Program Overview

Overview of the Online Master of Education in Elementary Education – Teacher Certification

The Online Master of Education in Elementary Education – Teacher Certification program at Arizona State University provides individuals with a bachelor's degree in any field the opportunity to earn a graduate degree from a top-ranked college of education and become certified to teach grades K–8. This program offers a solid foundation in teaching and content knowledge, guided by field experts.

Program Details

• The program consists of 17 classes, each lasting 15 weeks, and totals 33 credit hours.
• The next start date for the program is 01/12/2026.
• The program is designed for those who want to teach grades K–8 and earn certification.
• Two flexible pathways to teacher certification are offered: the traditional certification pathway and the alternative certification pathway.

Traditional Certification Pathway

• Ideal for those not yet teaching full-time, this route combines online coursework with on-site internships and student teaching.
• A placement coordinator helps secure these experiences to ensure practical knowledge for certification.
• The internship typically requires one day a week or two half-days a week, while student teaching is a full-time commitment.

Alternative Certification Pathway

• Designed for those already employed as full-time teachers under an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states).
• Allows earning certification while continuing to teach, with the requirement to secure a teaching position before applying to ASU.
• Enables implementing learned concepts in real-time as the program is completed.

Curriculum and Courses

• The program's curriculum integrates core coursework with hands-on experiences in K–8 classroom settings.
• Core courses include:
  • Creating Equitable Learning Environment: Decision-Making and Action
  • Exploration of Education: Child/Adolescent Development and Foundations of Special Education
  • Foundations of Literacy: The Science of Reading
  • Instructional Design, Planning and Assessment
  • K–8 Mathematics Methods and Assessment
  • Literacy Methods of Instruction and Assessment for Diverse Learners
  • Science Methods and Assessment
  • Social Studies Methods and the Arts

Careers and Opportunities

• Upon graduation, individuals are prepared for success in today's dynamic educational landscape.
• The program prepares students for a range of educational roles, including but not limited to:
  • Educator in non-school settings
  • Educator in public, charter, or private schools
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Middle school teacher

Faculty and Research

• The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines, including cognitive science, psychology, and economics.
• Faculty seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices, and effects of education policy.
• They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
• International applicants are not eligible for teacher certification plans.
• A bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program or in an applicable master's degree program.
• Provisional admission may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99, provided the application is otherwise strong.
• Required documents include:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Proof of English proficiency

Professional Licensure and Certification

• Graduates are eligible to earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification from the Arizona Department of Education.
• Graduates can directly apply for licensure through the Arizona Department of Education and via licensure-to-licensure review in another state.
• Note: The out-of-state license must have no pending/active deficiencies or disciplinary actions.

State Authorization

• ASU is authorized to operate in various states, with policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions available on the state authorization page.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• A tuition calculator is available to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for the program.
• Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.

Conclusion

The Online Master of Education in Elementary Education – Teacher Certification program at Arizona State University offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway to becoming a certified teacher in elementary education. With its strong curriculum, experienced faculty, and commitment to practical application, this program is ideal for those seeking to make a positive impact in the lives of students in grades K–8.