Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degrees 2023
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- Master's degrees in elementary education help teachers and administrators advance.
- Completing an online program can increase your salary and opportunities for promotion.
- These master's programs typically take one to two years to complete.
- Some teachers may qualify for tuition reimbursement programs in their districts.
Elementary educators are teachers, staff, and administrators who instruct young children. From 2021 to 2031, the number of kindergarten and elementary teacher roles is projected to grow by 4%, about as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The number of principal jobs available will also increase by 5% over that period.
If you want to advance your career in this sector, a master's degree in elementary education might be right for you. Depending on your interest, you can pursue online programs with a teaching or an administrative focus.
This article discusses the benefits, cost, and timeline of an online master's in elementary education degree.
Why Should You Get Your Master's in Elementary Education Online?
- It's flexible: An online degree can happen on your schedule, no matter how packed it is.
- It's cost-effective: Save money on campus fees, tuition, commuting costs, and lost wages.
- It's easier than ever: Online programs have gotten better since the pandemic — the best schools provide excellent support and guidance to help you get to the finish line.
"Teachers pour all their energy into their students. My master's degree was a way to have some of that teaching energy poured back into me," said Lindsay Henderson, now the principal at Alice Moore Alexander Elementary in Denton, Texas.
What Do You Learn in an Online Master's in Elementary School Program?
Core coursework for an online master's in elementary education typically includes the following:
- Teaching reading at the elementary level
- Research in elementary education
- Classroom management
- Differentiation in elementary education
- School, family, and community partnerships
Additionally, many colleges and universities offer concentrations that align with specific career tracks, such as:
- Curriculum and instruction
- Special education
- Educational leadership
- Educational technology
- Gifted and talented
"I focused on educational leadership because I wanted to translate my passion for teaching into developing and growing other educators," said Henderson.
Featured Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs
What Can You Do With a Master's in Elementary Education?
Careers You Can Pursue With a Master's in Elementary Education
- Elementary school teacher
- Special education teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Elementary school principal
- Assistant principal
- School operations manager
In addition to giving you more refined tools to be successful inside the classroom, a master's in elementary education can help you access career opportunities outsidethe classroom, including roles in:
- School and district administration
- Curriculum development
- Nonprofit youth development
- Educational publishing
- Government education agencies
"If you think you might want to get a master's degree and go into administration, I would urge you to first spend some time shadowing an administrator in your district. It's very different from the classroom," said Henderson.
What Are the Best Master's in Elementary Education Online Programs of 2023?
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Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $785
Out of State | $785
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Brenau's online master's program in elementary education prepares you to become a classroom teacher. The curriculum focuses on instructional skills, and students must complete in-person field experiences while enrolled in the program. The coursework will also prepare you for initial certification to teach grades preK-5.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on all college transcripts.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $310
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Campbellsville University's MA in teaching focuses on the implementation of innovative teaching methods and real-world experiences. Students in this program must complete student-teaching requirements. CU's master's program prepares you to work with grades K-5.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in the same field, a 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 30 credit hours of coursework.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $458
Out of State | $458
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UTRGV's master of education (M.Ed.) in curriculum and instruction focuses on elementary education and science. UTRGV's M.Ed. program does not require you to have prior teaching experience.
Upon graduating, you can become a specialist in the high-demand areas of math and science and pursue career opportunities as a lead teacher, instructional leader, or content specialist. Applicants must submit official transcripts and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $352
Out of State | $800
Credits to Graduate
51
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The master of arts in teaching (MAT) in elementary education program at UAS requires weekly intensive practicum assignments and one semester of student teaching. You'll also complete coursework to earn a graduate certificate in elementary education, which leads to an eligibility endorsement for an Alaska teaching certificate.
You must possess a bachelor's degree with a general education background and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, you must have passing Praxis CASE/Core exam scores and submit two writing samples.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
34
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of West Alabama's online master's in elementary education program provides instruction in advanced teaching concepts. Topics of focus include technology, educational planning, statistics, and reading strategies. After graduating from this program, you'll be able to work in specialist roles, such as learning coach or content specialist.
This program also allows you to earn a master's level teaching certificate. Applicants must submit official college transcripts.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $498
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
UND's online master's in elementary education program helps you advance your teaching, curriculum development, and assessment skills. You'll improve your ability to create supportive and productive learning environments and provide quality education to diverse students.
To apply, you must submit official college transcripts and GRE scores. You must also submit a statement of goals and three academic or professional references.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $238
Out of State | $963
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UNC at Pembroke's MA in teaching program prepares you to earn a K-6 teaching license in North Carolina. This fully online program allows you to teach with a temporary license after graduating.
Possible career paths include lead teacher, content specialist, and researcher. You must submit official college transcripts and professional references.
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $469
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
You can complete Delta State's master's in elementary education program in one year. To graduate, you'll have to take comprehensive exams to demonstrate competency. You can also elect to complete a thesis for credit.
You must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a GPA of 2.75 on the last 64 hours of required coursework. The program also requires you to possess a Class A teaching certificate or its equivalent and satisfactory verbal scores on nationally recognized standardized tests.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $518
Out of State | $518
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Completing the MA in teaching program at ULM allows you to pursue teacher certification in Louisiana. The program is part of a teacher certification reciprocity agreement with 41 states, meaning you might be eligible for initial licensure in your home state.
You must submit official college transcripts and GRE or GMAT scores to apply.
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $600
Out of State | $1008
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SFA's master in elementary education program prepares certified elementary school teachers for leadership roles. The program offers three areas of concentration: reading specialist, standard elementary, and all-level professional reading specialist certification preparation.
To apply, you must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Is an Online Master's in Elementary Education Worth It?
Yes, if you want to:
1. Earn a higher salary
According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, 88% of large districts offer additional pay to teachers with master's degrees.
Master's degree-holders earn an average of $2,760 more in their first year of teaching than teachers with bachelor's degrees. This education pay gap expands over time, with teachers at the top of the pay scale earning an average of $7,360 more annually.
2. Boost your credentials
By pursuing a master's degree, you can hone your teaching skills and stay up to date with the latest in pedagogy and classroom management. A graduate degree can also help you stand out in an increasingly competitive pool of job candidates.
"As a principal, if I'm considering two teaching candidates with the same experience, but only one has a master's degree, I'll go with that added education value every time," said Henderson.
3. Pursue leadership positions
Administrative positions at both the campus and district levels — including assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent — typically go to candidates with advanced degrees.
"There is a lot of opportunity for good leaders in the public school system right now. During the pandemic, it became clear how important relational leaders really are. Administrators who supported their people well saw way less turnover and burnout. Their districts performed so much better it was shocking," said Henderson.
How Much Money Can You Make With a Master's in Elementary Education?
(Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Let's cut to the chase: Most teachers are woefully underpaid in this country, especially for such a highly-degreed group of workers.
"None of us get in this line of work to get rich," said Henderson. "But a master's degree is a good way to push your salary into a more comfortable place."
Several factors can affect how much you earn, including your job title, employer, years of experience, and location. Because most schools use pay scales, teachers with more experience or more education often earn substantially more.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Elementary Education Degree Cost?
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree
Average Total Cost per Year of a Master's in Education
$19,749
Online courses vary in price depending on the institution offering them
Yes, graduate school is expensive. And no, paying off student loans on a teacher's salary isn't much fun.
But if you play your cards right, you won't be paying off those loans. Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, eligible teachers can qualify for federal loan forgiveness of up to $17,500.
"If you're a Title 1 teacher, there is no reason not to get a master's degree," said Henderson. "Financially, it's a win-win: The government pays the bill, and you get a salary bump."
Even if you don't qualify for public service loan forgiveness, many districts provide tuition reimbursement or tuition benefits. Make sure to research the resources available to you.
How Long Is an Online Master's in Elementary Education Program?
Required Course Credits
30-40*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
Yes
*Credits vary depending on the specific program
Most master's in elementary education online programs take 1-2 years to complete, and also require a practicum or teaching internship (especially if you don't already have teaching experience).
Featured Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Find Similar Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs
What is the difference between a master's in teaching (MAT) and a master of education (M.Ed.) in elementary education?
Both degrees qualify you for classroom teaching. An MAT focuses specifically on pedagogy and classroom management, while an M.Ed. is a broader degree that can prepare you for leadership roles outside of the classroom as well.
What are the admission requirements for an online master's in elementary education program?
Most master's in elementary education online programs require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or 3.0. However, GPA requirements can vary by school or program.
Sometimes, graduate schools only consider the GPA from your last two years of college. If your GPA is lower than these minimums, you may still be granted probationary admission.
What are the highest-paying jobs in elementary education?
Administrators — like principals and superintendents — have the highest-paying jobs in elementary education. Annual salaries for primary and secondary school principalshit a median of $98,420 in 2021, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners took home median yearly salaries of over $153,520. The average school superintendent earned $140,000 per year as of July 2023, according to Payscale.
Do I need a teaching license to work at an elementary school?
Teachers at public elementary schools need a teaching license to teach, whereas private school teachers do not need a teaching license. Though principals do typically need teaching experience, they may not have teaching licenses, especially if they work at private schools. Most public school principals must pursue school administrator licensure.
