Degree Details
Degree Type
- Master's Programs
Minimum Requirements
- 36 Credits
Formats
- In-Person
Availability
- Full- and Part-Time Available
The Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being at Boston University prepares professionals focused on early childhood to understand the systems that impact young children (birth to 8 years) and families and to work across disciplines to advance systems-level change. Offered through BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, this early childhood graduate program provides a strong foundation in addressing systemic inequality through research and policy.
Our research-focused program builds students’ abilities to craft policy and lead efforts to champion causes vital to childhood well-being. Our flexible curriculum will enable you to take classes in a range of disciplines, including education, human development, applied psychology, and social science research.
Hear from Our Faculty
Students in the master’s in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being learn to address the challenges that limit children’s and families’ ability to thrive. You’ll learn from professionals in medicine, business, humanities, public health, social work, public policy/advocacy, human services, and education.
Dates & Deadlines
Spring & Fall 2025
Aug 15, 2024
Application Opens
Spring 2025 Semester
Dec 15, 2024
Application Deadline
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan 15, 2025
Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration
Fall 2025 Semester
Aug 1, 2025
Application Closes
Featured Faculty
The faculty associated with the Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-being master’s program bring diverse professional experiences that span early childhood education, children and youth policymaking, special education, and human development.
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Dina C. Castro
Director, Institute for Early Childhood Well-Being
Bahamdan Professor in Early Childhood Well-Being -
Felicity Crawford
Program Director, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Clinical Associate Professor -
Stephanie Curenton
Director, Center on the Ecology of Early Development (CEED)
Professor -
Nermeen Dashoush
Clinical Associate Professor
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Karen Murphy
Program Director, Early Childhood
Clinical Associate Professor -
Eleonora Villegas-Reimers
Chair, Teaching & Learning Department
Clinical Professor
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being master’s program utilize their newfound knowledge and skills in early childhood policy, leadership, or research in a variety of professions.
- Policy maker
- Advocate
- Researcher
More Information about the MA in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being
Field-Based Experiences
Customize your field-based experience in settings that match your professional goals, which could even include your current workplace. Faculty advisors will serve as mentors throughout your placement.
Graduate Admissions
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about our master’s degree in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy for Early Childhood Well-Being. Learn more about application deadlines, requirements, and more.
Financing Your Education
There are many flexible options for financing your Boston University education. Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about financial assistance, including scholarships and fellowships.
Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.