We are excited to announce that the MSED in Elementary Education (PreK-6), Initial Licensure will be transitioning to a 37-credit hour online Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education in Spring 2025. Please see the Graduate Catalog or Program Director for more information about requirements.
The master’s program in elementary school education (PreK-6) is designed for individuals with a non-teaching B.S. or B.A. degree who want to obtain licensure as a teacher in preschool through grade six and earn a master’s degree at the same time. The Pre-K-6 initial licensure concentration offers three different emphasis areas: Interdisciplinary Studies (those getting a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from ¹ÏÉñÍø) or Non-Interdisciplinary Studies (those with other non-teaching undergraduate degrees). 
The program prepares professional educators who are confident and excel in their content and pedagogy. They are committed to using effective practices innovatively, while respecting and addressing the needs of diverse student populations in PreK-6 settings.
Program Highlights
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The program prepares candidates to teach in diverse settings using culturally sustaining pedagogy.
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Faculty are world-class educators who use their own real world experiences to teach in relevant ways.
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Courses include extensive field placements early on to provide candidates with classroom experiences throughout the program.
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There are many opportunities to study abroad and deepen both pedagogical and cultural knowledge. 
Careers
Check out these ideas from ¹ÏÉñÍø's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility. May be required to hold State certification.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to kindergarten students. Promote physical, mental, and social development. May be required to hold State certification.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
An application for graduate studies and official transcripts must be submitted by the appropriate deadline for admission. Under certain circumstances, applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for regular admission to the program may be admitted on a provisional basis subject to conditions specified by the graduate program director. Requirements include:
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A B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in teacher education, primary/elementary from the College of Arts and Letters at ¹ÏÉñÍø
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Passing scores on the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments
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Passing scores on the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.Â
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ÏÉñÍø, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at ¹ÏÉñÍø, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
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