Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Education

Complete your specialized elementary education master’s degree online

The reasons for completing an elementary education master’s degree are many: You may wish to better understand educational theory and improve in a specific area, or you may want to advance your career with a leadership position or earn a larger salary. Get a flexible Master of Arts in Education, specifically elementary education, at East Carolina University to realize your goals. If you currently hold or are eligible to hold an elementary teaching license, ECU’s elementary education online degree was designed for you.

A master’s in elementary education program for any need or goal

Select from one of five concentrations for your master’s degree in elementary education:

Teacher Leadership
Teaching Children in Poverty
Early Childhood: K-3 Instructional Strategies
Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG)
Content pedagogy

No matter your concentration choice, you’ll complete your master’s in elementary education online — at your own pace and around your teaching job and other life demands. Begin your studies in the semester convenient for you and at your desired pace or take advantage of ECU’s 14-month cohort option. This cohort allows you to complete your master’s degree in elementary education starting one summer and continuing through the end of the next summer. Either way, you can finish this flexible and advanced elementary education online degree and earn your advanced teaching license.

Get started on your elementary education master’s degree

Take the next step toward earning your master’s degree in elementary education. We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.

No GMAT or GRE required

14-month cohort option

100% online for your convenience

Over 115-year proven program history

Why study elementary education at ECU?

With roots in education that date back to 1907, ECU has a long history in preparing tomorrow’s educators. Our elementary education master’s degree was established 50 years ago for your assurance in receiving a time-tested education through:

Our commitment to applied learning

At ECU, we believe applied learning is vital to your education. It’s why we put lessons into practice whenever possible. You will have the opportunity to conduct a research project across two courses for a memorable introduction to educational research. You’ll also participate in academic writing—crafting a grant proposal—for valuable experience to carry forward into your career.

Learning from expert faculty

ECU faculty for our graduate-level degree in elementary education are highly innovative and have published in many renowned education publications. Their areas of expertise include curriculum, assessment, gifted education, teaching children from poverty and trauma, classroom management, and child development. You’ll have access to a wide range of educational experts.

Career advising for professional success

You’ll work with our elementary education degree program’s graduate director to create your individualized plan of study and receive their guidance as you progress toward completing your master’s degree in elementary education.

Courses you will take in the elementary education degree program for graduates

You’ll begin your Master of Arts in Education with coursework in key competency areas including research, trends, and issues, as well as effective communication and leadership. You’ll then deep dive into curriculum specific to your elementary education master’s degree and apply your learning in these courses:

Educational Research in the Classroom I
Advanced Assessment and Teaching in the Elementary Grades
Management and Problem-Solving in the Elementary School
Leadership and Communication Skills in Education
Leading Curriculum Revision and Implementation

Your remaining classes will be specific to your concentration area, allowing you to finish this elementary education online degree with those topics you’re most passionate about.

View more information and courses on Degree Explorer

Hear from our master’s in elementary education students

I’m grateful that ECU has programs like this that are accessible. In one of my courses, we talked about how access to education was once a privilege of those who looked right, could be physically present, and could afford it. I don’t fit into those categories, which makes the pending completion of this degree more surreal. I wanted to take the time to share this gratitude in hopes that ECU continues to lead with integrity in providing new opportunities to make higher education accessible to students.

- Jessica Rodriguez, Elementary Education, MAEd ’19

What can you do with your master’s in elementary education online degree?

Join the ranks of ECU alumni with a well-recognized elementary education master’s degree — known throughout the state and the nation for excellence in teacher preparedness. Upon completion of our master’s in elementary education program, you’ll have advanced and diverse skills necessary for a successful classroom. Among the most critical are differentiated student learning, pedagogy, planning, and research. You’ll be a stronger teacher and ready to contribute to the education body of knowledge.

Potential Career Paths

Lead elementary teacher
Curriculum coordinator
District instructional specialist
Instructional coach
School leader
Faculty at a community college or university
Clinical supervisor for student teachers

Accreditation for Master of Arts in Education degree in Elementary Education at ECU

Ensure your ability to receive a high-caliber education that adheres to standards when you choose East Carolina University for your elementary education master’s degree. Our elementary education and middle grades education programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), demonstrating excellence in the training you’ll receive.