Hakia Education

Best Master's in Elementary Education Programs in 2026

Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology

Published ·Last updated

The top 25 out of 302 programs reviewed from the IPEDS database, ranked on degrees awarded and local teacher pay. CIP 13.1202.

A master's in elementary education program serves two kinds of students. For people who already hold a teaching license, a Master of Education or Master of Science deepens classroom practice, adds a specialty, and moves a teacher up to the higher master's lane on the district salary schedule. For career changers who hold a bachelor's in another field, a Master of Arts in Teaching with initial licensure is a route into the profession itself, pairing graduate coursework with supervised student teaching. This page ranks programs on graduate tuition, which we research from each school's official pages, along with the university's selectivity and graduation rate, so you can compare real programs on cost and institutional strength.

Elementary education teacher and students in a bright classroom
302Programs analyzed
$63,970Median wage, elementary school teachers
10Median degrees awarded / year
84Online or hybrid options
  • Most master's programs run 30 to 36 credits and take about two years, with many built to be completed part-time by working teachers.
  • 84 of 302 ranked programs offer an online or hybrid option.
  • Graduates most often work as elementary school teachers, where the median wage is $63,970.
  • Graduate programs are ranked on degrees awarded, cost-of-living-adjusted local pay, and institutional standing, not the undergraduate stats that do not describe a master's.
  1. 1

    Azusa Pacific University

    Azusa, CAPrivate nonprofit

    87score
    • $30,475Est. total cost
    • 93Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Teaching with embedded Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA offers a Master of Arts in Education in Teaching with an embedded Multiple Subject Teaching Credential for elementary education and teacher licensure. The 45-unit hybrid program combines live online classes with in-person Saturday sessions and a 16-week supervised student teaching placement in K-8 classrooms. APU's School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the program leads to a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential. Students typically finish the two-year program with a capstone research project and professional ePortfolio. This master's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in California.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 93 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. And the institution carries weight: its research standing and program accreditation, the factor we weigh most, are a clear strength.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  2. 2

    University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Seattle, WAPublic

    87score
    • $20,736In-state tuition
    • $37,464Out-of-state tuition
    • 78Master's/yr
    • $102,920Metro teacher pay
    • Master in Teaching (M.I.T.)
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    The University of Washington's Elementary Teacher Education Program is an intensive, immersive route to the classroom, a one-year Master in Teaching that runs across four quarters beginning in summer. At 70 credits and deeply field-based, the hybrid program offers both daytime and evening cohorts and steadily raises the stakes of its placements, from 75 hours in summer and autumn to 215 in winter and a full 440 hours of student teaching in spring across Seattle-area partner schools. That escalating structure lets candidates grow into full-time teaching rather than being thrown into it. Graduates earn a Washington Residency Certificate for elementary teaching and can layer on endorsements in areas such as multilingual learners, bilingual education, and special education. Before beginning full-time student teaching, candidates must pass the NES elementary subtests. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 78 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, where elementary teachers earn a median $102,920, roughly $92,610 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  3. 3

    University of Massachusetts Global

    Aliso Viejo, CAPublicOnline available

    83score
    • 101Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education with 2042 Multiple Subject Credential and English Learner Authorization
    • AAQEP-accredited
    • Online
    About the program

    This 42-credit Master of Arts in Teaching leads to a California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization, qualifying graduates to teach in self-contained elementary classrooms. It is an initial-credential pathway, not an advanced degree for already-credentialed teachers, though candidates who already hold a matching credential can apply 30 credits toward the degree. Delivery is fully online through instructor-led eight-week sessions. Candidates complete Clinical Practice I and II at 4.5 credits each, either as student teaching or an intern placement, and may begin teaching after four introductory courses. The program is accredited by AAQEP and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Earning a master's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of California's elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 101 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  4. 4

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo, NYPublic

    81score
    • $26,847Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 44Master's/yr
    • $76,490Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Education (EdM) in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    The Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) EdM is a 57 credit initial/professional program for graduate students without an undergraduate education degree who seek New York State certification to teach grades 1 through 6. All courses are offered 100 percent in person. The initial track includes a year of intensive mentored field experience in one of UB's liaison schools. Applicants must have majored in or completed 30 credit hours in a liberal arts content area. Graduates earn institutional recommendation for New York State initial and professional certification. Full-time and part-time options run 1 to 2 years. This master's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in New York.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 44 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, where elementary teachers earn a median $76,490, roughly $79,807 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. And the institution carries weight: its research standing and program accreditation, the factor we weigh most, are a clear strength.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  5. 5

    University of La Verne

    La Verne, CAPrivate nonprofit

    81score
    • $37,575Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 64Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching, Multiple Subject
    • CAEP-accredited
    • On-campus
    About the program

    The University of La Verne in La Verne, CA offers a Master of Arts in Teaching, Multiple Subject, an elementary education program that prepares candidates for a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential covering K-6 classrooms. The 45-unit program combines credential coursework with advanced graduate study and can be completed in two to three and a half years. Candidates complete supervised fieldwork and 15 weeks of student teaching through partnerships with more than 200 school districts, with an Enhanced Intern Credential option for paid classroom experience. The program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the LaFetra College of Education holds CAEP accreditation. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in California.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 64 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  6. 6

    Merrimack College

    North Andover, MAPrivate nonprofitOnline available

    79score
    • $22,320Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 64Master's/yr
    • $98,060Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    This 36-credit M.Ed. in Elementary Education prepares candidates for a Massachusetts initial teaching license in grades 1-6 and includes the Sheltered English Instruction endorsement. It comprises eight courses plus a practicum, and each course may be taken online or on campus, giving a flexible delivery. Candidates complete three pre-practicum observation experiences and one full-time 450-hour, 15-week practicum in an elementary classroom under mentor supervision. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and leads to initial licensure for those without prior teaching credentials. It can be done full-time in 13 months or part-time over two to three years. As a master's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Massachusetts.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 64 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, where elementary teachers earn a median $98,060, roughly $90,573 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  7. 7

    California State University-Fullerton

    Fullerton, CAPublic

    78score
    • 48Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
    • Online
    About the program

    California State University-Fullerton offers a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction through its Elementary and Bilingual Education Department, aimed at elementary education professionals who want to deepen their craft. Rather than a single track, the degree lets students concentrate in an area that matches their interests, with emphases such as Early Childhood Education, Bilingual and Bicultural Education, and Math and Science Education. The program runs entirely online and asynchronously across five semesters with no summer coursework, a rhythm that suits working teachers. It is important to understand what the degree is and is not, since as a standalone graduate program it does not include a teaching credential or licensure. Students seeking initial certification apply separately to CSUF's multiple subject credential program, using this master's to strengthen expertise rather than to enter the profession. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 48 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  8. 8

    Niagara University

    Niagara University, NYPrivate nonprofitOnline available

    77score
    • $34,710Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 245Master's/yr
    • $76,490Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.), Elementary Education
    • Online
    About the program

    This 39-credit online Master of Science in Education leads to New York initial certification, with an elementary track certifying early childhood and childhood (Birth-Grade 6) and a secondary track certifying grades 5-12. Delivery is 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous options. Candidates complete about 150 field hours plus full-time student teaching across two 7-week placements (or one 14-week placement) and meet edTPA requirements, and must pass a comprehensive evaluation before graduating. The program is described as CAEP accredited on the university page. Designed for candidates who are not yet certified teachers, it can be finished in three semesters. This master's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in New York.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 245 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, where elementary teachers earn a median $76,490, roughly $79,807 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  9. 9

    Alder Graduate School of Education

    Redwood City, CAPrivate nonprofit

    77score
    • $23,970Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 194Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Teaching (Teacher Residency)
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    Alder's one-year Master's and Credential Teacher Residency leads to an initial California Multiple Subject (K-8) credential, an elementary initial-licensure pathway. Residents teach four days a week in a mentor teacher's classroom for a full school year, with one day weekly in cohort seminars and two full-week solo teaching takeovers in November and spring. The degree is a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Teaching. Delivery is hybrid, combining classroom apprenticeship with online coursework and in-person course intensives, with more than half of coursework in person. All residents also earn English Learner Authorization. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 194 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $88,104 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  10. 10

    Kennesaw State University

    Kennesaw, GAPublicOnline available

    76score
    • $15,327Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 63Master's/yr
    • $76,570Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education
    • Online
    About the program

    This Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education is a 39 credit-hour graduate program leading to initial Georgia P-5 certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, designed for candidates seeking a first teaching license. It runs fully online with no face-to-face classes required, though in-person, supervised field placements are completed in both P-2 and Grades 3-5 settings, including year-long clinical experiences across two semesters. The program spans four semesters with summer entry. Applicants complete the GaPSC pre-service certification application and GACE Ethics for Teachers assessment. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 63 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, where elementary teachers earn a median $76,570, roughly $76,526 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  11. 11

    University of the People

    Pasadena, CAPrivate nonprofitOnline available

    76score
    • $5,650Est. total cost
    • 270Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Education in Advanced Teaching (M.Ed.)
    • Online
    About the program

    University of the People's Master of Education in Advanced Teaching is a fully online, 39-credit degree paced in 13 three-credit courses, each running nine weeks and spanning nine core courses, specialization work, and a capstone project. Candidates choose between an Elementary and Middle School (K-8) specialization and a Secondary one, and the curriculum was developed in cooperation with the International Baccalaureate, giving it an international orientation. Rather than a licensure track, it is framed as an advanced degree preparing practicing teachers for independent and international schools, so it does not lead to state licensure or certification. Cost is a defining feature: the university is tuition-free, asking only a $60 application fee and a $430 per-course assessment fee. That structure makes it an accessible option for teachers looking to grow outside the public-school certification system. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in California.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 270 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  12. 12

    SUNY College at Potsdam

    Potsdam, NYPublic

    75score
    • 100Master's/yr
    • $85,760State teacher pay
    • Master of Science for Teachers (M.S.T.) in Childhood Education
    • Online
    About the program

    This Master of Science for Teachers in Childhood Education is a 50 credit initial-certification program for candidates who do not already hold a teaching certificate, leading to New York State certification to teach Grades 1-6. It is delivered 100 percent online with no on-campus requirement and can be completed in as few as three full-time semesters. Candidates complete 100 hours of fieldwork before a full student-teaching semester consisting of two 8-week placements. Instructors can advise a pathway toward additional Birth-Grade 2 certification. This is a licensure-track degree, not an in-service degree for already-certified teachers. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 100 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into New York statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $85,760, roughly $79,466 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  13. 13

    CUNY Hunter College

    New York, NYPublic

    75score
    • $18,800In-state tuition
    • $34,200Out-of-state tuition
    • 61Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    CUNY Hunter College offers a Master of Science in Education in Childhood Education for candidates preparing to teach grades 1 through 6. The in-person program is designed for students without prior teaching certification and leads to New York State initial certification in childhood education. Classes are offered mostly in the afternoon and evening for flexibility, and the program includes clinical field experiences in schools. It is intended for those entering the profession rather than already-certified teachers. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 61 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  14. 14

    Rutgers University-New Brunswick

    New Brunswick, NJPublic

    74score
    • 30Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Ed.M. with Certification in Elementary Education (K-6)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    This is an on-campus Ed.M. combining a master's degree with initial K-6 teacher licensure. The requirements section lists 63 graduate course credits plus two no-credit summer modules, typically completed in two years, with up to five years allowed. Coursework spans classroom learning, assessment, subject-specific pedagogy, literacy development, and educational psychology, and candidates build a portfolio concurrently. Graduates earn New Jersey's Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) for elementary teaching, grades K-6. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in New Jersey.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 30 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. And the institution carries weight: its research standing and program accreditation, the factor we weigh most, are a clear strength.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  15. 15

    Mercy University

    Dobbs Ferry, NYPrivate nonprofitOnline available

    74score
    • $36,960Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 41Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Science in Childhood Education, Grades 1-6
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    Mercy University's Master of Science in Childhood Education is a 33 credit program that leads to New York initial and professional certification for teaching grades 1 through 6. For candidates without prior teaching experience, the path runs through twenty days of supervised student teaching in each certification area, with clinical practice folded into a semester-long capstone that pulls the training together. The structure bends to fit different lives, letting full-time candidates take nine to twelve credits a term and part-time candidates three to six. Classes meet at the Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, and Manhattan campuses as well as online, each carrying a required online component between meetings, so location is rarely a barrier. Candidates who want to broaden their reach can pursue dual and triple certification options that add Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities, and the program holds CAEP accreditation. Earning a master's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of New York's elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 41 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  16. 16

    Bridgewater State University

    Bridgewater, MAPublic

    73score
    • 42Master's/yr
    • $98,060Metro teacher pay
    • Elementary Education (Initial Licensure), MEd
    About the program

    The Elementary Education (Initial Licensure) MEd prepares candidates who already hold a bachelor's degree to earn a Massachusetts initial teaching license for Grades 1-6, an initial-licensure pathway. Candidates complete a student-teaching practicum in an elementary school serving Grades 1-6, and the program is designed to satisfy Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements. The department indicates classes may be offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Massachusetts.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 42 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, where elementary teachers earn a median $98,060, roughly $90,573 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  17. 17

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill, MAPrivate nonprofit

    72score
    • $70,596Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 19Master's/yr
    • $98,060Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Boston College's on-campus Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, offered through the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, prepares candidates to teach grades 1-6 through an unusually immersive clinical model. The 37 credit program spans 13 courses plus practicum and can be finished in a single academic year with two summer sessions, or stretched across two to three years part time. Fieldwork ramps up deliberately, beginning with a pre-practicum of one school day a week for 10 weeks and building to a full practicum of five days a week for a whole semester. Throughout, both school-based and university-based mentors support each candidate. Because the program meets Massachusetts DESE requirements, completion brings a Boston College endorsement for Massachusetts initial licensure. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Massachusetts.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 19 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, where elementary teachers earn a median $98,060, roughly $90,573 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. And the institution carries weight: its research standing and program accreditation, the factor we weigh most, are a clear strength.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  18. 18

    American University

    Washington, DCPrivate nonprofit

    72score
    • $47,289Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 95Master's/yr
    • $79,470Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a concentration in Elementary Education
    • Hybrid
    About the program

    American University in Washington, DC offers a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in elementary education, a 33-credit program that leads to teacher licensure in grades 1-6. What distinguishes it is the sheer amount of classroom time built into the degree, more than 600 hours of field experience that runs from a first-semester practicum through a full semester of student teaching. That immersion, housed in the Antonio and Lyla Baker School of Education, means candidates spend far more time learning by doing than by lecture alone. Students can pursue the elementary education MAT in person or online, fitting the program around their circumstances. There is also real geographic reach at the end, since DC licensure earned here can transfer to 48 states once candidates pass the required certification exams. This master's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Washington, D.C..

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 95 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, where elementary teachers earn a median $79,470, roughly $72,986 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  19. 19

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro, GAPublicOnline available

    72score
    • 66Master's/yr
    • $72,290State teacher pay
    • Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education, Concentration in Elementary Education P-5
    • CAEP-accredited
    • Online
    About the program

    Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education with a P-5 concentration, delivered fully online for teachers already working in Georgia classrooms. Housed in a CAEP accredited College of Education, the program uses summer cohort starts and 30 to 39 credit hours to let practicing educators finish in just over a year. Its academic heart is reading, with coursework that strengthens instruction across the building blocks of literacy such as phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Beyond that core, students can direct nine elective hours toward endorsements in areas like ESOL, reading, or gifted education, tailoring the degree to the students they teach. Graduates use the credential to pursue Georgia certification upgrades tied to elementary licensure while staying in the classroom throughout. This master's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Georgia.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 66 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Georgia statewide, where elementary teachers earn a median $72,290, roughly $75,073 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  20. 20

    Western Governors University

    Salt Lake City, UTPrivate nonprofitOnline available

    72score
    • 1,305Master's/yr
    • $77,920Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
    • Online
    About the program

    This fully online Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education is a competency-based program for candidates who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and want an initial teaching license. WGU states it prepares students for teaching certification in all 50 states, generally covering a K-6 grade band that varies by state. The program includes 28 courses, a minimum of 75 hours of in-classroom observation, and 12 to 16 weeks of full-time supervised student teaching. State testing requirements and a criminal background check apply. Tuition is charged per six-month term rather than per credit. This master's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Utah.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 1,305 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Salt Lake City-Murray, UT, where elementary teachers earn a median $77,920, roughly $77,249 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  21. 21

    CUNY Brooklyn College

    Brooklyn, NYPublic

    72score
    • 46Master's/yr
    • $96,900Metro teacher pay
    • M.S. in Education, Childhood Education Teacher (Grades 1-6)
    About the program

    This is an M.S. in Education preparing childhood education teachers for grades 1-6. It is offered in three tracks: Options A and B (30 and 30-33 credits) lead only to the New York State Professional Certificate and are for teachers who already hold initial certification, while Option C (30-39 credits) leads to both the Initial and Professional Certificates for candidates entering without prior teaching certification. Grade band is grades 1-6, which is elementary. As a master's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in New York.

    Why it ranks here

    For a graduate program we set aside undergraduate figures and weigh three things instead: how established it is, the local market its graduates enter, and the institution's standing. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 46 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, where elementary teachers earn a median $96,900, roughly $86,085 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  22. 22

    Quinnipiac University

    Hamden, CTPrivate nonprofit

    71score
    • $33,120Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 39Master's/yr
    • $79,820Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, a 45 to 48 credit graduate program designed for completion in about 15 months. The program leads to Connecticut teacher certification for pre-kindergarten through grade six and pairs coursework with a full-year internship or co-teaching residency placed across more than 60 partner schools in over 20 Connecticut districts. Some placements offer tuition remission or paid apprenticeship positions alongside classroom experience. The elementary education program is CAEP accredited and approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Connecticut.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 39 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into New Haven, CT, where elementary teachers earn a median $79,820, roughly $76,340 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  23. 23

    University of North Alabama

    Florence, ALPublicOnline available

    71score
    • $13,200Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 59Master's/yr
    • $60,580Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Elementary Education
    • CAEP-accredited
    • Online
    About the program

    The University of North Alabama offers a Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education for teachers who already hold Alabama Class B certification in K-6, giving them a focused route toward the Class A professional level. Spanning 33 semester hours and delivered fully online, the program lets educators advance without leaving their classrooms. Coursework moves beyond basics into action research, instructional technology, and assessment, and it reserves twelve advisor-approved hours for elementary education topics plus a state-approved diversity course, so the study stays both practical and specialized. The program sits within UNA's College of Education and Human Sciences, whose educator preparation holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation through spring 2028. With no out-of-state tuition differential, the online format stays affordable for practicing teachers well beyond Alabama. Graduates of this elementary education program at the master's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 59 master's degrees a year, one of the larger cohorts in the specialty. Its graduates step into Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, where elementary teachers earn a median $60,580, roughly $71,424 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  24. 24

    Chapman University

    Orange, CAPrivate nonprofit

    70score
    • $50,635Est. tuition (excl. fees)
    • 21Master's/yr
    • $101,860Metro teacher pay
    • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
    • CAEP-accredited
    • On-campus
    About the program

    Chapman University pairs a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, creating an elementary education pathway in Orange for aspiring PreK through grade 6 teachers. The design is hands-on from the start, blending graduate coursework with community-based field placements and student teaching that lead toward California teacher certification. Scheduling reflects who the program is for, since evening classes meeting once a week make room for working professionals to earn the degree without stepping away from their jobs. All of this runs through the Attallah College of Educational Studies at the Orange campus. Its educator preparation holds national CAEP accreditation alongside approval from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, tying the credential to recognized state and national standards. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in California.

    Why it ranks here

    Master's programs are judged differently here. Undergraduate stats do not apply, so the ranking looks at whether the program is established, the pay its graduates walk into locally, and how the university stands behind it. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 21 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, where elementary teachers earn a median $101,860, roughly $89,692 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. And the institution carries weight: its research standing and program accreditation, the factor we weigh most, are a clear strength.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
  25. 25

    University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

    Durham, NHPublic

    70score
    • 22Master's/yr
    • $98,060Metro teacher pay
    • Elementary Education (M.Ed.)
    • On-campus
    About the program

    This M.Ed. leads to initial New Hampshire licensure for candidates who plan to teach in elementary schools and already hold a bachelor's degree. It requires a minimum of 32 graduate credits and normally takes about two years for students without prior education coursework. The program centers on a full year of internship totaling 16 credits across fall and spring, with a required Master's Inquiry Project during the internship year. Education courses that satisfy licensure requirements must be passed with a B minus or better. The catalog lists this as a Durham campus in-person program. A master's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in New Hampshire.

    Why it ranks here

    A master's degree earns its rank on program-appropriate signals, not undergraduate ones: established scale, local teacher pay, and institutional strength. On the first, it is clearly established, turning out 22 master's degrees a year, a steady if smaller cohort. Its graduates step into Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, where elementary teachers earn a median $98,060, roughly $90,573 once local cost of living is factored in, a real-world read on what the credential is worth in that market. Institutional standing and accreditation fill out the rest of the score.

    Area teacher pay: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025, adjusted for local cost of living via U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities. A location figure, not this program's graduate earnings.

    Program page
How we rank

Each master's program is scored 0 to 100 against the other master's programs in its specialty on the measures the federal data actually supports at the graduate level: the number of master's degrees it awards each year (30%), counted as a sign that the program is established rather than rewarding sheer size: a program reaches full credit at about fifty degrees a year and awarding thousands more adds nothing, so a high-volume online degree factory earns no advantage here; the median wage for elementary teachers in the program's local area (30%), from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The wage is the metropolitan-area figure where the school sits in a metro (about 85% of programs) and the state figure otherwise, and it is adjusted for the local cost of living using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, so a high nominal salary in an expensive metro does not outrank a lower salary that goes further. It is a measure of local earning potential in the field, not the earnings of this program's graduates, which are not published. The third and largest measure is a program-strength score (40%), 0 to 100, led by the institution's Carnegie research classification, so a very-high-research university outranks a small teaching college on institutional standing. It adds a bonus where the program names a national programmatic accreditor like CAEP or AAQEP, but does not lean on it, because several states approve educator preparation through their own boards rather than CAEP, and a strong flagship should not be marked down for its state's accreditation choice. A clearly identified degree and licensure pathway adds a little more, and private for-profit programs, whose graduate outcomes are documented as weaker, take a deduction. Graduation rate, admission rate, and tuition are deliberately NOT scored: the first two are institution-wide undergraduate figures that describe the wrong population, and verified graduate tuition exists for too few programs to rank on fairly. Cost is shown on each card where we have it, but it does not affect the ranking. Every master's program is ranked and shown, with no per-state cap.

  • Established program size, degrees awarded per year, capped so volume alone does not win: 30%
  • Local-area teacher pay, cost-of-living adjusted (BLS + BEA): 30%
  • Program strength, institutional research standing plus accreditation, less a for-profit deduction: 40%

Prefer a single measure? See most popular, highest area pay.

What careers can you get with a master's in Elementary Education?

Graduates most often go on to work as elementary school teachers. Nationally, the median wage for that occupation is $63,970, with most earning between $47,960 and $104,340, and roughly 1,388,390 people employed across the United States, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A master's degree in elementary education does not change the core occupation, most graduates teach in elementary or middle school classrooms. Its main financial effect is a higher lane on district salary schedules, where teachers with a master's typically earn more than those with a bachelor's, and it can open roles such as instructional coordinator or curriculum specialist. For career changers, a master's with initial licensure (an MAT or M.Ed.) is a route into the profession itself. The wages below are the national figures for elementary school teachers, not master's-specific earnings.

Read the full guide on how to become an elementary school teacher, or see elementary school teachers pay by state →

$63,970Median annual wage
$47,960 to $104,34010th to 90th percentile
1,388,390Employed nationally

Employment is projected to change about -2% from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 103,800 openings each year on average, mostly to replace workers who retire or move to other work.

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 25-2021), and BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are national and not school-specific.

Elementary School Teachers Salary by State in 2026

Median annual wage for elementary school teachers, by state. Highest is Washington at $102,350, lowest is Oklahoma at $48,200.

StateMedian wage
Washington$102,350
California$99,650
District of Columbia$96,580
Massachusetts$94,000
Rhode Island$90,930
New York$85,760
Connecticut$80,600
Alaska$79,260
New Jersey$78,200
Maryland$77,680
Ohio$77,370
Oregon$77,130
Pennsylvania$77,060
Minnesota$76,350
Delaware$75,920
Illinois$75,320
Utah$74,810
New Mexico$74,550
New Hampshire$72,410
Georgia$72,290
Hawaii$71,410
Virginia$65,550
Michigan$65,110
Nevada$65,040
Colorado$63,410
Vermont$63,070
Texas$62,760
Maine$62,390
Nebraska$62,380
Idaho$61,600
Alabama$61,380
Wisconsin$61,210
Wyoming$61,150
South Carolina$60,820
Kentucky$60,610
Iowa$60,580
North Dakota$60,030
Tennessee$59,980
Indiana$59,700
Florida$58,930
Louisiana$58,770
Montana$57,530
Arizona$56,590
Kansas$56,450
West Virginia$55,630
North Carolina$54,930
Arkansas$52,700
Missouri$50,910
South Dakota$50,130
Mississippi$49,790
Oklahoma$48,200

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

How much a master's in Elementary Education program costs in 2026

Graduate tuition is priced by the credit rather than the year, and most master's in Elementary Education programs run 30 to 36 credits, so the total turns on a school's per-credit rate and whether you pay the in-state or out-of-state figure. Public universities are usually the least expensive for residents, while private and out-of-state rates run higher. Because IPEDS reports only an institution-wide undergraduate tuition that does not describe a graduate program, each card shows a researched per-program cost wherever a school publishes one, rather than a misleading campus-wide number.

Sticker price is rarely the final cost. Graduate students can borrow through federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans, and teachers have targeted help: the TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 a year for a commitment to teach a high-need subject in a low-income school, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness can clear the remaining balance after ten years of qualifying payments in a public school or district. Many districts also reimburse part of a master's for teachers who earn it on the job, since a graduate degree usually moves them up the salary schedule.

The payoff shows up in pay: elementary school teachers earn a median of $63,970 nationally, with the top of the field near $104,340 and the bottom around $47,960.

Sources: program data from IPEDS; the TEACH Grant and Public Service Loan Forgiveness from Federal Student Aid; wages from BLS OEWS.

Ways to earn your master's in Elementary Education

Online delivery is central at this level: 84 of the 302 ranked programs offer an online or hybrid option, which fits teachers and other professionals who study while working full time. Programs are often organized as cohorts on evening, weekend, or asynchronous schedules, with any required field hours arranged near you. A typical master's runs about two years part-time, or twelve to eighteen months full-time.

The right format depends on why you are enrolling. Licensed teachers pursuing a master's for advancement or an added specialization can usually study fully online while they keep teaching. Career-changers who need an initial teaching license should instead look for a Master of Arts in Teaching or another licensure-track program, which pairs coursework with a supervised student-teaching placement or a paid residency and so includes in-person clinical time.

Sources: program and delivery data from IPEDS.

How a master's in elementary education program works

The path differs depending on whether you are entering teaching or advancing in it.

  1. 1

    Decide your goal: licensure or advancement

    If you already hold a teaching license, a Master of Education or Master of Science deepens your practice and raises your pay lane. If your bachelor's is in another field, a Master of Arts in Teaching with initial licensure is a route into teaching.

  2. 2

    Confirm state approval and accreditation

    Choose a program approved by your state and, where possible, accredited by CAEP, so the degree counts toward licensure and toward a salary increase in your district.

  3. 3

    Check the format and length

    Most programs run about 30 to 36 credit hours. Many are online or hybrid for working teachers, while initial-licensure programs include an in-person supervised teaching placement.

  4. 4

    Complete coursework and any clinical placement

    Advancement programs focus on curriculum, assessment, and content pedagogy. Initial-licensure programs add a supervised classroom placement and the coursework your state requires for a first license.

  5. 5

    Earn licensure or your pay increase

    Initial-licensure graduates apply for a state teaching license after passing required exams. Practicing teachers submit the completed degree to move to the master's lane on their district's salary schedule.

Requirements summarized from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and each state's department of education. Exact requirements vary by state.

Best Master's in Elementary Education by state

Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank master's-level Elementary Education programs in 33 states, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.

Alabama13 rankedArizona6 rankedCalifornia13 rankedConnecticut6 rankedFlorida9 rankedGeorgia13 rankedIdaho3 rankedIllinois16 rankedIndiana12 rankedKansas7 rankedKentucky9 rankedLouisiana12 rankedMaryland4 rankedMassachusetts16 rankedMichigan3 rankedMinnesota5 rankedMississippi5 rankedMissouri8 rankedNebraska3 rankedNew Hampshire4 rankedNew Jersey6 rankedNew York39 rankedNorth Carolina13 rankedOhio3 rankedOregon3 rankedPennsylvania9 rankedSouth Carolina5 rankedTennessee9 rankedTexas7 rankedVirginia5 rankedWashington7 rankedWisconsin3 rankedWashington, D.C.3 ranked

Frequently asked questions about a Master's in Elementary Education

Do you need a master's in elementary education to teach elementary school?

No, you do not need a master's degree to teach elementary school, since the standard requirement is a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license. A master's is used either to enter teaching through an initial-licensure program or, for current teachers, to advance and increase pay.

What is the difference between an MAT and an M.Ed. in elementary education?

The difference between an MAT and an M.Ed. in elementary education comes down to purpose. A Master of Arts in Teaching usually leads to initial teacher licensure and includes student teaching, so it is aimed at people entering the profession. A Master of Education or Master of Science is typically for already-licensed teachers who want to deepen expertise, specialize, or move up the salary scale.

How much more do teachers with a master's in elementary education earn in 2026?

How much more teachers with a master's degree earn depends on the district. Most public school districts pay teachers with a master's degree on a higher salary lane than those with a bachelor's, so the degree usually raises pay for the rest of a teaching career. The exact amount varies widely by district and state.

How long does a master's in elementary education take?

A master's in elementary education is usually about 30 to 36 credit hours, which full-time students finish in one to two years and part-time working teachers often complete in about two years.

Can you earn a master's in elementary education online?

Yes, you can earn a master's in elementary education online, since many programs are fully online or hybrid, especially advancement-focused degrees for working teachers. Initial-licensure programs often deliver coursework online but still require an in-person supervised teaching placement.

Is a master's in elementary education worth it?

A master's in elementary education is worth it for current teachers, since it often pays for itself through the higher master's salary lane and roles such as instructional coordinator. For career changers, an initial-licensure master's is a recognized path into teaching. Weigh the program's graduate tuition against your state's pay increase and your goals.

Answers draw on IPEDS, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, and each state's department of education.

Data sources for our Master's in Elementary Education ranking

Keep exploring

Elementary Education at other levels

Where this degree leads

Related specialties