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Rankings

19 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: July 19, 2024, Reading time: 24 minutes

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The formative years of students start when they are young, which makes elementary education an integral part of their learning process.

Unlike higher education institutions, elementary schools usually only require at least a bachelor’s degree and state-issued certification or an elementary education teaching license.

The Master’s in Elementary Education degree is a postgraduate program designed for individuals who wish to further enhance their knowledge and skills in teaching young learners. It provides advanced training and specialized coursework, allowing graduates to become effective and competent elementary school teachers.

Quick audio summary:

The Lowdown

Generally, elementary education programs can enhance your credentials by equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills integral to improving student outcomes.

A master’s in elementary education does not only develop your pedagogical skills. You will also get to expand your professional connections and help you make a positive impact on student learning, and develop individualized education programs, for example.

Methodology

Enhance your credentials as an Elementary Education professional while holding your post as a teacher in your current school! We selected the best online graduate programs based on these factors:

Read our Methodology page for a comprehensive look at our ranking process.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

19 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education

Drexel University

Drexel University
Master’s Degree in Elementary Education

Drexel University’s Master’s in Elementary Education is offered with a Teacher Certification Track, emphasized towards Pre-K to 4th-grade teaching.

This degree program is designed for students with the right Bachelor’s degree to attain state certification while earning their Master’s Degree.

Standout Features of Drexel University’s Master’s in Elementary Education Degree Program: 

The degree program is aimed at earning a teaching license. The certification is obtained in Pennsylvania; however, Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with almost all US States.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University - Logo
MA in Teaching – Elementary Education

With the official approval of the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation, this online master’s in elementary education program also leads to teacher licensure.

Standout Features of Western Governors University’s MA in Teaching – Elementary Education Program:

This master’s degree holds national recognition from the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). It was designed by experts from the university’s Education Program Council, which guarantees its quality.

Boston University

Boston University
Master of Education in Curriculum & Teaching

With a demonstrated history of offering award-winning and high-quality online programs, Boston University is one of the universities that offer elementary education programs.

One of which is the Master of Education in Curriculum & Teaching, designed to support the development of practicing educators by equipping them with pedagogical content knowledge.

Standout Features of Boston University’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Program:

This master’s degree is offered under the university’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, which means the program reflects its commitment to the preparation and advancement of research and scholarship.

Mississippi College

Mississippi College
Master of Education in Elementary Education

Mississippi College is considered the oldest higher learning institution in the state of Mississippi. They offer affordable and fully online programs, one of which is the Master of Education in Elementary Education.

Standout Features of Mississippi College’s Master of Education in Elementary Education Program:

This online master’s degree program is 100% online and takes as little as ten months to complete with 30 credit hours. It was designed with diverse learning needs in elementary school environments in mind.

Worcester State University

Worcester State University
Master of Education in Elementary Education

A champion when it comes to academic excellence, Worcester State University offers access to online degree programs. The ME in Elementary Education is one of them.

Standout Features of Worcester State University’s Master of Education in Elementary Education Program:

This master’s in elementary education program is taught by experienced faculty practitioners to broaden your understanding of educational theories and research that apply to instructional practice and policy.

Lesley University

Lesley University
Master of Education: Elementary Education

Lesley University has a range of academic programs on offer, whether in the arts, education, counseling, or even visual arts. They are one of the higher learning institutions in the country that offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education program.

Standout Features of Lesley University’s Master of Education in Elementary Education Program:

Approved for a Professional teaching license in elementary (1-6) by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, this master’s in elementary education can lead to a teaching license.

University of Alabama

University of Alabama
Master of Arts in Elementary Education

Dedicated to academic excellence, the University of Alabama offers a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. It is suitable for busy professionals who want to build their knowledge base and skill set by earning an advanced degree that will eventually lead to K-6 certification.

Standout Features of the University of Alabama’s Master of Arts in Elementary Education Program:

The program gives you the opportunity to choose two specializations among a variety of options. This includes Language Arts, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Florida International University

Florida International University - Hospitality Management
MS in Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education

True to its mission of being at the forefront of innovative online education, Florida International University caters to busy professionals with its range of academic programs available online.

Standout Features of Florida International University’s Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education Program:

The Elementary Education track can help you broaden your perspectives as an elementary education teacher and understand education issues and needs. It is designed to help you meet the needs of the growing minority of students in urban settings.

Emporia State University

Emporia State University
MS in Curriculum & Instruction: Effective Practitioner PreK-12

Emporia State University has a demonstrated track record of preparing teachers through its nationally acclaimed teacher education programs.

The MS in Curriculum & Instruction: Effective Practitioner PreK-12 is designed to improve your skills in the classroom and maximize student achievement. 

Standout Features of Emporia State University’s Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction – Effective Practitioner PreK-12 Program:

Students can take the dual-degree option. This will allow you to earn your Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction and an MS in Educational Administration together, letting you save time and money.

Ball State University

Ball State University
MA in Education (MAE) in Elementary Education

Ball State is a veteran in teacher’s education, established as a Teachers’ College in 1918. It offers its MAE in Elementary Education that plays to the strengths and interests of elementary teachers, giving them a wide range of areas of focus and specializations.

Standout features of Ball State University’s MAE in Elementary Education program:

Ball State’s MAE is one of the most customizable programs in the United States. Aside from the three main concentration areas, the degree program also has Specializations that you might want to add to your degree, which include Autism, Human Growth & Development, and Educational Technology.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University - Logo
Master of Education in Elementary Education

The ASU offers graduate degrees that cater to a wide range of focus areas. Their Master of Education in Elementary Education is designed for prospective students with any bachelor’s degree who want to work in grade K-8 education.

Standout Feature of Arizona University’s Master of Education in Elementary Education Program:

Arizona State University’s Teachers College consistently ranks high in terms of the country’s best education programs. According to US News’ school rankings, ASU’s Teachers College is the only US College of Education to land in the top 15 in both its on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota
Master of Education in Elementary Education

The University of North Dakota’s M.Ed in Elementary Education is for licensed teachers and educators who want to advance their skills in areas that include curriculum design, educational technologies, multicultural education, and more. 

Standout Features of UND’s M.Ed in Elementary Education Program:

As an online student, you also get to access UND’s Workshops through the School of Graduate Studies. You also get online access to the Chester Fritz Library, the UND Writing Center, and UND’s Career Services.

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University
MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education

Eastern New Mexico University offers an MA in Education that has a Curriculum and Instruction concentration and an Elementary Education emphasis.

Its core courses include Science, Math, and Reading content and emphasize Differentiated Instruction and working with students of diversity.

Standout Features of ENMU’s MA in Education Degree Program:

The ENMU has the second-lowest tuition in New Mexico for Master’s degrees and one of the most affordable graduate degree tuition rates throughout the United States.  

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University
MA in Teaching – Elementary Education (Grades P-5)

Georgia Southern’s MAT with a concentration in Elementary Education is ideal for prospective students of varying backgrounds who want to shift careers into teaching young children.

The degree program contains coursework required for initial teacher certification and has required field placement time within the State of Georgia.

Standout Features of Georgia Southern University’s MAT in Elementary Education:

The program is designed with licensure as an end goal. Graduates will be eligible for a Georgia T-5 Elementary Education Certification, after completing the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators Content Assessment (GACE) and the Educator Ethics Assessment required by the State of Georgia. 

Kansas State University

Kansas State University
Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education

Kansas State University offers a 100% online MAT designed to get you ready to apply for a K-6 teaching license in the state. This accelerated program is ideal for career shifters who may not want to wait for 2 years to finish a Master’s Degree.

Standout Features of Kansas State University’s MAT in Elementary Education Program:

The degree program is designed as a preparation for earning licensure in the State of Kansas. KSU reports a 97.5% passing rate for their MAT graduates who have taken the Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and the Principles of Teaching & Learning exams.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

The University of Missouri - Online
Master of Education in Elementary Education

An innovator in digital education, the University of Missouri in St. Louis has a variety of online programs designed for working professionals. One of them is the Master of Education in Elementary Education.

Standout Features of Western Governors University’s MA in Teaching – Elementary Education:

Known for its strong research and teaching faculty, this master’s degree program is ideal for early childhood and elementary teachers, specialists, and those who work in informal or international educational settings.

The three concentrations offered in this online degree provide opportunities for courses leading to a certificate in an emphasis area.

Merrimack College

Merrimack College
Master of Education in Elementary Education

The M.Ed in Elementary Education by Merrimack College is designed to prepare those wishing to earn their Initial License to teach in grades 1-6 in Massachusetts.

The degree program is designed to give insights into the various skills and instructional strategies of elementary education through a balance of coursework and field experience.

Standout Features of Merrimack College’s M.Ed in Elementary Education:

The degree program is aimed at earning licensure. The courses are designed as a preparation for you to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), and you will be given preparation assistance.

If you decide not to pursue earning your license, you will still be able to complete the degree as a personalized non-licensure Master’s Degree.

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University- Logo
Master’s in Elementary Education

NC State University offers a Master’s in Elementary Education, which is unique for its specific focus. Their program is designed to advance classroom teachers’ knowledge and practice in teaching Mathematics and Science to elementary students. Students can opt to earn either an M.Ed or a Master of Science degree.

Standout Features of NC State’s Master’s in Elementary Education Program:

Graduates of the Mathematics cohorts earn a Mathematics Specialist add-on to their K-6 teaching license in North Carolina. Science cohorts likewise earn the Science Specialist add-on.

University of West Alabama

University of West Alabama
Master of Education in Elementary Education, K-6

The University of West Alabama offers an M.Ed in Elementary Education that equips teachers with advanced teaching concepts for the K-6 grade levels.

This degree is ideal for educators looking for a Master’s Level Certificate and for those seeking career advancement in classroom and specialty roles.

Standout Features of the UWA’s M.Ed in Elementary Education Program:

The UWA has a Mentor Collective program that links you one-to-one with a mentor who guides you through the course. Mentors, in turn, get to build better networks and leadership skills.

Online Master's in Elementary Education - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect to learn in a Master’s in Elementary Education degree program?

This degree program is specialized since it deals specifically with the K-6 grade levels, but a wide range of courses are still taught.

You can expect to be taught theories and approaches to teaching, how to develop appropriate teaching material, and how to use various tools and approaches to create the best learning environment for children.

Do I need a Teaching license before I can take a Master’s in Elementary Education program?

Not all of the time. Some universities offer degree programs that are designed for those coming from other backgrounds and want to shift careers to teaching, such as Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs.

Other M.Ed degrees do require you to have teaching experience at the very least or be actively teaching at the time of applying.  

Will my Teaching license work for all states?

It depends. Many universities offer degree programs that prepare you for the specific licensure requirements in the state they’re in, and the most straightforward path would be to earn your online degree from a university in the same state you’re in or plan to teach in.

License reciprocity between states is a complex topic, and you’ll have to check for specific details on a state-by-state basis.

How will earning my Master’s degree in Elementary Education help my career?

Earning a Master’s in Elementary Education can have a positive impact on your career in several ways:

In conclusion, earning a Master’s degree in Elementary Education can have a significant impact on your teaching career, providing you with advanced knowledge and skills, career advancement opportunities, specialization options, increased job satisfaction, and ongoing professional development.

It can also help you stand out as a highly qualified and knowledgeable educator, setting you up for success in your career.

Summary Points

Earning a master’s degree in elementary education can help advance your career, even allowing you to take on leadership positions in schools and beyond. Start your journey by doing a school search to know the best institutions that offer quality elementary education programs.

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