfilled before the graduate diploma is awarded. Normally, the graduate diploma will be awarded at the convocation at which the degree is awarded.
Note: Courses that are counted toward one Graduate Diploma cannot be double-counted towards an additional, separate Graduate Diploma. Students can take a maximum of two graduate diplomas concurrently with a degree program.
Note: This diploma does not lead to ECE certification.
Note: Students completing this a Graduate Diploma in a direct-entry, stand-alone model (Option B) are not eligible for student funding.
For more information, contact the Graduate Program in Education gradprogram@edu.yorku.ca
