Elementary Education (M.A./M.Ed.) (General)
M.A./M.Ed. Elementary Education
Program Overview
This 30-hour, flexible degree, creates the opportunity for students to dive deeply into topics of interest regarding elementary education. Whether that dive is into the newest teaching methods, societal issues impacting education, or factors to consider in designing curriculum, there are multiple offerings taught by leading researchers and pedagogues in the field of curriculum and instruction. Students who wish to engage in their own research project, can opt for the master of arts in elementary education (M.A.), which includes the design and implementation of a research project. This project becomes the basis for writing of a thesis. Students who want graduate coursework only can choose the master of education (M.Ed.) and complete 30 hours of courses to earn the M.Ed.
Course Work
Each of the graduate courses in elementary education is designed to explore an aspect of the schooling experience for elementary-aged students, their families, schools and teachers. Through courses like language acquisition, methods for teaching English as a second language, multicultural education and the politics of language, societal factors that shape educational experiences are explored and responsive ways of creating learning environments are investigated. Through courses like math and science methods, teaching literacy, social studies methods, and early childhood education, teachers learn pedagogical methods for meeting students’ learning needs. Several electives, such as ‘creativity,’ and teaching literacy using YA fiction and children’s literature, are available.
Master's Degree Programs
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.Ed. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Minor required | Location San Marcos/Round Rock |
Degree M. A. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option Minor Required | Location San Marcos/Round Rock |
Program Details
This program is designed for educators to develop advanced knowledge in pedagogy, curriculum and sociocultural understandings of learning, schooling, teaching and societal factors influencing the education of elementary-aged learners. Educators interested in curriculum design, responsive pedagogies and career advancement in public or private education, policy, and curriculum design will benefit from this program’s offerings.
Program Mission
The master’s program in elementary education:
- prepares students for advanced work in education.
- prepares educators to engage in theory and practice in new ways.
- offers the acquisition of new perspectives and skills, development of specialized knowledge, preparation to work with student teachers, preparation for leadership among teachers, and preparation for advanced graduate study.
Career Options
The master’s program in elementary education:
- prepares students to enter a new phase of their career as an educational specialist (e.g., curriculum developer, curriculum supervisor/coach, pedagogical specialist, etc.).
- prepares students for PhD study.
Program Faculty
The faculty of the graduate program in elementary education research areas of intersectionality in schooling:
- The intersection of languages, cultures, societal factors, and identities with learning specific content areas:
- Math Education
- Social Studies Education
- Science Education
- Literacy
- Early Learning
- Special Populations
- The intersection of knowledge, skills, and schooling in terms of:
- Sociohistorical Contexts
- Linguistic Contexts
- Complicated histories and difficult conversations
- Responsive Pedagogies
- Curriculum Design
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
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For Entry Prior to Summer 2026
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard June 15 (*Flexible) June 1 Spring October 15 (*Flexible) October 1 Summer I April 15 (*Flexible) March 15 Summer II June 1 (*Flexible) No Admission *This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Effective for Summer 2026 Entry and Beyond
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard August 1 June 1 Spring - Priority September 1 September 1 Spring - Standard November 1 October 1 Summer I - Priority January 1 January 1 Summer I - Standard May 1 March 15 Summer II - Priority January 1 No Admission Summer II - Standard June 1 No Admission
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
There are additional fees associated with certification programs to be paid after admission. Review important information about the additional fees to be paid.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- one-page statement of purpose on why you wish to teach
- three letters of recommendation
Review important information about documents.