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Montessori

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Graduate Studies in Education
  3. Montessori
  4. M.Ed. Montessori, Early Learning

M.Ed. Montessori, Early Learning

The Montessori early learning degree program offers the opportunity to earn your AMI Assistants to Infancy (ages 0-3) or Primary (3-6) diploma with Montessori Northwest, preparing you to teach in a Montessori classroom. Just as each child has a unique learning style, each teacher can adapt to provide an individualized education experience and encourage each child's natural excitement for learning.

Degree Snapshot
Credits 36
Class Format Assistants to Infancy (Ages 0-3)
Primary (Ages 3-6)
See Montessori Northwest's website for program location and enrollment dates.
Cost Per Credit $400* per credit
Estimated total: $14,400*

Tuition includes the AMI Montessori diploma. 
Typical Completion

Two years or less
Application Deadline

Winter: Dec. 15
Summer: June 15
Please note: Your application to the master's program at Whitworth is separate from the application to Montessori Northwest.

*Tuition for students enrolling in programs starting in summer 2025 and for the 2025-26 academic year; subject to change. This program estimates an additional $1,300 in books, material-making supplies, and other fees and expenses. Contact the Montessori department for additional information.

REQUEST INFORMATION Apply Now Attend Online Info Session

Program Options

Montessori Diploma with Master's Degree

Earn your AMI Diploma in Assistants to Infancy (0-3) or Primary (3-6) while you earn your M.Ed. in Montessori, Early Learning.

Montessori Diploma with Master's Degree & Teacher Certification

In addition to the Montessori diploma courses, you may also earn your master's degree and Washington State Teacher Certification, with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education (grades P-3). This option requires additional student teaching and coursework to fulfill certification requirements.

Master's Degree Only

If you already have your AMI diploma, you can earn your M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning with an area of concentration in Montessori in just 22 credits. 

Have an AMI diploma but need a bachelor's degree?

If you already have your AMI diploma, click here to view Whitworth's evening and online bachelor's degree programs for adults. 

If you are interested in earning your AMI diploma without a master's degree, please visit Montessori Northwest's website for more information about their program options.

This program is without a doubt a wonderful and efficient way to earn your Master's degree, AMI Diploma and State Certification. Completing this program sets you up as a very desirable candidate for teaching jobs in a variety of settings.

Rachael Morris '20

Program Requirements

Whitworth's Master of Education in Montessori, Early Learning program includes credits specifically aligned with AMI diploma requirements. While enrolled in these courses, students must concurrently be enrolled with Montessori Northwest. The remaining online coursework for your master's degree provides additional in-depth content on working successfully with special populations, social and emotional needs, and classroom management. 

Students pursuing Washington State Teacher Certification will need to complete additional student teaching and coursework to meet certification requirements.

For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this degree, please view the course catalog. Please note: While the content of both Montessori Northwest and Whitworth courses align, course names listed in Whitworth's course catalog may not be the same. Whitworth University's M.Ed. in Montessori courses reflect the progression of diploma coursework within early childhood education curriculum standards. 

Cohort Format

Students in Whitworth's Montessori degree programs are concurrently enrolled at Montessori Northwest while working on their AMI Diploma. During the AMI Diploma courses, you will participate as part of a cohort, which will provide a built-in support system and help you establish your own network of professional colleagues. Students in multiple cohorts join together to learn from one another in the final three courses of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I choose not to apply to Whitworth's M.Ed. in Montessori program this year, can I apply once I've finished my AMI training?

No. You must apply for Whitworth's graduate program before the course begins. You must register and pay tuition to Whitworth while you are doing your AMI training in order for that coursework to be graded and counted toward the degree.

Can I apply for financial aid?

Yes. Students in Whitworth's M.Ed. Montessori education program are eligible for financial aid. We recommend that you apply for financial aid at the time you apply for the program.