Program Description
MSEd in Elementary Education (non-certification option): This program is designed primarily for practicing educators who desire to continue their professional growth toward becoming master teachers with deeper knowledge and advanced skills in elementary teaching. With a curriculum focused on theory, practice and content knowledge, candidates completing this degree are prepared for greater responsibility within their district, the role of mentor to colleagues and preservice teachers or pursuit of doctoral studies.
The program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours with 12 hours of required courses and 21 hours of elective courses. All required courses may be completed online; elective courses are offered in a combination of face-to-face or online formats. Students may apply elective course hours toward earning a MSU Graduate Certificate in one of the following areas: Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted Education, Educational Technology, Elementary Mathematics Specialist. Literacy or TESOL. A graduate certificate in another approved area may also be applied toward elective hours with approval from the Elementary Education Graduate Program Director.
Successful completion of focus area coursework provides eligibility for an MSU Graduate Certificate. Graduate certificates may be earned independently or as part of the MSEd in Elementary Education. Students must apply for admission to a graduate certificate program separately from admission to the MSEd in Elementary Education. The graduate certificate is awarded upon successful completion of coursework in the focus area and will be noted on the official university transcript.
MSEd in Elementary Education with Certification option: This combined graduate degree and initial teacher certificate program is intended for individuals who hold at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The MSEd in Elementary Education with certification is an approved teacher certification program by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and is intended for individuals seeking to become certified elementary-level educators. This program includes site-based clinical experiences in area schools and builds upon candidates’ previous coursework and experiences.
Program Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, a student must submit a Graduate Application and meet the following criteria.
- Applicants must meet minimum Graduate College requirements for admission.
- Students must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet the university requirements for admission as defined by International Services.
- A letter of intent describing the applicant’s professional goals and teaching philosophy, future plans, background information, teaching experiences, and/or other related experiences with children.
- One confidential letter of recommendation from a professional familiar with the candidate’s academic abilities and teaching potential.
- A résumé.
A candidate who does not meet all of the above criteria, but who demonstrates outstanding potential, may be fully admitted based on individual merit and successful completion of the first nine hours (3.00 GPA or higher) by the Elementary Education Graduate Program Director of the Director of the School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences.
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