Earning an elementary education master’s degree is a great way for educators to open new career opportunities, increase salary potential, and learn new skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for education occupations was $60,660 as of May 2020. Educators with a graduate-level degree often earn substantially more, especially if transitioning to administration or the private sector.
This educational guide decodes the different options available for elementary educators and compares online and on campus options.
What is an Elementary Education Master’s Degree?
An elementary education master’s degree is a 2-4 year advanced degree for teachers and educators specializing in elementary education. It is considered a graduate-level degree and not a terminal degree as graduates can go on to earn a doctorate in education.
Elementary education graduate degrees are similar to regular master’s in education; however, they are tailored to certified educators for grades preschool through fifth or sixth.
Many elementary teachers seek a master’s in education which provides an in-depth study of a specific facet of education, examines the latest research-based education practices, and prepares graduates for leadership and administrative roles. Individuals that are interested in working as an academic advisor or school principal require a master’s degree in order to achieve their career goal.
Depending on the program, classwork can be accomplished in person or online, and many students complete their degrees while working full-time as an educator.
What Can I Do With an Elementary Education Master’s Degree?
Earning an elementary education master’s degree can open countless career opportunities beyond teaching in the classroom. However, it can also advance your current teaching career. Possible career opportunities include:
- Administrators
- Career counselor
- Corporate trainer
- Curriculum consultant
- Curriculum designer
- Curriculum developer
- Director of digital learning
- District administrator
- Educational consulting
- Educational coordinator
- Education consultant
- Education policy analyst
- Elementary school teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Instructional designer
- Kindergarten teacher
- Literacy specialist
- Policymakers
- Private tutor
- Program director
- Researcher
- School principal
- School psychologist
- School superintendent
- Special education teacher
- Standardized test developer
- TESOL or ESL teacher
- Test prep specialist
- Textbook author
- Textbook editor
- Training and development specialist
- Vice principal
How Much Do Teachers With A Master’s Degree Make?
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for education occupations was $52,380 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810. There are multiple opportunities for educators with advanced degrees but the most common are the following,
- Elementary school teachers, except special education, earned an average salary of $62,050
- Kindergarten teachers, except special education, earned an average salary of $59,300
The lowest 10% of elementary school teachers earned less than $40,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,480. The lowest 10% of kindergarten teachers earned less than $37,360, and the highest 10% earned more than $91,980.
Other job possibilities include and salaries include:
- Career and technical education teachers – $59,140
- Instructional coordinators – $66,970
- Special education teachers – $61,500
The National Center for Education Statistics shows the average national salary for teachers working in public schools, by the highest degree earned and years of teaching experience. For example, even if two teachers both have 6-9 years of experience, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree will earn $45,390 while a teacher with a master’s degree will earn $52,750, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, “On average, a master’s degree earns teachers an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor’s degree. This salary advantage expands to an average of $7,358 per year by the time a teacher reaches the maximum point of the pay scale.”
Teacher Job Projections
Overall, employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 4% with an expected 56,100 new jobs to be added. The majority of these jobs, specifically 51,400, are projected for elementary educators, though opportunities vary by region and school setting. Projections show better opportunities in urban and rural school districts than in suburban school districts.
Master’s in Elementary Education Paths
- Median Salary: $98,490
- Career Outlook: +8% (2020-2030)
Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.
- Median Salary: $60,660
- Career Outlook: +7% (2020-2030)
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers create lesson plans, grade students’ assignments, prepare students for standardized examinations, communicate with parents, and instruct students.
- Median Salary: $61,500
- Career Outlook: +8% (2020-2030)
Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.
Source: BLS
Types of Education Degree Programs
There are two main graduate degrees available to elementary educators: a master of arts in teaching (MAT) and master of education (MEd). However, there are other options available, such as a master of science in teaching (MST). Each comes with its own pros and cons, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which option is best for you.
While it is possible to get a general master’s in education, it is important to find a program that offers a specialization in elementary education. Classes will be tailored for kindergarten and elementary-aged children.
Courses in Elementary Education Master’s Degree Programs
Specific courses vary depending on the elementary education graduate program and university, but most students can expect to take similar courses throughout the program:
- Application of Elementary Physical Education and Health Methods
- Application of Elementary Social Studies Methods
- Application of Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Methods
- Assessing Student Learning
- Children’s Literature
- Cohort Seminar
- Creating and Managing Engaging Learning Environments
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Psychology and Human Development of Children and Adolescents
- Elementary Disciplinary Literacy
- Elementary Mathematics Methods
- Elementary Reading Methods and Interventions
- Elementary Science Methods
- Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners
- Foundations of Education
- Language Arts Instruction and Intervention
- Mathematics for Elementary Educators
- Preclinical Experiences in Elementary Education
- Professional Portfolio
- Schools as Communities of Care
- Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Elementary Education
- Teacher Performance Assessment in Elementary Education
- Using Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning
Skills Learned in an Elementary Education Master’s Program
The skills learned in an elementary education master’s degree program are invaluable. They help you better educate your students while also adhering to the state and national education guidelines. Oftentimes, learning can be boring and standardized for children, but earning a master’s degree can help you think of out of the box ways to help students grow and learn. You can also expect to learn:
- Administrative Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Speaking Skills
- Teaching Skills
- Technology Skills
How Long Does it Take to Get an Elementary Education Master’s Degree?
Elementary education master’s degree programs typically require 30-40 credits completed over the course of 2-3 years. Some teachers take longer to complete their degrees due to work schedules, family commitments, and monetary support.
Online vs. On Campus Education Degrees
Oftentimes, educators have many options for graduate school, including the choice of online or on-campus learning. Determining which format is best for you and your family is the first step in deciding if a program is right for you or not.
Many educators opt to complete their master’s degree online because online programs are convenient, particularly for working teachers. They offer:
- Flexibility with scheduling
- Convenience to take your class from anywhere at anytime
- Wider range of graduate programs to choose from
- Retain current employment
- Freedom to work at your own pace
- In many cases, a cheaper price tag than on-campus options
- No on campus commute
On-campus options do have a lot of benefits if it is a feasible option for you. These include,
- Face to face learning with professor
- Socialization with like minded professionals
- Consistent schedule
- Establish connections and networking opportunities
- Active discussion opportunities
Graduate programs are usually designed for working professionals. What does this mean? In-person classes are held at night to accommodate teachers’ work schedules and are consistently held on the same night(s) of the week throughout the duration of the program.
Should I Complete Courses Online?
Many elementary education master’s degrees can be completed entirely online. Accredited online programs match the quality of in-person programs while allowing you to complete courses at your own pace, and often there is increased flexibility with assignment deadlines since most students teach full time during the week.
Programs use either synchronous or asynchronous courses, likely a big deciding factor for prospective students.
How Long do Online Courses Take to Complete?
Whether the classes are synchronous or asynchronous, class time length varies by university. Courses could be as short as 4-5 weeks while the longest might take a full semester, or 14 weeks. On average, online classes last roughly 8-9 weeks; however, some programs specialize in accelerated degrees so students can complete their master’s degree quickly and efficiently.
Accreditation
Ensuring a graduate program is accredited is key for anyone interesting in pursuing an elementary education masters degree. Accredited programs ensure the educational institution meets or exceeds minimum quality standards.
Accreditation is the process of evaluating graduate programs to determine if they meet specific state and national standards. This is a voluntary process but most major universities and colleges are accredited. According to the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation is meant to:
- Assess the quality of academic programs at institutions of higher education.
- Create a culture of continuous improvement of academic quality at colleges and universities and stimulate general raising of standards among educational institutions.
- Involve faculty and staff comprehensively in institutional evaluation and planning.
- Establish criteria for professional certification and licensure and for upgrading courses offering such preparation.
Accredited programs benefit students in many ways, including,
- Receive federal financial aid
- Transfer credits towards the program
- Job market competitiveness
- Professional certification and licensure
There are multiple types of accreditation for graduate-level programs. . The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee regional accrediting agencies.
Regional Accreditation
Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. Schools receive regional accreditation from one of seven regional accrediting bodies, determined by where the school is located. The seven regional accrediting bodies are,
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs, departments, or schools that function as part of larger institutions. Often granted by professional associations, industry organizations, and groups of experts with expertise in a specific discipline.
Applying to Elementary Education Master’s Degree Programs
Applying to an elementary education master’s degree can be overwhelming, especially if you are working full time. From gathering references to paying application fees and submitting undergraduate school transcripts, the process can be tedious and time-consuming. However, all schools generally require the same forms and documents for the admissions process.
Remember, before considering applying for a graduate education program, you MUST hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Without this, you cannot start a graduate education program.
It’s important to remember that all requirements and prerequisites must be met in order to be considered for acceptance. A helpful tip is making a spreadsheet of all required documents and deadlines for each graduate program. Most programs have deadlines in the spring, but sometimes applicants can turn in applications at any time in the year. Online programs typically have increased flexibility regarding application deadlines.
Admission Requirements for Elementary Education Master’s Degree Programs
Paying for an Elementary Education Master’s Degree
Financial assistance options for graduate school can be difficult to navigate, especially since resources and financial opportunities are not as readily available as undergraduate assistance. Not everyone qualifies for all the different types of aid that are available, but hopefully between scholarships, grants, and federal loans the cost of graduate school becomes more manageable.
It is also important to speak with your employer. Many education systems offer some form of tuition reimbursement for educators earning their master’s in elementary education. Tuition reimbursement is very helpful for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree.
Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of the different types of monetary aid available. Remember, research the different types of aid you may be eligible for and apply early.
Scholarships
Scholarships provide financial aid to a student to further their education without any repayment requirements. There are a variety of different types of scholarships. These include:
- Merit-based
- Need-based
- Student-specific (gender, race, religion, family, and/or medical history)
- Career-specific
- College-specific
Most scholarships require letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and personal essays. Monetary amounts can be as little as $100 to as much as the cost of your education. You can apply to multiple scholarships as long as the school is on the scholarship’s approved list.
Grants
Grants are determined by financial need. They can be used to cover costs like tuition, books, teaching supplies, and educational supplies. Grants typically inform applicants exactly how funds can be applied towards their education. The amount of money you are eligible to receive depends on your financial situation.
Like scholarships, grants do not have to be repaid as long as you graduate with your master’s in the allotted amount of time.
Student Loans
Unlike scholarships and grants, loans must be repaid. Loans incur interest, so you ultimately repay more than the initial amount of the loan. The exact terms of the loan depend on the lender and other factors. There are several types of student loans.
The most common loans are Federal Student Loans. Federal student loans are a great option for most students for the following reasons:
- They don’t have to be paid back while you’re in school.
- They charge lower interest than loans from private lenders.
- If you’re having trouble paying back your loan, there are programs you can qualify for to assist you.
- You don’t need any credit history to get a federal student loan.
Two other fairly common loans are direct subsidized loans and direct unsubsidized loans more commonly referred to as Stafford Loans.
Direct Subsidized Loans
- U.S. Department of Education loan
- Must meet certain income requirements
- Demonstrate financial need
- Government pays an interest rate on loan while in schools
- Payback once graduated
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- U.S. Department of Education loan
- Don’t have to meet income requirements
- Student is responsible for accrued interest
- Payback once graduated
Federal Perkins Loan
- Very low-income students
- Lender is the education institution
- Meet income requirements
- School must have funds available, limited monetary amounts
Private Student Loans
- From banks and credit unions
- Very high-interest rates
- Payments required while in school
Scholarships for Elementary Education Master’s Degree Students
- Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary Teacher Scholarship
- Award: Up to $1,500
- Eligibility: 25 years of age or older, studying elementary education, minimum GPA of 3.5
- Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
- Award: $1000
- Application deadline: February 1
- Eligibility: Enrolled in a degree program focusing on elementary or secondary education, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, personal essay
- Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
- Award: $1000
- Available to graduate or undergraduate students majoring in education
- Deadline: October 1 and December 31
- STEM Teachers for America’s Future Scholarships (STEM Teachers for America’s Future Scholarships)
- Award: $2,500 to $5,000
- Deadline: April 22nd
- For graduate students actively pursuing a master’s degree or credential for teaching science, technology, engineering, or math in K-12 schools
- Requirements: Must be in their second semester, take at least two courses per term, attend an accredited on-campus U.S. school, carry a minimum GPA of 3.5, have American citizenship, and submit at least two faculty letters of recommendation
- Christina Jean Brooks Memorial Scholarship
- Award: $1,500
- Deadline: March 31st
- Eligibility: Unmarried incoming freshman females and/or senior females in their student teaching semester who have declared a concentration in elementary education. Minimum GPA of 2.8, earned an ACT score of 18 or above, be members of the Church of Nazarene, reside within Oklahoma, exhibit financial need, and maintain full-time enrollment.
- Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarships
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: November 15th
- Eligibility: Enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program, have outstanding academic records, be actively involved in community service, possess classroom experience, display potential for shaping children’s minds, and clearly communicate an interest in teaching science and/or math.
Elementary Education Master’s Career Resources
The organizations listed below are great resources for elementary educators. Each offers a unique perspective and opportunities for educators. Several are union-based while others are strictly professional organizations offering career advice and job opportunities.