College Consensus rated UMSL’s graduate program in elementary education 22nd in the nation on its 2020 list of “Best Online Master’s Early Childhood Education.” The website praised the program’s flexible online classes and diverse curriculum. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis has again been recognized for its combination of affordability, accessibility and well-rounded curriculum.

College Consensus ranked the College of Education’s graduate program in elementary education 22nd on the website’s 2020 list of “Best Online Master’s Early Childhood Education.”

The program is designed for educators, directors, researchers, consultants, business owners and curriculum developers in early childhood settings and agencies. It focuses on three core tenets: reflective practice in action, cultural intelligence and child advocacy.

The versatile coursework covers topics such as meeting the needs of diverse learners, action research cycle to improve professional practice, social justice and community settings and creative technology intervention for learning.

College Consensus touted the program’s flexible online classes, which make it possible for students to continue working while completing their degrees. Students also have the option to earn an additional graduate certificate in social justice with nine hours of additional coursework. For all these reasons, the degree has an edge over its competition.

UMSL was one of two schools in Missouri ranked by College Consensus, which evaluated programs based on cost, reputation and success rate of graduates. Individual rankings were calculated by combining the results of reputable college rankings from outlets such as Forbes and U.S. News & World Report and thousands of student reviews.