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An online master's in elementary education program can beef up your classroom skills and provide administrative opportunities. Many offer specializations, allowing you to direct your education toward your career goals.
You may also find high demand along with higher pay. According to Annenberg Institute at Brown University, there were at least 36,000 unfilled teaching positions as of August 2022.
Additionally, underqualified teachers hold about 163,000 positions.
The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) reports that teachers with a master's earn, on average, an additional $2,760 their first year, compared to those with a bachelor's.
This page helps you explore the possibilities. Learn about the top-ranked online master's in elementary education programs and decide if earning this degree is right for you.
Why Should You Earn Your Master's in Elementary Education Online?
Earning a master's in elementary education prepares you for specialized roles and leadership opportunities. Many programs also offer concentrations, enabling you to focus on your area of interest, whether leadership, special education, or literacy instruction.
You can also increase your earning potential. According to the NCTQ, 88% of large school districts offer increased pay for teachers with a master's degree. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 51% of public school teachers in 2020-2021 held a master's degree.
Additionally, some programs are designed for those seeking to change careers. If you're excited about the possibility of helping children reach their full potential, a master's in elementary education may help you achieve your goal.
The challenge for many teachers and career-changers is fitting college into an already busy schedule. That's where an online elementary education program comes in. The following represent some of the top benefits:
- Flexibility: Self-paced classes let you fit coursework into your schedule. Live online scheduled classes are ideal if you learn better in a structured environment.
- Cost-Effective: Online programs may save you money. Some programs do not charge out-of-state fees. You may also save on relocation expenses, college fees, and lost wages.
- Length: You can find online programs offering accelerated or part-time options. These programs usually range from 1-2 years.
Popular Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $824
Out-of-State | $824
Credits to Graduate: 57
The master of arts in teaching in elementary education at Brenau University prepares graduates to teach in preK-5 classrooms. Brenau designed this graduate program for aspiring educators who don't have initial teaching certifications.
In the program, students develop their instructional skills and get ready to take the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators®.
Learners can finish their master's degrees in five semesters. During the program, they complete 10 courses, including instructional planning and assessment and computer literacy in education, along with field experiences and student teaching.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $429
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 34
The online master of education in elementary education degree at the University of West Alabama (UWA) advances K-6 educators' careers. This program is ideal for educators who already hold teaching certificates.
Each enrollee must complete 34 credits to acquire their M.Ed. degrees. Nineteen of those credits occur within professional courses like foundations of education, techniques of educational research, and teaching reading. The additional 15 credits cover teaching field courses. Students may transfer up to four graduate-level credit hours to UWA.
#3 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $547
Out-of-State | $547
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master of education in elementary education at the University of North Dakota (UND), designed for licensed teachers, requires each student to take five required courses, including a teaching practicum. They also complete three elective courses, two educational foundations classes, and a culminating project as a thesis, a scholarly project, or independent study.
On average, most students take over two years to finish their degrees. Each applicant must submit three letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a statement of goals and objectives.
#4 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $238
Out-of-State | $963
Credits to Graduate: 30
The online master of arts in teaching (MAT) with a specialization in elementary education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke provides a strong pathway for aspiring teachers who didn't take many undergraduate education courses. Current enrollees often teach with temporary licenses.
The 30-credit MAT requires each enrollee to take nine courses and complete a teaching internship in a North Carolina K-6 classroom. Graduates can pursue teaching licensure and pass testing requirements in North Carolina. Then, they can secure educator roles at the K-6 level.
#5 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $469
Out-of-State | $469
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master of education in elementary education at Delta State University is an accelerated program that takes only a year to complete. During the program, you'll take one class each in the fall and spring semesters and a total of four classes during the summer.
Students are typically active teachers who don't want to postpone teaching during graduate school. Applicants must hold a class A teaching certificate or equivalent and should have acceptable scores on two approved standardized tests for elementary educators.
Learners plan their programs based on their individual goals and specializations. Classes include literacy instruction, classroom management, and educational psychology.
#6 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 42
The master of arts in teaching (MAT) in elementary education at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is ideal for aspiring teachers who have earned bachelor's degrees in other subjects. Graduates are prepared to teach grades 1-5.
Students work toward teacher certification in Louisiana. However, other states also participate in Teacher Certification Reciprocity, which allows educators with Louisiana licensure to be eligible for certification in their states.
Enrollees can complete their online coursework in fall, spring or semesters, as well as in shorter, more intensive sessions in Dec. or spring semesters.
#7 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $480
Out-of-State | $960
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master of education in elementary education program at the University of South Alabama prepares teachers who hold class B certification for class A professional elementary education (K-6) certification.
The program is flexible, with most enrollees graduating in 1-2 years. Enrollees may start during any semester of the school year. To graduate, each learner must take four classes in curriculum and teaching, a diversity class, one course in educational foundations, and a research and evaluation class. They must also complete nine electives, a comprehensive exam, and a capstone portfolio.
#8 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
American University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,273
Out-of-State | $1,273
Credits to Graduate: 33
The five-semester master of arts in teaching (MAT) with a track in elementary education at American University is designed for enrollees without education experience. However, students who have participated in designated education programs, like City Year, may earn tuition discounts.
Learners enter the program with a cohort that completes program milestones at the same pace. Cornerstones of the MAT include anti-racist pedagogy, learning sciences, and practice-based teacher education.
Each enrollee must also complete two semesters of fieldwork in observation and student teaching.
#9 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $840
Out-of-State | $840
Credits to Graduate: 39
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a master of arts in teaching (MAT) that enrollees can complete in 18 months. Students can choose from five MAT concentrations, including elementary education (K-6).
Each learner in the elementary education concentration takes 10 required classes and two electives. Many of these classes teach students how to best instruct young children in language arts, math, science, and social studies. An enrollee must also complete an elementary teaching seminar and student-teach. Completion of the program leads to teaching licensure in Hawaii.
#10 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,164
Out-of-State | $1,164
Credits to Graduate: 40
The master of science in elementary education at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) provides an opportunity for educators to advance their careers.
Most enrollees in the 40-credit online program teach while completing their degrees. Each enrollee must take 13 required classes and finish an applied professional experience in elementary education capstone. For this requirement, graduate students keep journals and student sample materials that meet state professional standards.
Applicants can submit their materials to the program at any point in the year. NSU requires an application fee and transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. Each candidate must have earned a 2.5 GPA or higher in their undergraduate studies for admission.
What Do You Learn in an Online Elementary Education Master's Program?
Online elementary education master's programs focus on instructional skills and innovative, advanced teaching methods. They also explore education administration, leadership, and curriculum development. You may learn about educational policy and how to advocate for your students.
While specific courses vary by program, the following represent general topics you can expect to learn about in an elementary education master's program:
- Technology and Education
- Educational Psychology
- Current Trends in Elementary Education
- Talent Development
- Alternative Teaching Models
- Multicultural Teaching and Learning
Additionally, master's in elementary education programs may allow you to choose a specialization that aligns with your career goals. Examples of common concentrations include:
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Education Administration
- Education Leadership
- Educational Technology
- Theater and Dance
What's the Difference Between Licensure and Non-Licensure Master's Programs in Elementary Education?
There are two different tracks in master's programs in elementary education. The teacher certification or licensure track is designed for students who need to obtain their teaching credentials.
If you're going into teaching and don't have a background in education, this is your track. All states require teacher certification in public schools. Additionally, if you're a current teacher looking to work in a specialized field, such as special education, a licensure program is required.
The non-licensure track is designed for licensed teaching professionals or those who want to work in roles that do not require teaching credentials. This applies to teachers or professionals considering positions in administration or as analysts.
States set their own licensure and teaching regulations. So, make sure to understand your state's requirements before selecting a program.
Did You Know…
According to the NCES, 45% of public schools had one or more teaching vacancies as of October 2022.
Does Accreditation Matter for Elementary Education Master's Programs?
Accreditation is essential. Colleges and universities receive institutional accreditation from third-party organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
These agencies perform an extensive review, ensuring a high-quality education. Institutional accreditation also affects your ability to transfer credits and eligibility for federal financial aid.
Specific programs can also be accredited. Programmatic accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous standards. In many states, you must graduate from an accredited program to obtain a teaching license or certification.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) accredit online master's in elementary education programs and are recognized by the CHEA.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Elementary Education?
Graduates with a master's in elementary education find numerous opportunities beyond careers as a kindergarten or elementary school teacher. They may focus on concentrations that offer specialized skills necessary for special education or English as a second language teachers. They may also work as local or school district administrators.
Curriculum specialists or instructional coordinators usually require a master's degree. These specialists develop curriculum, suggest textbooks, and help teachers improve their skills. Education policy analysts may research complex problems, recommend solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of new or existing policies. These analysts may work for government agencies, school districts, or nonprofits.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacher | $60,490 | 4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,690 | 4% |
| Special Education Teacher | $63,560 | 4% |
| School Principal | $101,320 | 5% |
| Childcare Center Director | $49,690 | 8% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Elementary Education Master's Degrees
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Many programs require a 2.75 - 3.0 GPA. Additionally, you may need to have a teaching certificate, depending on the track. Some schools may also require GRE test scores. Applicants submit up to three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a graduate school admissions essay or statement of goals and objectives.
According to the NCES, the average yearly cost for graduate tuition and fees at a public institution was $12,394 in 2020. At private nonprofit institutions, that number rose to $28,445. At the low end, you can find online programs with estimated tuitions as low as $10,800 for the total program.
On average, it takes about two years to complete a master's in elementary education. However, thanks to accelerated online options, it may take as little as one year. For those taking courses part time, these programs may take up to three years.
Whether this degree is worth it depends on your career goals. If you'd like to increase your earnings, pursue leadership or administration roles, or transition to another teaching position, the answer is yes. According to the NCTQ, teachers with a master's earn an average of $2,760 more during their first year of teaching than those with a bachelor's degree at the peak of their earnings.
Each grade level possesses its own unique challenges. Children enter kindergarten with vastly different literacy levels, from knowing all their letters and numbers to not knowing any. They're also just starting to learn social skills.
Students in the fifth grade may struggle with self-esteem issues and growing academic expectations. The hardest grade to teach is largely determined by your strengths as a teacher and personal preferences.
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Page last reviewed August 17, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.