Master of Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education Online

Enhance your core teaching practices for working with young students and develop the leadership skills needed to pursue fulfilling elementary education career opportunities.

Apply by 8/1/26
Start class 8/24/26 Apply Now
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Program Overview

Enhance your knowledge of K-6 learning development with this online master’s in elementary education

The online Master of Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education program from University of North Carolina Wilmington is designed for certified K–6 teachers and emphasizes literacy, math, science, social studies and language arts pedagogy. This master’s in elementary education program focuses on culturally responsive teaching and global awareness, equipping educators to meet the needs of diverse learners. Coursework also deepens your understanding of child development, curriculum, technology-driven teaching strategies and inclusive classroom practices.

Design an action research project that demonstrates your subject-specific knowledge and ability to integrate research and practice. Complete a culminating portfolio project that showcases your professional growth and expertise. Continue working full time with flexible, 100% online elementary education courses and apply what you learn in real time for the benefit of your students.

This K-6 education program is offered through the CAEP-accredited Watson College of Education.

In this online master’s in elementary education program, you will:

  • Critically apply research methodologies and data literacy to evaluate and improve instructional practices, demonstrating expertise in evidence-informed decision-making
  • Design, implement and assess instructional practices that engage all learners through integrated curriculum, active learning strategies and innovative pedagogies
  • Foster equitable and inclusive classroom environments that respond effectively to the cultural and linguistic needs of elementary students
  • Communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues, administrators families and community partners to advance student learning and strengthen school environments
  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate appropriate technologies into instructional design and practice to enhance teaching, foster student engagement and support academic achievement
  • Demonstrate a professional disposition by adhering to ethical standards, laws, policies and professional codes of conduct that guide decision-making and practice within the field of education
In this online master’s in elementary education program, you will:
  • Critically apply research methodologies and data literacy to evaluate and improve instructional practices, demonstrating expertise in evidence-informed decision-making
  • Design, implement and assess instructional practices that engage all learners through integrated curriculum, active learning strategies and innovative pedagogies
  • Foster equitable and inclusive classroom environments that respond effectively to the cultural and linguistic needs of elementary students
  • Communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues, administrators families and community partners to advance student learning and strengthen school environments
  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate appropriate technologies into instructional design and practice to enhance teaching, foster student engagement and support academic achievement
  • Demonstrate a professional disposition by adhering to ethical standards, laws, policies and professional codes of conduct that guide decision-making and practice within the field of education

Elementary education career options with an M.Ed. in the field include:

  • Elementary Classroom Teacher (K–6)
  • Teacher Leader
  • Grade-Level or Department Chair
Elementary education career options with an M.Ed. in the field include:
  • Elementary Classroom Teacher (K–6)
  • Teacher Leader
  • Grade-Level or Department Chair

Also available:

UNCW offers additional education degree and certificate programs online.

Total Tuition $10,645.50*
Duration As few as 12 months**
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation:

All educator preparation programs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington are approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

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Need More Information?

Call 855-306-4734

Call 855-306-4734

Tuition

Learn about the elementary education master’s online program tuition

UNCW offers convenient, pay-by-the-course tuition for our online programs. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year pending legislative approval. View more information on your cost of attendance.

View additional tuition information+

Program Total Tuition & Fees*
M.Ed. in Elementary Education(in-state residents) $10,645.50
M.Ed. in Elementary Education (out-of-state residents) $39,915.60

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $10,645.50*

Calendar

Dates and deadlines for your academic journey

The master’s in elementary education program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring rolling admissions and six start dates each year. Choose the date that best suits your goals.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Fall 18/24/268/1/268/1/268/26/268/27/2610/11/26
Fall 210/19/269/26/269/26/2610/21/2610/22/2612/6/26

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 8/1/26
Class Starts 8/24/26

Admissions

Prepare to apply with these Master of Education in Elementary Education guidelines

Learn more about admission guidelines for the master’s in elementary education program. UNCW reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you are urged to apply promptly for your preferred start date.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • 3.0 GPA
View all admission requirements +

Admission requirements include:

  • Application for graduate admission
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, completed before graduate study begins
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • North Carolina Class “A” teaching license in early childhood education and/or elementary education (or qualifications for licensure in either specialization)
  • Two professional recommendations
  • Statement of intent (750 words) describing your qualifications, philosophy of teaching and learning, commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with elementary learners and prior experiences in elementary schools

Courses

Explore the online master’s in elementary education coursework

The online master’s in elementary education curriculum is comprised of 10 courses (30 credit hours): 6 hours of core courses, 15 hours of advanced methods courses and 9 hours of electives.

Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.

Expand All

Students must take the following core courses

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students explore the purposes of the elementary school in today’s society and examine philosophical perspectives that shape program design and instructional practice. The course emphasizes approaches for building meaningful connections with students whose cultures, experiences, strengths, and needs may differ from one another. Students also analyze the social contexts of schooling and their influence on teaching and learning, while investigating current challenges and considering possible solutions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will prepare teachers to conduct action research in their educational settings for the purpose of systemic improvement of teaching and learning. Students will learn how to become effective decision makers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of research in order to positively impact learning.

Student must take the following advanced methods courses

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus on identifying and developing materials and methods for teaching mathematics from a global perspective. This course is designed to develop an awareness of key global issues and how mathematics can be used for action and response.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores contemporary research and practices in social studies education with emphasis on creating global learning classrooms. Students will discover how social studies naturally affords teaching for global citizenship, including understanding of interconnected local and global issues, skills in perspective-taking, collaboration, and communication, and the motivation to take action.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores authentic research in science education with an emphasis on global scientific literacy in the elementary school curriculum. Students will learn how to scaffold science concepts using a global perspective to include the interdependence of earth’s natural systems. Inquiry, STEAM education, and nature of science will be addressed.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the intersection of theory, practice, and assessment of literacy teaching and learning in classrooms, particularly in relation to students with differing backgrounds and learning needs.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course frames culturally responsive arts integration and arts education in a global world. It is designed to provide research-based theory and pedagogy for integrating visual arts, music, drama, dance and movement across disciplines in school education. Attention will be given to the arts in culture, society, and global context.

Students must take 9 credit hours of coursework chosen from any CUR 500-599 level course as approved by their advisor.

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