Top 25 Online Master's in Elementary Education for 2019

Based in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University offers an online master's in elementary education with a focus on personal customization. The master of arts in elementary education is a 30-credit program that has three core focus areas: early childhood education, enhanced teaching practices, and reading and literacy instruction. Other focus areas are also available, such as teaching autistic children, teaching high-ability children, and using computers as teaching tools. Each focus area leads to a graduate certificate in that specialization. BSU also offers specialized master’s degrees in K-12 mathematics education, special education, and technology education. All programs explore current trends in research, highlight social diversity, and emphasize school and family community. Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75.

Located in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama has been providing classes to distance learners since 1983. The online master of arts in elementary education consists of 30-36 credits in foundational courses, electives, and an area of specialization. Students choose one or two specializations from the following: science, mathematics, literacy, social studies, and language arts. Foundational classes include computer-based instruction and elementary school curriculum.

Applicants should hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Additionally, students should already have a certificate in elementary education. Students can begin the program at any semester in the four-semester year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Over 30 scholarships are available specifically to students of UA’s College of Education, including the Curry Bedsole Adams Endowed Scholarship and the Anna and Harold Paige Scholarship Fund.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers the master's of education in early childhood and elementary education either fully online or in a hybrid format. Students can complete a traditional master’s consisting of 31 to 35 credit hours or an alternative master’s consisting of 49 to 58 hours. The alternative master’s program is for students who do not already have teaching certificates and wish to earn them. Electives include child psychology and Piaget learning perspectives. The school also offers a master’s degree in reading education.

Application deadlines are June 1st, November 1st, and April 1st for fall, spring, and summer terms respectively. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and passing scores on ETS Core and Praxis tests. Applicants must also clear a criminal background check.

Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota was founded in 1883 and has been accredited since 1913. The school’s 32-credit master of science in elementary education combines educational theory with hands-on experience. The program can be completed in two years or six semesters. All students must complete a 90-hour practicum in an elementary school. Students can complete this practicum at an elementary school near where they live. Live classes are available during evenings and weekends.

Students can begin the program at the start of any term. Application deadlines are August 1st, December 1st, and May 1st for fall, spring, and summer terms respectively. Teaching licenses are not a prerequisite for application. All students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency status. UND’s online courses are not usually eligible for tuition waiver programs, although some scholarships such as the Ben & Ruth Gustafson Continuing Education Endowment still apply.

William Carey University, with campuses in Hattiesburg and Biloxi, offers several online degrees, including an online master's in education. Students can choose from 10 concentrations including elementary education, emotional and behavioral disorders, disabilities, English, and art education. Students may pick two or more concentrations, or take electives in whatever interests them. In addition to courses on foundational subjects, core courses include the teacher as researcher, the historical and philosophical background of teaching, and lesson planning. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA and should be licensed or qualified to hold a teaching license.

Established in 1943, Southwestern Assemblies of God University is located on a 70 acre campus in Waxahachie, Texas. SAGU grounds itself in Bible-based teaching and Pentecostal theology. The master of education in early childhood and elementary education is a 36-credit program which covers all aspects of elementary curriculum, with additional focuses on advanced reading practices, classroom management, and implementing research technology. SAGU places emphasis on teaching in diverse cultures and using differentiated strategies. The school teaches ethics based on its Christian mission. All students must complete a practicum of 14 consecutive weeks.

Current applications qualify for a grant of $750 per semester. Potential students must receive recommendation from SAGU’s counsellor using the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis. Students must hold a GPA of 3.0 in order to apply.

Located 35 miles south of Pittsburgh, California University of Pennsylvania’s online master's degree in elementary education focuses on grades preK-4. The 54-credit program is comprised of courses such as the advanced psychology of learning, behavior analysis, and special education. Cal U’s online master's in elementary education emphasizes assessment and evidence-based practices. The program is offered with or without certification. Some courses require an on-campus presence.

Candidates for Pennsylvania teaching certification require passing PECT scores and completed foundational coursework such as college-level mathematics and US History. Applicants should have earned a GPA of 2.8 in their last 48 credits of undergraduate study.

The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls offers a 30-credit elementary education master's degree online. The highly structured program is designed to be completed in five consecutive semesters, including a summer term. Students take four credits in research, a seminar, and foundational coursework in elementary school instruction. The program begins every other fall when a cohort is filled. Enrollment is now open for fall 2019. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, although applicants with a GPA of 2.75 will be considered.

The online master's degree in elementary education at UNC Charlotte is made up of 31 credits in three phases: developing perspectives, collaborative inquiry, and investigative leadership. Students can choose from six concentrations: teaching the academically gifted, anti-racism, teaching English as a second language, mathematics, instructional technology, and special education. Core phases cover classroom leadership for diverse learners, cultural contexts, and issues in global and urban environments.

Applicants must hold a teaching license and bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Applicants should also have a GPA of 3.0 and include their GRE and MAT scores. Courses are typically semester-specific and need to be taken in specific order.

Located in Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern University was founded in 1935 as a Pentecostal Christian institute and continues to educate a Christ-centred community. SEU’s 36-credit online master's degree in elementary education is designed for working teachers. The curriculum focuses on advanced methods in teaching arts and sciences, as well as classroom diversity and child development in different cultural contexts. Students take two electives of their choice, including teaching English as a second language. The program can be completed in 18 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0, or at least three years of teaching.

Northern Arizona University’s master of education in elementary education is designed for practicing teachers. This 30-credit online master's degree in elementary education is highly customizable; students choose half of their own courses during the required core phase. The program has three options: the K-12 reading emphasis, the continuing professional emphasis, and the certification preparation option. Reading instruction courses feature the study of phonics. Certification courses include advanced methods in teaching children with disabilities. The certification concentration requires some in-person presence, and comprises 43 credits overall. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the standards of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, boasts a high job placement rate for graduates of their master of education program. A high percentage of alumni work as teachers, and many of them have won national and state educator awards. The online elementary education master's degree consists of 33-36 credits. Courses include advanced educational psychology, Web 2.0, teaching ESL, and various practicum opportunities. The program is typically completed in two and half years.

Deadlines are July 1st for fall, November 1st for spring, and April 1st for summer. Applicants should include scores from the GRE or MAT. They should also hold a current teacher’s license. Applicants currently working as teachers who wish to renew their teacher’s license may take graduate level courses without taking a degree.

UWA offers an online master of education with a major in early childhood education. The program is 36 credits, usually completed over 12-24 months. Courses include teaching directed readings, creative dramatics, and parent education. UWA’s program focuses on the role of home, family and community in elementary education. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an overall GPA of 2.7. Alternatively, applicants should hold a Level 4 Early Childhood Education teaching license. Application deadlines are July 1st, November 15th, April 15th, for fall, spring, and summer terms respectively.

Founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy College is one of the most affordable private colleges in New York. The school’s master of science in childhood education, grades 1-6 is 36 credits. The program focuses on language development and literacy acquisition, as well as foundational topics in the arts and sciences. Each class requires a corresponding ten-hour fieldwork experience. Students in this program can earn an initial teaching certification, a certification in teaching students with disabilities, and a certification in adolescence education. Students may also enroll in the school district advanced leadership certificate program. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a relevant bachelor’s degree. All applicants must submit GRE scores.

The University of South Alabama in Mobile offers a 30-credit elementary education master's degree online. The program is designed to prepare students for the class A professional elementary education (K-6) certificate. Foundational courses include microcomputing systems, instructional planning, and teaching trends. Students must take a class on special education or diversity in the classroom. The program includes nine credits of electives so students can choose the classes that most interest them. Applicants should hold a class B professional elementary education (K-6) certificate. They must also submit PRAXIS, MAT, or GRE scores.

The University of Mobile was founded by the Alabama Baptist State Convention in 1959. The school’s master of arts in education is available with an early childhood track, elementary track, or combination of the two. The core section is made up of 27 credits, including 12 credits in the specialization.The program leads to a class A certification in early childhood education or elementary education. Semesters of are 16 weeks in length and students can begin in any semester. Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s with a GPA of at least 2.75. They must also have a B level teacher certification in early childhood education or elementary education. GRE and MAT scores are not necessary.

Located in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University offers more than 40 online bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and certificates. EKU offers a 30-credit online master's degree in elementary education. The school also offers specialized programs in preK-12 literacy, school media librarian, and special education. Classes are taught in eight-week terms. Graduates may qualify for several certificates, including Kentucky teacher leader endorsement.

Applicants can transfer up to nine credits. They must hold an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 or include GRE or MAT scores. Furthermore, applicants must currently hold a state teaching license and include scores from the Praxis core academic skills for educators tests. Many departmental and foundation scholarships are available, and can be found listed on the university website.

The University of North Alabama’s online master's degree in elementary education is designed to give graduate students class A professional educator certificate. The 30-credit program includes six credits of electives, nine credits of foundational professional studies, and 12 credits in specific teaching fields. A further three hours focus on personalized research.

Applicants may transfer up to 12 credits and should hold a minimum GPA of 3.0, a combined GRE score of 800, a minimum MAT score of 388, or a relevant Praxis II score. Furthermore, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in elementary education or a related field. Those without a teaching license may wish to apply for the alternative class A program variant, which leads to initial teacher certification.

Western Illinois University offers a master's in elementary education online. Online students may choose from one of two specializations, elementary curriculum or literacy education. The program requires 24 credits in foundational topics such as how to assess and differentiate instruction in the classroom. Students can choose from ten online elective courses, including characteristics of learners with disabilities, language arts for diverse learners, and phonics for decoding and spelling. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.75. All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based Western Commitment Scholarships of between $2,000 and $10,000 per year.

Arkansas State University offers several online master’s degrees in education, including K-12 special education, early childhood education, reading, and educational leadership. Courses are seven weeks in length, with most programs designed to be completed in 20 months of full-time study. The course on elementary school curriculum covers topics such as curricular revision and how to select activities. A supervised teaching practicum is also required. An additional course is required for those seeking Arkansas licensure. Applicants must hold a valid teacher’s license and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.