Online Masters in Elementary Education

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An aspiring graduate student must opt for the right program which enhances their future. When choosing a master’s, it is essential to keep in mind some vital factors such as the institution’s ranking, coursework, student services, the institution’s infrastructure, the experience and quality of the faculty, and affordability. OMC teams have scanned hundreds of elementary master’s degrees across the country and closed in on the best ones. Here is the list of the best masters in elementary education programs online: 

Link to This

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An online elementary education degree prepares students to work with diverse children and families. It will help them broaden their understanding of research and educational theories to apply them to practice and policy. Students can also choose from a specialty area such as gifted and talented education, educational technology for teachers, autism, human development, learning, etc. The program’s curriculum is between 30 to 40 credit hours, depending on the university, program format, coursework, and concentration. Masters in elementary education online programs are popular over their offline counterparts because they allow students to keep their current jobs while pursuing their degrees. Students also have the option of in-person or blended/hybrid programs that combine in-person and online classes. Some universities offer masters in elementary education online for in-service teachers who already have a bachelor’s in education to upgrade their teaching skills.

Masters in Elementary Education Degree Types

There are three types of online masters in elementary education. They are the Master of Arts or MA in Elementary Education, the Master of Science or MS in Elementary education, and the Master of Education or M.Ed. In Elementary Education. 

Students applying for graduate programs need to give the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit their scores while applying for a graduate degree. However, some colleges and programs waive this requirement under certain circumstances. For instance, students with a higher GPA may not be required to submit the GRE score, or those who have several years of experience in the field of education may also be exempted. Here are some of the online master’s in education no GRE programs: 

• The University of Alaska Fairbanks – offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education, no GRE.  
• Ball State University – offers a Master’s in Elementary Education, no GRE.  
• DePaul University Chicago – offers a MA/M.Ed. in Elementary Education, no GRE. 

Students who wish to complete their masters in a lesser time frame or at a faster pace can choose to pursue an accelerated master’s degree. They can opt for credit transfers and fast-track programs and earn their degree faster. There are integrated programs available that combine both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. One of the other advantages of accelerated degrees is the low cost at which students can complete their masters. Usually, students who pursue an accelerated program finish their masters in one year or less. Here are a couple of the accelerated online masters in elementary education programs: 

• Merrimack College – offers an M.Ed. in Elementary Education that consists of 36 credit hours with 9 courses, each course running for 8 weeks in length. 
• Pacific Oaks College – offers an M.A Education in Elementary Education that can be completed in 1 to 1.5 years. 

There is no free online master’s in elementary program available as an option for students. Nevertheless, there are a few free courses in the field of elementary education which can enhance one’s knowledge and skills. These free courses are not accredited and cannot be used in the job market, but they add additional knowledge on the subject that can be useful for students. Here are a free masters in elementary education online courses: 

Online masters in elementary education costs differ from institution and program. Tuition, course material, and travel are the main costs students must pay for, with travel being an exception for online students. The tuition fee for an online master’s in elementary education ranges from $9,500 to $19,000 or more, depending on the institution. Apart from working full-time while studying, there are several funding mechanisms students can examine to fund their graduate programs. Here are a few funding possibilities: 

Scholarships  

Students with an excellent academic profile can apply for scholarships. Other factors too can make a student eligible for scholarships, such as cultural heritage, community, socio-economic background, etc. Students are given scholarships based on their merit and can be awarded by individuals, national organizations, the private sector, and industry-related organizations.  

Grants

Grants are offered to specific areas of research or education or specific target groups. They are not focused on the student’s academic accomplishments or success alone but target factors that a regular scholarship may not cover, particularly financial need. 

Graduate Assistantships 

Graduate assistantships allow students to work for the university while pursuing their graduate degrees. They assist their institution, faculty member, or department by teaching undergraduate students or helping in program development or other academic activities in return for a stipend or fee waiver. 

Student Loans 

Students also have the option of applying for loans to fund their education. Although student loans come at a lower interest cost than other loans, they can become a burden if the installments are not paid back in time, leading to mounting debt.  

FAFSA  

Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA form to review their eligibility and possibly receive financial aid from the United States Federal Government.  

Read about Scholarship Scams and learn more about college funding from the Financial Aid Guide. 

Graduate students have an opportunity to fund their own education by applying for scholarships. Scholarships help students reduce their educational expenses considerably. Students can apply for scholarships based on their academic success or other merits in sport, music, art, or their field of study. Here are some of the scholarships for masters in elementary education online programs: 

Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship 

Barbara A. Cooley Masters scholarship is awarded to a graduate-level student who is currently studying in a health-related education program in an accredited university in the United States.

Amount/Award:  $1,000 

Deadline : October 15, 2023 

Isabel M. Herson Scholarship 

The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Educational Foundation offers the Isabel M. Herson Scholarship for graduate students enrolled in elementary or secondary education programs. 

Amount/Award  : $500 to $1,000 

Deadline  : TBA

Leon Bradley Scholarship 

Full-time minority graduate students in the field of education can apply for the Leon Bradley Scholarship Program, which pays for all educational expenses.

Amount/Award : $3,500 

Deadline: May 29, 2023  

STEM Teacher Graduate Scholarships 

The AFCEA Educational Foundation offers scholarships to graduate students pursuing their studies to teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subjects at schools in the United States. 

Amount/Award : $2,500 

Deadline  : May 31, 2023  

After earning their online masters in elementary education, graduates typically work in schools with elementary children. They can also take up other roles in leadership or designing curricula, creating instructional material, etc. Graduates also have the option to work in government agencies and school districts as administrators or officials.  

Apart from teaching, there are other roles in elementary education where graduates can use their online masters in elementary education. Here are some job positions: 

• Curriculum and Assessment Specialist 
• School Operations Manager
• District Grant Writer 
• Instructional Coach 
• Academic Support Teacher 
• Curriculum Developer 
• Instructional Design Specialist
• Education Writer and Editor 
• Professional Development Consultant (also Educational Consultant) 
• Museum Educator 
• Youth Program Director 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS), elementary teachers have an annual median salary of $61,350 with a job outlook of 7% between 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. 

The list below highlights the statistical data by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on a few career options students can consider after earning an elementary education online masters. 

Certification assures the public that instructors and teachers have the necessary knowledge and abilities to do their jobs well. A teacher’s ability to effectively touch the lives of their students can be demonstrated by obtaining elementary school certification, which automatically licenses them to teach or take up other careers within elementary education. Because each state has its own certification or certification requirements, the geographical location of a graduate and where they desire to work is a critical factor. Every state requires aspiring educators to take a few steps and fulfill specific requirements, which primarily entail: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an approved university. 
• Completion of a particular amount of semester hours in a student teaching primary education program. 
• Completion of a set number of semester hours in one of the following subjects: math, science, language arts, reading, or history. 
• Passing certification exams that examine fundamental skills, instructor ability, and topic knowledge. 

More information on certification requirements in each state is available on

TeachingcCertification.com  

Another broad-based certification for online master in elementary education graduates to consider that is recognized in many states is: 

National Board Certification 

The National Board Certification, awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), was created to help teachers grow, retain, and be recognized for their achievements, as well as to drive continuous improvement in schools across the country. It is the highest and most prestigious qualification a teacher can earn. 

An online master’s in elementary education student can benefit from a wide range of resources if they join an association. Career aid and certification programs are some of the more common features offered by these organizations. Additionally, tapping into other available resources can provide deeper insights into classroom management tactics, teaching methodologies, and curricular ideas. Here are a few resources to get started: 

1. Teach to Lead
   Teach to Lead is an initiative by the U.S Department of Education, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). This program aims to expand teacher leadership opportunities and advance student outcomes through newsletters, seminars, professional collaborations, and more. 
2. National Education Association (NEA)
   The National Education Association (NEA) aims to promote and advance educators in all aspects of public education, from preschool through graduate programs. Discounted legal services, discussion forums, lesson plans, and other classroom activities are all available to members.
3. Association of American Educators (AAE)
   The Association of American Educators (AAE) provides legal protection, liability insurance, and up to $500 in scholarships and grants to its members. AAE also publishes a newsletter, as well as a back-to-school resource guide and other materials. This organization’s website includes a blog with weekly educational news updates.
4. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
   The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) is a global community of teachers, administrators, superintendents, principals, and education advocates who work together to support children and enhance education. This organization publishes books about teaching, learning, and educational leadership, and also organizes conferences and other events, and provides consulting services and instructional resources. 
5. WeAreTeachers
   WeAreTeachers is an online media brand for educators that aims to inspire teachers and help them succeed through sharing practical classroom ideas, providing teacher-to-teacher advice and humor, and publishing daily articles, videos, and giveaways. The site has a long list of free teaching resources on various subjects for children of all ages.