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2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 6/14/2023
2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Badge

After receiving an online degree in elementary education or a similar field, an online master’s in elementary education is designed for new and novice educators looking to expand their expertise. Each program covers elementary education, curriculum development, and leadership. In addition, students can expect to complete internships or practicums at local schools to meet program requirements for graduation. With an online master’s degree in elementary education, students can pursue career opportunities such as an elementary teacher, principal, instructional coordinator, or school counselor. 

Below, we've provided a list of the best online Master’s in Education based on the highest alumni salary. View our methodology for more details about rankings or learn more about OnlineU.

2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Badge
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#1 Pennsylvania State University - World Campus

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $81,629
  • Locations: University Park (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

The Pennsylvania State University (PennState), a large, public institution, offers an online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction totaling 30 credit hours. The program has six concentrations for students to choose from. The Elementary Education concentration exposes students to modern teaching methods. The program's core courses include Colloquium, Teaching as Inquiry, and Theories of Childhood.

PennState uses Canvas to deliver online coursework, which can be completed asynchronously. In addition, students can access online academic support through the institution. PennState’s admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, an equivalent tertiary degree, and a submitted application.

#2 City University of Seattle

  • Salary Score: 96
  • Median Starting Salary: $59,848
  • Locations: Seattle (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

City University of Seattle (CityU) is a small, private nonprofit offering two online master's degrees in Education: (1) Master in Teaching and (2) Master of Education in Leadership. The Master in Teaching is between 54 to 75 credit hours, while the Master of Education in Leadership has 45 credit hours. The Master in Teaching requires students to meet in person for some coursework and the internship. Both programs prepare students for careers in primary and secondary education. Coursework for the programs covers a range of topics, such as conflict management, leadership, and special education.

At CityU, students complete coursework synchronously on Brightspace. CityU’s student support includes career services and an online library. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required for admission.

#3 American University

  • Salary Score: 94
  • Median Starting Salary: $58,228
  • Locations: Washington D.C.
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

American University (AU) is a medium, private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education program. The program, which totals 33 credit hours, can be completed in two years at a full-time pace. It requires students to undertake 600 classroom hours at a local site near the student’s residence. Sample coursework includes Foundations of Education, Teaching Science in the Elementary School, and Student Teaching Seminar in Professional Practice.

Canvas is AU’s online learning platform for students, with courses delivered both asynchronously and synchronously. In addition, online students can access academic advising, tutoring, writing, counseling, and health education. AU’s admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree and online application submission.

#4 California State University - Fullerton

  • Salary Score: 91
  • Median Starting Salary: $56,978
  • Locations: Fullerton (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

California State University - Fullerton (CSUF), a large, public institution, offers an online Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with seven concentrations for students to choose from. The Elementary Curriculum and Instruction concentration totals 30 credit hours and provides students with the knowledge needed to exceed in the classroom. Sample coursework includes Survey of Educational Research, Curriculum Theory and Development, and Graduate Studies: Learning Theory for Classroom Use.

CSUF uses Canvas, a digital learning platform, to deliver online coursework. Online students receive support through resource centers and academic services. CSUF’s admission requirements include teaching experience, 24 approved major credits, an approved study plan, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the prior 60 units.

#5 Nova Southeastern University

  • Salary Score: 86
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,785
  • Locations: Fort Lauderdale (FL)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a medium, private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Elementary Education. Students must complete 40 credit hours in order to graduate. In this program, students gain the skills they need to deliver lessons to children at the K-6 levels. Assessment in Reading, Applied Professional Experience in Elementary Education, and Teaching Visual Arts and Music in the Elementary School are a few core courses in the curriculum.

At NSU, online students complete work asynchronously via Canvas, meaning that they work at their own pace. Student support at NSU includes career counseling, technology services, and more. Admission requirements involve completing an admission application packet and submitting official transcripts that indicate the completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

#6 McDaniel College

  • Salary Score: 73
  • Median Starting Salary: $51,549
  • Locations: Westminster (MD)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

McDaniel College (McDaniel) is a small, private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Elementary Education that requires the completion of 33 credit hours. The program is designed for licensed teachers seeking to expand their field knowledge. In addition, students have the option to add the following endorsements to their degree: (1) Administrator I Certification, (2) Elementary Math Instructional Leader, (3) Gifted and Talented Education Specialist (GATES), and (4) STEM Instructional Leadership.

At McDaniel, students can complete online coursework asynchronously on Blackboard. Online student support includes academic advising, writing, career services, and more. Admission requirements include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, 33 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and the completion of a project or thesis.

#7 The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

  • Salary Score: 69
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,797
  • Locations: Edinburg (TX)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public, Hispanic-serving institution offering an online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Elementary Math and Science Education that does not require previous teaching experience. This online degree program helps prepare graduate students for career advancement in various educational settings, culminating in a final math and science education project. Graduating requires completing 120 credits, which generally takes full-time students less than a year due to its accelerated 7-week course format.

UTRGV distance learners access Blackboard for online course content. Those enrolled in the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction take courses such as Models and Methods in Science Education; Foundation of Learning, Cognition, and Human Development; and Introduction to Historical and Sociocultural Foundations of Education and Curriculum Problems and Processes. Some fieldwork may be required.

#8 Concordia University - Chicago

  • Salary Score: 67
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,366
  • Locations: River Forest (IL)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Midwestern Concordia University - Chicago (CUC) is a Hispanic-serving, private, Lutheran Church-faith-based institution offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education that helps prepare graduate candidates for a Professional Educator License, with an Illinois elementary endorsement for grades 1 through 6. This 39-credit program takes full-time students about two years to complete. To graduate, an elementary grade student teaching internship and a portfolio completion are both required.

Blackboard delivers online programming to CUC’s online students. The elementary education curriculum includes courses such as Characteristics and Instruction of Exceptional Learners; Integrating and Assessing Learning in Diverse Classrooms; Teaching English Language Arts: Content; and Teaching Science: Content, Methods, and Assessment.

#9 Thomas University

  • Salary Score: 66
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,031
  • Locations: Thomasville (GA)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Thomas University (TU) in Georgia is a private, nonprofit institution hosting an online Master of Education in Elementary Education, which features concentrations in mathematics and reading. Graduate candidates must have a Georgia induction of higher teaching certificate in early childhood education. An admission advisor can help determine if similar certificates from other states are accepted. Students complete 34 credits through a cohort model and eight-week courses. TU accepts up to 6 transfer credits for admission into this online graduate program.

TU delivers online coursework and instruction via Canvas. Depending on the concentration, elementary education distance learners take courses such as Developing Algebraic Concepts, Concepts and Application of Probability and Statistics, Foundations of Literacy and Assessment, and Enhancing Literacy with Literature.

#10 Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • Salary Score: 65
  • Median Starting Salary: $49,912
  • Locations: Honolulu (HI)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH), a small, private nonprofit institution, offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching. Totaling 39 credit hours, the program can be completed in just 18 months. The program has five concentrations, including Elementary Education (K-6). Some example courses from this concentration include History and the Profession of Education, Diverse Learners, and Elementary Math Methods.

CUH uses Canvas to deliver online coursework to students in a synchronous format. The institution’s online resources include IT help, counseling, and academic support. CUH’s admission requirements are a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university, English proficiency, official transcripts, and an application.

#11 University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $49,614
  • Locations: Omaha (NE)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Elementary Education emphasizing diversity and culturally responsive teaching, community engagement, and the ability to design engaging and authentic instruction that meets the unique needs of today’s students. Concentrations include Children’s Literature and Education and Human Development - Contemporary Implications for Teaching and Learning. Graduating requires completing 36 credits, typically taking two years of full-time attendance. This program does not lead to teaching certification.

UNO provides distance learners with access to Canvas for online curriculum delivery. Online elementary education courses include English as a Second Language Strategies for PK-12 Educators, Teaching Students with Exceptionalities, Anti-Racism Education: Principles and Practices, and Trauma Informed Education. This online education program culminates in a capstone project.

#12 University of Alaska Southeast

  • Salary Score: 62
  • Median Starting Salary: $49,402
  • Locations: Juneau (AK)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

At the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), a small, public institution, students can pursue an online Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education. The program, which takes 36 to 39 credit hours, requires students to complete weekly practicum assignments and a semester of student teaching in a K-6 school. Sample coursework includes Health in the K-8 Curriculum, The Learner and the Learning Process, and Curriculum Development.

At UAS, online students complete coursework synchronously on the online learning platform Blackboard. Online student support services include academic advising, career services, and counseling. UAS’s admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and more.

#13 University of Nebraska at Kearney

  • Salary Score: 61
  • Median Starting Salary: $49,159
  • Locations: Kearney (NE)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a medium, public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Education. The program requires students to complete 36 credit hours, and it provides eleven concentration areas to choose from. The elementary-focused concentrations are Elementary Education and Montessori - Early Elementary, which each provide students with the expertise to excel in K-6 classrooms.

UNK utilizes Canvas to deliver online coursework to students, which can be completed in a synchronous or asynchronous format. The institution’s online resources include IT, an online library, and disability services. UNK’s admission requirements are meeting the minimum GPA, submitting GRE scores, and having a professional biography.

#14 The College of Saint Scholastica

  • Salary Score: 61
  • Median Starting Salary: $49,079
  • Locations: Duluth (MN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The College of Saint Scholastica (CSS) is a medium, private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Education program. The program, which totals 33 credit hours, can be completed within two years. The program provides seven concentration options students can choose from. The curriculum covers technology integration, action research, and promoting student learning.

At CSS, online students complete coursework synchronously on the Blackboard platform. In addition, CSS’s online student support includes academic advising, counseling, and career services. The program’s minimum admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a minimum 2.8 GPA.

#15 Goucher College

  • Salary Score: 60
  • Median Starting Salary: $49,016
  • Locations: Baltimore (MD)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Baltimore’s Goucher College is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) for students who want to enter the teaching profession but who don’t have adequate preparation. Students complete 40 credits, which may take up to three years of full-time enrollment. Graduating also requires a year-long internship or supervised teaching experience to help prepare for certification.

GC’s distance learners use Canvas to participate in class and receive instruction remotely. Those enrolled in the online elementary education program take courses such as Teaching Reading Through Text; Survey of Advanced Methods and Strategies in Reading Instruction; Acquiring, Extending, and Using Knowledge in Science; and Acquiring, Extending, and Using Knowledge in Mathematics.

#16 University of North Dakota

  • Salary Score: 58
  • Median Starting Salary: $48,631
  • Locations: Grand Forks (ND)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks is a public institution offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education so graduate candidates can advance their practice and knowledge in teaching, assessment, curriculum development, and diversity. Specialties include General Elementary Education and Indigenous Teacher Education. This is a 30-credit program typically taking two years of full-time attendance. Students can choose between completing a scholarly project or independent study at the end of the program in addition to the required thesis.

Blackboard is UMD’s learning management system for online curriculum delivery. Depending on the specialization, courses in the online elementary education program include Curriculum and Pedagogy in Indigenous Education, Foundations of Environmental Education, History of American Education Policy and Reform, and Educational Equity and Social Change in Schooling.

#17 Valdosta State University

  • Salary Score: 58
  • Median Starting Salary: $48,544
  • Locations: Valdosta (GA)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Georgia’s Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education designed to help graduate candidates build skills and knowledge in research, learning, educational assessments, education, and law so they can help create equitable environments for all learners. VSU’s programming is based on the ideals of social justice. Students can choose between pursuing a Gifted or an ESOL Endorsement. Graduating requires completing 36 credits and generally takes two years of full-time study.

VSU uses Brightspace to deliver its online programming. Elementary education distance learners take courses such as Curriculum for Children Who Are Talented and Gifted, Integrating Creativity and Critical Thinking in Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instructional Strategies, and Cultural Perspectives for ESOL Teachers.

#18 Capella University

  • Salary Score: 56
  • Median Starting Salary: $48,170
  • Locations: Minneapolis (MN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Capella University (CU), based in Minneapolis, is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Master of Science in Education with eight specializations, such as Curriculum and Instruction, English Language Learning and Teaching, and Reading and Literacy. Depending on the specialty, students complete approximately 30 credits, which takes about two years if attending full time. CU also offers an online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, which is available as a FlexPath program. It is self-paced, enabling some full-time students to finish in a year.

CU delivers its online coursework and instruction via Blackboard. Depending on the specialty, online master’s in education courses may include Collaborative Learning Environments, Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting, Sociocultural Context of Reading Instruction, and Digital Citizenship and Technology Applications.

#19 Brenau University

  • Salary Score: 55
  • Median Starting Salary: $48,070
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Georgia’s Brenau University (BU) is a women-only, private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education with program options in Elementary, Middle Grades, and Special Education. There are also five endorsement opportunities available, including Autism (K-12), Math (K-5), and Reading (K-12). Graduating requires completing approximately 31 credits, depending on the program option. This generally takes full-time students about a year. Similarly, BU offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching.

BU’s online students use Canvas to access coursework and instruction. Depending on the program option and endorsement, online master’s degree students studying elementary education participate in classes such as Education Issues and Policies, Leadership in Education, Special Education Law, and Language Acquisition for Teaching ESOL.

#20 University of West Georgia

  • Salary Score: 54
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,909
  • Locations: Carrollton (GA)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

The University of West Georgia (UWG) is a public institution offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education for graduate candidates with bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood or Elementary Education who are eligible for or have a certificate in Elementary Education. This is a 36-credit program that takes approximately two years to complete if attending full-time. It includes five professional specializations in math, science, language, social studies, and early childhood education.

UWG uses the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system for online program content delivery. Depending on the specialization, online elementary education graduate program courses include Investigating Methods and Materials in Mathematics, Parent Education for Teachers and Child Care Workers, Literature for the Young Child, and Investigating Methods and Materials in Science.

2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 Pennsylvania State University - World Campus 100 100 $81,629
# 2 #2 City University of Seattle 96 $59,848
# 3 #3 American University 94 $58,228
# 4 #4 California State University - Fullerton 91 $56,978
# 5 #5 Nova Southeastern University 86 $54,785
# 6 #6 McDaniel College 73 $51,549
# 7 #7 The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley 69 $50,797
# 8 #8 Concordia University - Chicago 67 $50,366
# 9 #9 Thomas University 66 $50,031
# 10 #10 Chaminade University of Honolulu 65 $49,912
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What Is a Master's in Elementary Education Degree?

An elementary education degree is often the first step in a rewarding career in the field of teaching. But what is elementary education exactly? When we talk about elementary-level learning, we are talking about education for young children in kindergarten and grades one through six. Elementary teachers typically teach a full range of subjects — including language arts, math, science, and social studies — at both private and public schools.

While a bachelor's degree in elementary education can help you land an entry-level position as an elementary school teacher, earning a master's in elementary education can help you move up in your career. For example, those who pursue an elementary education master's degree may go on to work as an instructional coordinator, a lead teacher, or a school principal.

Program Requirements

To gain the knowledge and skills required to teach school children, you must sincerely love working with young students. At a minimum, you must be willing to complete at least four years of higher education to earn a bachelor's degree. 

Those who aspire to more advanced roles typically spend two to three more years completing a master's in elementary education program and fulfilling any licensing requirements. An undergraduate degree — preferably in elementary education, teaching, or early childhood education — is one of the common admissions requirements for graduate programs. Your official transcripts from your undergraduate degree may also need to show you maintained a GPA of 2.8 or possibly higher.

A master's program often requires the completion of 30-40 credit hours. Many programs also require some type of internship and about 600 hours of practicum or field experience in the classroom. Master's in education programs can lead to one of several different degree titles. You might earn a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree or something similar.

Master's in Elementary Education Courses

Master's degree programs in elementary education are all designed to prepare you to help young students thrive in a variety of learning environments. You'll learn advanced curriculum planning and classroom management skills, as well as a variety of teaching methods that can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Some of the core courses typically found in an elementary education master's program include:

Children's Literature

This course introduces master's students to the world of books and stories our children read as they learn and grow. Students will discover the cultural and historical impact of children's literature and learn how teachers can use it as a tool to expand children's learning and perspectives. The goal of this course is to give teachers the tools they need to nurture a love for lifelong learning and reading among their students.

Communications

This core education course introduces the communication theories and practices teachers will need in their future leadership positions. Enrollees learn how to build and maintain healthy professional and personal relationships in an educational environment, as well as how to think critically about various types of interpersonal interactions. To cement the understanding of communication theory, concepts are put into practice through written and oral presentations.

Curriculum Planning

Teachers need to know how to create engaging lesson plans from scratch or tailor their lesson plans and curriculum to students' unique and changing needs. Not only do lesson plans have to meet state standards, they should also prepare students for standardized testing and assessment.

English Composition

This course introduces future teachers to the types of writing that are valued in academia and elsewhere. Students will learn to write in a variety of styles, including the articulation of arguments and general storytelling. While this course is designed to help teachers improve their own writing skills, the underlying theory and practice can help them share their knowledge with students in the classroom.

World History

Teachers need to have a general understanding of world history. This course provides an overview of the last 5,000 years, including the cultural, political, and social structures and beliefs that have shaped our world.

Elementary Education Concentrations

Students who pursue a master's in elementary education degree can focus on a specific area of study if they choose. To fulfill the requirements for a concentration, you will probably need to take three or four core courses or electives on the particular topic.

Some of the elementary education concentrations at the master's level include literacy, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, or leadership in education. A few programs also offer a concentration in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects at the elementary school level. For those who are interested in working with smaller groups of children, concentrations are also available in special education and English as a second language (ESL).

After earning an in-person or online master's in elementary education degree, you'll be able to advance your career in the education field or beyond. Most positions within education will require a state-issued teaching credential or some other type of license to work with children. Obtaining licensure usually requires the completion of an accredited degree program, a certain number of hours of student teaching experience, a background check, and a passing score on a teacher certification test.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the possible career paths available to you include:

Elementary School Principal

Annual Median Salary: $98,420
Job Growth Rate: 5%

Elementary school principals work in leadership roles within schools and other learning centers. Not only do these professionals oversee the daily school activities and staff, they set basic curriculum standards and the general tone for the learning environment. School principals also oversee their school's budget and establish safety and security protocols for staff, students, and school visitors.

Elementary School Teacher

Annual Median Salary: $61,350
Job Growth Rate: 4%

While most elementary school teacher positions require a bachelor's degree, the BLS reports that some states require teachers to earn a master's degree after receiving their teacher certification and landing a job. Either way, an elementary education master's program provides a pathway to a career in teaching kindergarten and grades one through six. Those who work in this position help children learn through lesson plans, assignments, and games. Teachers are also charged with preparing for standardized testing based on state requirements.

Instructional Coordinators

Annual Median Salary: $63,740
Job Growth Rate: 7%

Instructional coordinators need a master's degree and related work experience to get started, which is why this job is a natural fit for teachers who wind up pursuing master's-level education at some point in their career. Workers in this field develop and implement curriculum for school systems, and they also evaluate the effectiveness of current lesson plans and techniques. Also called curriculum specialists, these professionals may also observe teachers in the classroom and suggest curriculum changes to meet students' evolving needs.

Training and Development Manager

Annual Median Salary: $120,130
Job Growth Rate: 7%

An elementary education master's degree can also prepare you for a job as a training and development manager. Workers in this career train and enhance the skills of an organization's staff. This typically involves developing and implementing targeted training programs built around staff members' specific needs while helping all parties work toward an organization's main goals. Training and development managers also update training programs as needed and evaluate their effectiveness over time.

Is a Master's Degree in Elementary Education Worth It?

Before enrolling in a traditional or online elementary education master's program, it's natural to consider whether the degree will be worth the time and effort. Only you can determine this for yourself based on your personal circumstances and goals. It will take two to three years and a significant financial investment to earn this degree. However, a master's degree will qualify you for a number of higher-paying occupations in education and business.

How to Choose an Elementary Education Master's Program

Deciding whether to go back to school to earn an elementary education master's degree is a critically important decision. You'll want to carefully research your options before choosing a program.

One thing to explore is the accreditation status of each of the schools you're considering attending. All of the schools on our list of the best online master's degrees in elementary education are institutionally accredited. To become accredited, each school has to be evaluated by an authorized agency and proven to meet national educational standards. 

Not only does institutional accreditation ensure that you're getting a high-quality education, enrollment in an accredited program qualifies you for financial aid and allows you to transfer credits to another school if needed. 

Beyond institutional-level accreditation, individual elementary education master's programs can earn programmatic accreditation. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the approved accrediting agency for all teaching programs. To be CAEP-approved, a program must be designed to train future educators to follow approved methods and practices and pass any certification exams. 

If you're considering earning your master’s in elementary education online, you may want to explore several aspects of each program's format before enrolling. Some key factors to consider include:

  • Can you devote yourself to your coursework full time, or do you need to attend school part time so that you can work? If needed, make sure the program can be completed on a part-time basis so that you can maintain a healthy balance.
  • Does the online program qualify you for a teaching credential in your state? Some states have strict requirements about the online teaching degree programs they recognize so be sure to select an appropriate program. 
  • Are the online classes synchronous or asynchronous? Synchronous courses usually require you to log in at specific times to view lectures and participate in live class discussions and other learning activities. Asynchronous courses may give you greater flexibility by allowing you to complete each week's assignments on your own schedule.
  • Do you consider yourself to be self-motivated and good at time management? Some students prefer more structure, which is typical of in-person programs.

What Else Should You Consider?

Aside from your school's accreditation status and online course format, there are several other points to consider before choosing an elementary education master's program. In particular, you may want to establish a cost estimate for earning this graduate degree and your budget in advance. 

If you want to save money on your master's degree, earning an elementary education master's degree online may be your best option. Some schools lower their tuition fees for distance learning students, which could significantly reduce your investment. As an online student, you'll also save money by avoiding college room and board or transportation costs. 

Additionally, remember that both on-campus and online graduate students are eligible for financial aid. Be sure to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form as well as applications for private scholarships for education majors. Some public school districts also provide tuition assistance for working teachers.

One last factor to consider is the application deadline of the schools on your list. Graduate programs generally accept applications about seven to nine months before the fall semester when classes begin. However, some schools offering master's in elementary education online programs review applications all year round and allow students to start as soon as they're ready.

FAQs About Elementary Education Degrees

Do Most Teachers Have a Master's Degree?


Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that approximately half of all public school teachers have earned a master's degree. A graduate degree prepares you for advanced positions in teaching and administration, which may allow you to earn a higher salary.

What Grades Can You Teach With a Master's in Elementary Education Degree?


A master's degree in elementary education prepares you to work with K-6 children. Unless you specialize in working with special education students or ESL students, you will most likely be required to teach all subjects

Can You Get a Master's in Elementary Education Degree Online?


Yes, you can definitely get a master's in elementary education degree online. Many highly respected schools offer fully online programs, which usually take two to three years to complete. Just make sure you choose an online master's program that qualifies you to earn a teaching license or credential in your state.

Bottom Line

According to an ongoing survey conducted by Career Explorer, elementary school teachers report that their work is meaningful and their work environments are enjoyable. You can establish a successful long-term career as a school teacher with only a bachelor's degree. 

However, if you want to command higher salaries and move into advanced positions in education sometime in the future, you may want to consider earning a master's degree in elementary education.

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