New UMF hybrid online master’s program graduates first class

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Fifteen early-childhood educators from across Maine were the first graduates to recently receive their master’s degrees from University of Maine at Farmington’s innovative new hybrid online Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood degree program.
Fifteen early-childhood educators from across Maine were the first graduates to recently receive their master’s degrees from University of Maine at Farmington’s innovative new hybrid online Master of Science in Education – Early Childhood degree program.

FARMINGTON – Fifteen early-childhood educators from across Maine were the first graduates to recently receive their master’s degrees from University of Maine at Farmington’s new hybrid online Master of Science in Education – Early Childhood degree program.

The UMF program was created to help educators working in the field have access to a quality graduate educational opportunity while still offering them the flexibility that an online program can provide. It is the only master’s program in early-childhood education offered solely by a Maine institution. Seventy percent of the UMF program is offered online.

“The early childhood educators in this first graduating class come from towns all over Maine,” said Katherine Yardley, UMF associate provost and dean of education. “The program was designed especially for those working professionals around the state who are interested in the next stage of their education but need the flexibility that a hybrid online delivery can offer.”

The hybrid online program not only provides educators with the flexibility of online learning, but also brings students together about 30 percent of the time for face-to-face learning. This blended model gives educators in the field the flexibility they need when working full time while also helping to build a close network of professional colleagues.

Sarah Gray, recent graduate of the program from Fryeburg, received her bachelor’s degree from UMF and was excited to hear they were offering a flexible master’s program. “I was thrilled to find out that UMF’s master’s program was going to be a hybrid program. I love teaching, but also wanted to get my masters. I didn’t think it was going to be possible unless I took time off from teaching until I learned about this program at UMF.”

UMF’s Early Childhood master’s degree program was developed specifically to contribute to the professional growth of those educators who work with children ages birth through 8. The program can be completed in two to four years, with courses being offered during summer, fall and spring terms.

This postgraduate degree is especially valuable to educators who aspire to a variety of early childhood leadership roles such as adult educators in higher education, trainers, classroom teachers, program administrators, policy advocates and curriculum specialists.

Early childhood professionals interested in the program can learn more at http://masters.umf.maine.edu/ms-ed-in-early-childhood/. Applications for UMF’s Master of Science in Education – Early Childhood degree program and Master of Science in Education – Educational Leadership degree program are available online and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

For additional information on UMF’s master’s programs, please send your inquiries to umfmasters@maine.edu.

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