The Early Childhood Education Master's Program began admitting students in the 2025-2026 academic year. The duration of the program is two years. The primary aim of our department's master's program is to train expert preschool educators and researchers equipped with academic and professional competencies to meet the needs and demands of both our country and the contemporary era. The program seeks to deepen students' professional knowledge and experience, enhance their research capabilities, and support the development of impactful projects that contribute to the field. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of personal growth and encourages participation in activities that foster creativity and innovation.
To train academicians and specialists equipped with fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes, in alignment with the Turkish National Education System's regulations, and embodying Atatürk's principles, the values of the Republic, secularism, modernity, and democracy. To provide a master’s program recognized at national and international levels, preparing students for academic and professional success.
To graduate individuals who embrace the principle of lifelong learning, effectively conduct academic research, and follow developments in social, economic, technological, and scientific fields. Graduates are envisioned as professionals who collaborate continuously with public and private preschool institutions and non-governmental organizations.
To develop field experts equipped with the skills and motivation to meet contemporary demands, capable of transferring their accumulated knowledge to future generations using innovative methods and technological tools. To nurture individuals who are committed to excellence, sensitive to the needs of children, families, and society, and possess collaborative and problem-solving abilities to achieve their goals.
To prepare academicians and professionals who design and implement programs enhancing the quality of early childhood education, contribute to national and international initiatives for child and family programs, and bring innovative insights into the field. The program aims to equip students with the skills to design and implement educational programs suitable for children's developmental stages, support family education, and lead research and development activities within the field.
To elevate the reputation of the Department of Preschool Education to the highest level on national and international platforms, becoming a recognized and preferred academic program worldwide. To actively participate in projects aimed at expanding and enhancing preschool education in Turkey, in alignment with the European Union harmonization process, and to contribute to scientific research with knowledge, expertise, and academic support.
Through the master’s program, to train specialists and academicians who embrace the principles of a modern and democratic society; can freely express their emotions and thoughts; apply fundamental life skills to daily life; are creative, inquisitive, and entrepreneurial; demonstrate self-regulation; value diversity and respect human rights; are open to learning; and contribute to the growth of mentally and physically healthy individuals in society.
Master degree
This program is a graduate-level program.
Graduates who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for the thesis-based master's program:
The evaluation criteria for student admission to the program are as follows:
In Turkish higher education institutions, the recognition of prior formal learning, including vertical, horizontal, and internal transfers, is carried out within the framework of the regulations established by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Provided that the conditions specified in the regulations are met, a limited number of course credits can be transferred between departments, or it may be possible for a student to continue their education in a different department.
As the recognition of non-formal learning in higher education in Turkey is still at a very early stage, it is currently not possible for learning experiences outside of formal education to be recognized by YÖK.
The Early Childhood Education Master's Program began admitting students in the 2025-2026 academic year. The duration of the program is two years. The primary aim of our department's master's program is to train expert preschool educators and researchers equipped with academic and professional competencies to meet the needs and demands of both our country and the contemporary era. The program seeks to deepen students' professional knowledge and experience, enhance their research capabilities, and support the development of impactful projects that contribute to the field. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of personal growth and encourages participation in activities that foster creativity and innovation.
| No | Program Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1 | Develops and deepens knowledge in the field at the expertise level based on undergraduate-level qualifications. |
| 2 | Understands the interaction between the field and related disciplines. |
| 3 | Utilizes theoretical and practical knowledge acquired at the expertise level in the field. |
| 4 | Solves problems in the field using scientific research methods. |
| 5 | Critically evaluates knowledge related to the field and directs learning processes. |
| 6 | Systematically conveys developments in the field and personal studies in written, oral, and visual formats. |
| 7 | Uses information and communication technologies at an advanced level as required by the field. |
| 8 | Collects, interprets, concludes, applies, and shares data related to the field while adhering to ethical values. |
| 9 | Develops diverse perspectives, formulates policies, plans, and evaluates outcomes within the framework of quality standards in field-related matters. |
| 10 | Internalizes the knowledge gained in the field, transforms it into skills, and applies it in interdisciplinary studies. |
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Master's Program receive a master’s degree. They may continue their academic careers by applying to doctoral programs and working as faculty members at universities. Additionally, they can take on administrative roles in independent kindergartens and preschool classes affiliated with the Ministry of National Education or work as specialists in private kindergartens and daycare centers. Graduates can also participate in national and international projects in early childhood education, engage in research and development activities, and contribute innovative advancements to the field.
Candidates who successfully complete their master’s education may pursue doctoral programs in their field or related fields, provided they achieve a qualifying score on the ALES exam and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English.
The Preschool Education Master's Program is designed in accordance with the National Curriculum set by the Council of Higher Education and the academic requirements of the field. The program includes advanced courses on the care, development, and education of preschool-aged children, as well as courses focused on academic research, statistics, and research methodologies. Additionally, master’s students have the opportunity to take elective courses from our department based on their interests and areas of expertise.
The assessment and evaluation methods for each course are detailed in the "Course Information Form." For more information about the regulations, click here.
The thesis-based master's program consists of at least seven courses, a seminar course, and a thesis study, with a total of no less than 21 credits. The seminar course and thesis study are non-credit and are evaluated as either "Pass" or "Fail."
The thesis-based master's program comprises a minimum of 120 ECTS credits, including at least eight courses, a seminar course, and a thesis study, with each academic term requiring no less than 60 ECTS credits.
This is a full time program.
