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Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Master’s and Licensure 

Our licensure program prepares professionals to help children birth through 5 years with disabilities to succeed. Students learn to provide high quality services to young children with special needs with a focus on inclusive practices and family-guided intervention.  

The Early Intervention major leads to a master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE).  

Information Session

Want to learn more? Didn’t get a chance to attend our last info session? That’s okay, we’ve got you covered! Watch the recorded information session from December 2024 to learn more about our program and admissions.  (Clicking on the buttons below will open a new window) 

Tuition Calculator: You can look at the projection for different terms based on the Term and Student Classification drop-down menus. Please be aware, the menu defaults to Graduate (Architecture & Interior Architecture) when you click on the link; you will need Graduate (Education Master’s/Doctoral Supervision). 

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Questions may be directed to sped@uoregon.edu. 

Why get your Master’s+License in EI/ECSE? 

Graduates of the program are prepared to fill a variety of professional roles: 

At a Glance: 

• Cohort size = 15-25 students  
• Can be completed in 1 or 2 years 

Distance Learning Option

Our distance masters/licensure program is ideal for early childhood educators, paraprofessionals, or educational assistants in EI/ECSE that work in Oregon.

"After being in the SPED EI/ECSE Distance program for the last two semesters, it’s become apparent that the professors and students are very passionate about creating an environment that values challenges and sees them as a way to adapt and grow."

--Kacie Waddell, EI/ECSE Student

Our faculty has a long history of innovation and cutting-edge research that has served to shape and continues to impact the field of EI/ECSE. Carefully sequenced coursework and hands-on practicum experiences provide students with a rich learning experience focused on effective strategies for supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities in home, school, and community settings.

Research/Outreach Projects

Early Intervention research, demonstration, and outreach programs expand and improve educational and therapeutic services for infants and young children who are at risk or disabled, and their families.

Areas of research & technical assistance

Positive approaches and evidence-based strategies are the core of our curriculum: 

Relationships matter 

We know that young children learn when they are in relationship with others, and we believe this is true for students too. This belief in the promotion of positive relationships and inspiring interactions with others is at the core of our program. Our students build close relationships with peers, faculty, practicum and community leaders.

You can make a bigger difference  

Well-trained professionals in EI/ECSE are in high demand: 

• Tuition support may be available through grants from the US Department of Education 
• Opportunity for licensed teachers to expand their reach with our added-endorsement option 

Early Intervention Endorsements

Tuition Support

Virtual Two-Year EI/ECSE Master’s Program

Tuition support may be available for EI/ECSE master’s students who are employed in the EI/ECSE field outside of Lane County. Students who have the support of their employer to complete the part-time virtual EI/ECSE master’s licensure program are encouraged to apply.

For more information, please contact sped@uoregon.edu. 

Coursework is directly linked to practicum and student teaching experiences in community-based settings 

Students in the EI/ECSE program have the option to complete the requirements for the master’s degree and licensure program in 1 or 2 years. All aspects of the master’s degree and Oregon teacher licensure requirements are embedded in the program. 

About Licensure  

The preliminary teaching license is granted by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission and is required for EI/ECSE specialists serving children birth to five years of age in public school programs in Oregon, including Education Service Districts. 

In addition to successful completion of course and fieldwork requirements for the master’s degree, licensure candidates must also: 

• Complete full-time student teaching  
• Successfully complete an additional Teaching Sample 
• Pass PRAXIS II test for Special Education: Preschool/Early Childhood  

Program Requirements

The master’s degree program conforms to the established University of Oregon and College of Education requirements and procedures:  

• Minimum of 45 credits in courses approved for graduate credit taken as an admitted master’s degree student (51 credits minimum if doing a specialization area) 
• Up to 15 credits may be officially transferred in through a petition process 
• 24 credits must be in UO graded courses passed with a GPA of 3.0 or better 
• At least 9 credits in 600-level courses must be taken in residence 
• Minimum 30 credits in SPED courses 

All credits for the degree (including transfer credits) must be completed within seven years. 

EI/ECSE Master’s Degree + Licensure Program Plan

Sample Course Schedule

Summer Term -  10 Credits

Fall Term - 14 Credits

Winter Term - 16 Credits

Spring Term - 16 Credits