Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education
Explore the Master of Education in Elementary Education Degree
A Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a graduate degree program designed to provide educators with the specialized knowledge and skills to develop effective teaching strategies and curriculum for elementary school students. If you want to become an elementary or middle school teacher and pursue licensure, this master’s in elementary education program may be right for you.
A Master of Education in Elementary Education focuses on all aspects of elementary education from teaching strategies and assessment methods to working with diverse learners. You will be equipped with an understanding of child development, instructional strategies and curriculum design, enabling you to create engaging and effective learning environments for your students.
This elementary education master’s degree is an option for educators seeking initial licensure through advanced, rigorous content. Graduates of this master’s in elementary education online or evening degree will be taught to create engaging classroom environments that support elementary and middle grade students and are able to analyze and solve current problems through research and practice.
The M.Ed. in Elementary Education degree provides the necessary coursework and training to prepare you for licensure exams and certification. This is a critical component of the master’s in elementary education degree, as most states require teachers to hold a valid teaching license to teach in public schools.
For those who do not desire to obtain a teacher license, visit our non-licensure Master of Education in Elementary Education (NITL) program page.
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Benefits of Earning Your Elementary Education Master’s Degree
Students earning a master’s degree in elementary education are making an investment in their future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers to increase by about 4% from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average, accounting for an estimated increase of 60,200 jobs in the field.2
In addition, teachers with master's degrees may find many benefits to having an advanced degree. These include:
- Receiving higher rates of pay than teachers with bachelor's degrees3
- Being up-to-date on research and classroom practices
- Having access to a university network of educators
- Building an enhanced set of skills through professional development work
- Finding an increase in job prospects4
Pursue Your Master’s in Elementary Education Online at GCU
The availability of both online and in-person evening classes for this degree program provides you with the flexibility and convenience to earn your degree, accommodating the needs and schedules of all learners. The master’s in elementary education online and evening degree program from GCU can prepare anyone with a passion for education, including students with jobs, families or caretaking responsibilities, to find balance between work, life and school.
The master’s in elementary education at GCU allows you to:
- Continue working
- Learn from expert faculty
- Participate in class activities from home or in-person in the evening
- Use technology that supports teacher growth
This master’s in elementary education online and evening degree program can lead to initial teacher licensure. In order to earn a teaching certificate, you will need to complete an in-person clinical field experience that includes student-teaching work and adhere to the license or certification requirement in the state in which you plan to teach.
Skills You Will Learn in the MEd in Elementary Education Degree Program
The MEd in Elementary Education degree program is designed to equip aspiring educators with a diverse range of skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach and nurture young learners in elementary schools. The advanced coursework and topics covered throughout the MEd in Elementary Education degree program prepares you to work with learners from intellectually and culturally diverse backgrounds. The coursework and skills you can gain from this elementary education master’s degree includes:
- Understanding child and adolescent development and psychology
- Instruction and assessment strategies for supporting students with exceptionalities
- Classroom management and engagement techniques for diverse learners
- Design and implement instructional planning strategies
- Evaluate and improve literacy following research-based strategies
- Supporting English language learners
- Teaching math, science, social studies and the arts to young learners
Master’s of Education in Elementary Education Careers and Pathways
The elementary education master’s degree can provide a variety of opportunities and potential pathways for educators seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in teaching young learners. With a focus on equipping students with the necessary tools to become effective educators, the program can prepare you for a career in the field of elementary education.
The masters in elementary education online and evening coursework can prepare you to seek work in elementary and middle school environments. Graduates with this degree might become:
- Elementary school teacher
- Postsecondary education teacher
- Tutor
- Instructional assistant
- Educator in a non-school setting
Master’s in Education (MEd) in Elementary Education Degree FAQs
You may have quite a few questions if you're considering pursuing a master's degree in education with a focus on elementary education. We understand the decision to earn an MEd in Elementary Education is a big commitment, so we’ve gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions to allow you to make an informed decision about your education path.
Yes, you can become a teacher with a master’s in elementary education. While many states do not necessarily require a master’s degree, earning your master’s like this MEd in Elementary Education can put you on a stronger path toward becoming a teacher.
After earning your degree, you will need to obtain a teaching license or certification in the state in which you plan on teaching. This typically involves passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of student teaching or field experience. Once you are licensed, you can begin applying for teaching positions at elementary schools in your area. A master’s of education degree that leads to licensure like this elementary education master’s degree qualifies you for teaching in any state that requires it. A non-licensure degree is for any educator who plans on pursuing a career outside of the education system.
How long it takes to earn a master’s in elementary education online or in the evening depends on the school, program and your own time and availability. This elementary education master’s degree requires a total of 47 credits for completion. Most of the MEd in Elementary Education classes are six weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your master of education in elementary education degree.
The salary for graduates of a master's in elementary education online or evening degree program can vary depending on several factors such as the region where you are employed, the type of school you work in, and your level of experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers had a median annual wage of $61,350 in May 2021.5 Many school districts offer opportunities for salary increases through relocation, attaining professional development skills and specialties and additional certifications.4
Generally speaking, a master's degree in elementary education is a challenging program that requires a significant amount of time and effort to complete. However, the level of difficulty of a master of education in elementary education degree program can vary depending on a variety of factors such as your background and experience in education, the program you choose and the rigor of the coursework.
In this program, you will be expected to engage with complex concepts and theories related to teaching, child development and educational research. You will also be required to complete assignments, exams and projects that require critical thinking, analysis and reflection, as well as complete a clinical field experience and in-person student-teaching work, which can be time-consuming and demanding. By showing commitment and putting in the necessary effort, you can create a positive influence on the lives of the children you will teach.
The best master of education in elementary education degree for you depends on your interests, career goals and the type of educational institution you wish to work in. If you are passionate about teaching and committed to helping others learn, be sure to research various programs and speak with professionals in the field to determine which degree will best suit your needs. In addition to this MEd in Elementary Education degree, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership is another great option if you are looking for a leadership position in schools or educational organizations. It focuses on developing skills in areas such as strategic planning, policy development and personnel management.
Yes. If you aspire to become a postsecondary or elementary school teacher, a tutor, an instructional assistant, an educator in a non-school setting or plan on pursuing leadership roles in the field of elementary education, this degree may support your career goals. Getting an MEd in Elementary Education usually involves some real teaching experience by working in actual classrooms alongside experienced teachers. This experience is valuable in helping you develop effective teaching skills and figure out what works best in practical teaching situations. Overall, this master’s in elementary education has the potential to support your career goals by providing advanced knowledge, specialized skills and the practical experience necessary for effective teaching and leadership roles.
GCU is passionate about helping develop dedicated, quality teachers. If making a career change to education is something you have been considering for a while or you wish to advance in your current career, now is the time. Join us for the MEd in Elementary Education degree at GCU today.
1 Intelligent. (2023, Feb. 12) Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs of 2023. Retrieved on April 26, 2023.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, retrieved on April 10, 2023.
3 Nittler, Kency. (2018, July 26). How do school districts compensate teachers for advanced degrees? National Council on Teacher Quality. Retrieved on May 15, 2023.
4 Malone, Maureen. (2021, May 24). What Is the Job Outlook for Teachers? Chron. Retrieved on May 15, 2023.
5 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers as of May 2021, retrieved on May 15, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as kindergarten and elementary school teachers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.
Core Courses
Course Description
Teacher candidates prepare for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University by developing and strengthening the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Teacher candidates survey the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed and explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators face in the field. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey how children and early adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas while understanding the implications for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of children and young adolescents will allow teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Candidates examine the United States Constitution, and the constitution of the State of Arizona. From this foundational review, candidates will explore application of the United States Constitution and the constitution of the State of Arizona in educational contexts.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine how to create and manage safe environments that encourage and support individual and collaborative learning, positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, self-motivation, and high expectations for all learners. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge regarding the importance of establishing and maintaining equitable and positive collaborative relationships with families, school colleagues, and agencies in the larger community to advocate for and promote the intellectual, social, emotional, physical growth, and well-being of children. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine how instructional planning supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of students and the community context. Teacher candidates analyze and integrate multiple methods of assessment that support student engagement, monitor student progress, and guide decision-making. Assessment and instruction will support foundational knowledge regarding the importance of planning instruction based on knowledge of students, learning theory, connection across the curriculum, curricular goals, and community, with focused attention on formative and summative assessments. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-500.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. With this foundational knowledge, the science surrounding reading instruction is explored and put into practice. Practicum/field experience hours: 8. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECS-501 or ELM-555 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach, Elementary Education.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of reading, writing, oral language, and their connections to build skills and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on how to use the concepts from reading, language, and child development to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and thinking skills, and to help students successfully apply their developing skills to many different situations, content, and ideas. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.
Course Description
Teacher candidates develop strategies for literacy intervention and remediation to foster and support student autonomy in the classroom. Teacher candidates build knowledge and skills to plan literacy supports in all content areas, promote self-directed learning, and empower students to take control and set goals for their own learning outcomes. Teacher candidates design and plan a learning environment that allows active participation from students in their own learning, collaborative goal setting with students and other stakeholders, self-assessment of progress, reflective thinking, questioning with intention, and purposeful feedback. Practicum/field experience hours: 8. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-545.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine fundamental concepts of physical, life, earth/space sciences, and health education. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on a variety of age-appropriate inquiry-based instructional strategies to teach science, to build student understanding of personal and social applications, to convey the nature of science, and student development for the practice of skills that contribute to good health. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop conceptual understanding of the major concepts and procedures that define counting and cardinality, number and operations in base 10, fractions, algebra, geometry, measurement, ratios and proportional relationships, and probability and to build skills to apply mathematics in meaningful ways. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on engaging problem solving, mathematical modeling and discourse, and opportunities to identify patterns and structures that repeat to help students successfully apply their developing skills to different situations, content, and ideas. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the integrated study of history, geography, the social sciences, and other related areas. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on promoting elementary students abilities to make informed decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society and interdependent world. Teacher candidates integrate the content, functions, and achievements of the performing and visual arts as primary media for communication, inquiry, and engagement among elementary students. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to support the creation of a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; a 3.0 GPA; successful completion of NES or your state’s mandated content area exams; and approval and placement by the College of Education Office of Clinical Practice. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.