2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution in Kansas offering an online Master of Science in Education - Elementary Education that qualifies students to seek licensure. Students wishing to teach outside of Kansas must first obtain Kansas licensure before inquiring about the respective state’s requirements. Program options include one for unlicensed students and one for those holding a non-elementary education teaching license. Both require completing 36 credit hours to graduate, which may take a little over two years of full-time attendance.

FHSU utilizes Blackboard for online program delivery. Through this learning management system (LMS), students in the online elementary education program take courses such as Advanced Literacy for Primary Grades, Advanced Classroom Management, Utilization of Technology in Classrooms, and Research Methods in Education. They are also required to pass a comprehensive exam and complete a supervised practicum in order to graduate.

Fitchburg State University (FSU) is a public institution in Massachusetts offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education 1-6: Initial Licensure to help students holding bachelor’s degrees fulfill licensure requirements and meet Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Professional Standards for Teachers. This is a 39-credit program that takes full-time students approximately 2.5 years to complete. FSU hopes to acquire program licensure through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation by the fall of 2023.

Blackboard is the online platform used by FSU for distance learning. The online initial licensure graduate program includes courses such as Educational Issues in Child Development, Diversity and Disability, Sheltered English Immersion, and Consultation/Collaboration Strategies. Students must also complete field experiences and pass assessments to graduate.

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Elementary Education for students interested in career advancement in new teaching opportunities or leadership roles. Areas of emphasis include Early Childhood, Math/Science, Math Specialist, and Reading. Graduating requires completing 30 credit hours of coursework, which may take two years of full-time attendance. Credits earned also cover continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.

SEMO’s online students use Moodle to access the online curriculum. Distance learners in the master’s in elementary education program enroll in courses such as Curriculum Construction in a Multicultural Society, Teaching Elementary Mathematics, Algebraic Reasoning, and Literacy Leadership — depending on the emphasis chosen. Students also complete practicums to graduate and some complete additional coursework to become MO Reading Specialist or MO Elementary Math Specialist certified.

Missouri State University (MSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Education - Elementary Education for those already holding a teaching certificate. This self-paced online program enables students to choose half of their classes tailored to their needs for careers inside and outside the classroom. Students must complete 34 credit hours to graduate, which may take two years of full-time attendance.

MSU delivers online coursework and instruction via the LMS Blackboard. Students in the online master’s degree in elementary education take courses such as The Reflective Practitioner, Instructional Coaching, The Emerging Master Teacher, and Child Life Research. Students must also complete a final project and an internship before they can graduate. This online graduate program also helps pave the way toward a doctorate, such as a PhD.

Columbus State University is a public institution in Georgia offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education for teachers holding a T-5 teaching certificate provided by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and at least two years of licensed teaching experience. This is a 30-credit-hour program that may take full-time students approximately 2.5 years to complete.

Columbus State’s distance learners participate in class and complete coursework through the Brightspace LMS. Courses in the online master’s in elementary education program include Investigating Problems in Elementary Education, Cognitive Development in Young Children, Exploring the World with Young Learners, and Community-Based STEM Education. Graduating also requires completing three professional activities. Students who successfully complete this online master's program may apply for a certification upgrade to the T-6 level.