Elementary Education (M.A./M.Ed.)
M.A./M.Ed. Elementary Education
Program Overview
Texas State began as a normal school and has continued for over 100 years as a top school for educators. Texas State is the ideal choice for teachers seeking to improve their performance and for career changers looking for certification with a master's degree.
Our master’s programs with an emphasis on talent development are unique in the nation. Our innovative M.A. and M.Ed. programs offer a unique and much needed emphasis on fostering various kinds of human flourishing in schools and communities.
Our students learn to recognize and foster the talents, creativity, diverse pathways, and well-being of students, educators, and communities. Students engage in critical inquiry, grow their teaching, and enhance their own talents, creativity, and transformative practices. We work together toward educational equity and excellence and a more just world. Our graduates say that these programs not only made them better educators but also opened up their thinking about themselves, education, and the world - often in ways that helped them figure out their next steps.
Course Work
For current certified teachers, the 30-credit-hour master of education (M.Ed.) in elementary education program requires students to complete elementary education course work and an approved minor area of study.
The 30-credit-hour master of arts (M.A.) degree requires students to complete elementary education course work, including a minor and a written thesis. The course work is geared for teachers with experience who are interested in a focus on research.
The certification with master of education degree (CMED) program combines initial teaching certification (EC-6 ESL or bilingual or 4-8 generalist, English
LA/RDG/SS, math, or science) with the M.Ed. degree.
Talent Development Concentration: Students may take courses across a variety of areas, or they may pursue an area of focus. For example, interested students might pursue a curricular emphasis in teacher talent development, creativity and social change, equity and excellence in gifted and talented education, or literacy education. Students in the M.A. degree programs write a thesis. Students in the M.Ed. degree programs complete a graduate minor.
New students may start their course work in any semester. We offer courses at times and in modalities that are convenient for working professional and parents.
Students can use what they learn in their courses in their jobs and communities and in everyday life.
Master's Degree Programs
These programs do not offer initial teacher's certification in conjunction with the master's degree. If you are looking for a master's program that offers a teacher's certification plan in conjunction with the degree, please see below.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.Ed. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Minor required |
Degree M.A. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option Minor required |
Degree M.Ed. | Concentration Early Childhood Education | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Minor required |
Degree M.A. | Concentration Early Childhood Education | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option Minor required |
Degree M.Ed. | Concentration Talent Development | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Minor required |
Degree M.A. | Concentration Talent Development | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
| Degree | Master's Program | Certification Program | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program 4–8 English Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program 4–8 English Language Arts and Reading | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program 4–8 Science | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program 4–8 Social Studies | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program 4–8 Math | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program 4–8 Generalist | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program EC–6 Generalist Bilingual | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program EC–6 Generalist ESL | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education – Teacher Certification in Early Childhood through Grade Six ESL* | Certification Program EC–6 Core Subjects ESL | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
*Please note the deadlines and requirements for this program are different than what is listed for the Elementary Education program. Visit the Elementary Education – Teacher Certification in Early Childhood through Grade Six ESL to learn more.
Online Availability
Part of this program may be offered online. If you are not a Texas resident and will not relocate, please visit the Office of Distance and Extended Learning. International students, please visit the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) regarding additional considerations in taking online courses.
Program Details
The community of students enrolled in the master's degree programs in elementary education at Texas State are passionate about teaching, learning and making a difference.
We foster human flourishing in schools and communities as we work together toward a more just world.
Program Mission
The graduate elementary education program at Texas State offers advanced studies in curriculum, teaching and learning for educators who are certified to teach at the levels of early childhood through middle grades (EC-8). Texas State also offers many concentrations that allow students to focus on a particular area of interest while interacting within a larger community of intellectual inquiry in education. Course work may be completed on the San Marcos Campus and Round Rock Campus.
Career Options
A master's in elementary education offers graduates options to teach in a variety of settings. Graduates are qualified to teach in their area of specialty and become grade level or content team leaders, mentor teachers, instructional coaches, or writers of textbooks. This degree also prepares graduates interested in working in academia to pursue a Ph.D. or work at the collegiate level.
Talent development: Our academic programs provide a foundation to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities and, for those who want to do so, to go on to further studies such as Ph.D. programs. Our graduates work in schools and communities in careers such as: campus mentors and instructional coaches, classroom teachers, dance teachers, art teachers, music teachers, newcomer coordinators, early childhood center directors, career and technical education teachers, advanced academics and gifted and talented education coordinators, special education teachers, university instructors, and outdoor education specialists.
Program Faculty
The faculty come from a variety of diverse backgrounds and have moved into teacher preparation. Faculty actively engage in research that is at the forefront of the changes and development in elementary education and publish and present locally, nationally and internationally in their fields.
The talent development faculty are are caring, supportive, and committed to the highest quality teaching. The expertise of the faculty encompasses a variety of areas and diverse perspectives. Faculty present and publish their work nationally and internationally. Some of our faculty members' leadership in service has been recognized with awards by professional organizations. The program advisor works individually and responsively with students to map out their course work and more.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.
Graduate Advisor
(Grades EC-6)
Dr. Tim Kinard
timkinard@txstate.edu
512.245.6382
Education Building (ED), Room 3067B
Graduate Advisor
(Early Childhood Education)
Dr. Tim Kinard
timkinard@txstate.edu
512.245.6382
Education Building (ED), Room 3067B
Graduate Advisor
(Grades 4-8)
Dr. Gwynne Ash
gwynne@txstate.edu
512.245.8068
Education Building (ED), Room 3019
Graduate Advisor
(Talent Development)
Dr. Susan Waite
sw22@txstate.edu
512.245.3084
Education Building (ED), Room 3016
Graduate Advisor
(EC-6 Generalist Bilingual)
Dr. Charise Pimentel
cp26@txstate.edu
512.245.3678
Education Building (ED), Room 3014
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen February 1 | International February 1 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
Deadlines Spring | U.S. Citizen October 15 (*Flexible) | International October 1 |
Deadlines Summer I | U.S. Citizen April 15 (*Flexible) | International March 15 |
Deadlines Summer II | U.S. Citizen June 1 (*Flexible) | International 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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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $35 nonrefundable Texas Education Agency technology fee (if offered admission to the master's + certification program)
and either - $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $35 nonrefundable Texas Education Agency technology fee (if offered admission to the master's + certification program)
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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
- minimum 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.
Effective Fall 2024
- 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)
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
TOEFL Scores for all Certification Applicants
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- official TOEFL iBT scores with minimum individual scores of
- 22 listening
- 22 reading
- 24 speaking
- 21 writing
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores for Non-Certification Applicants
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
M.A. and M.Ed. applicants applying to programs with no concentrations OR with concentrations in Early Childhood Education and CMED:
- one-page statement of purpose on why you wish to teach
- three letters of recommendation
For M.A. and M.Ed. applicants applying to the Elementary Education program with a concentration in Talent Development:
- resume/CV, including contact information for two references who are familiar with your scholarly work and/or relevant work experience
- statement of purpose (one to two double-spaced pages) that includes your rationale for pursuing graduate study in this particular program
Review important information about documents.