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.
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.
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
- 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 Classroom Teacher (K–6)
- Teacher Leader
- Grade-Level or Department Chair
Overview FAQs
A master's in elementary education is generally a path toward deepening your classroom expertise and moving into roles like teacher leader or grade-level and department chair, rather than a route out of the classroom entirely.
UNCW's program emphasizes literacy, math, science, social studies, and language arts pedagogy, plus culturally responsive teaching strategies, and includes an action research project and a culminating professional portfolio.
Career paths for graduates of UNCW's program include elementary classroom teacher (K-6), teacher leader, and grade-level or department chair roles.
Because the program is built for teachers staying in K-6 education rather than leaving it, the coursework translates directly into your current classroom rather than requiring a career pivot to put it to use.
Compare the career paths and course list on the program page against your own goals, and reach out to an enrollment specialist with questions about fit.
This program is built specifically for currently licensed, or licensure-eligible, K-6 teachers who want to deepen their child-development knowledge and classroom practice, not for educators looking to move into a different specialization or leave the classroom.
If your goal is broader curriculum leadership across grade levels or settings rather than K-6 classroom practice specifically, UNCW's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction may be a closer match, since it doesn't require a current teaching license and is designed for a wider range of professional settings.
This program's admissions requirements, an NC Class "A" license in early childhood or elementary education (or eligibility for one) and a 750-word statement of intent, are built around candidates already working with elementary-age students.
Because eligibility is scoped tightly to K-6 licensed teachers, the coursework, action research project, and portfolio are all built around problems you're already solving in your own classroom.
Review both M.Ed. specializations' admission requirements and course lists on UNCW's education programs page, and contact an enrollment specialist if you're unsure which one fits your license and goals.
Also available:
UNCW offers additional education degree and certificate programs online.
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.
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.
| 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 |
*All amounts shown are estimates for full program tuition and fees. Tuition and fee rates are based on 2026-2027 figures, are subject to change, and do not include textbook costs and future tuition and/or fee increases. You can review the estimated costs of attendance for information about the full cost of attendance.
Tuition breakdown:
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.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/11/27 | 12/12/26 | 12/12/26 | 1/13/27 | 1/14/27 | 2/28/27 |
| Spring 2 | 3/8/27 | 2/13/27 | 2/13/27 | 3/10/27 | 3/11/27 | 4/25/27 |
| Summer 1 | 5/10/27 | 4/17/27 | 4/17/27 | 5/12/27 | 5/13/27 | 6/27/27 |
| Summer 2 | 6/28/27 | 6/5/27 | 6/5/27 | 6/30/27 | 7/1/27 | 8/15/27 |
Students must register for courses by 5 p.m. (EST) on the registration deadline date.
Students must remit tuition payment by 10 a.m. (EST) on the tuition deadline date.
Calendar FAQs
Yes. The program is delivered 100% online in 7-week terms, and it's designed for certified K-6 teachers who continue teaching while they study, using rolling admissions with multiple start dates a year.
The curriculum totals 30 credit hours across 10 courses: 6 hours of core courses, 15 hours of advanced methods courses, and 9 hours of electives.
Total tuition and fees are based on current rates and billed by the course. Students who take a full course load throughout the program can complete it in as few as 12 months.
Because coursework is built around working teachers rather than full-time, on-campus students, you can apply what you're learning in your own classroom in real time instead of pausing your career to study.
Review the upcoming term dates on the program page and choose the one that fits your school-year schedule.
UNCW uses rolling admissions for this program. Each term carries its own application, document, registration, and payment deadlines, so confirm the specific dates for the term you're targeting rather than assuming they match another term.
Rolling admissions with several start dates published throughout the year give you more flexibility to align enrollment with your school district's calendar and your own planning period.
Check the full calendar on the program page and apply by the deadline for your preferred term.
Now enrolling:
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
Admission requirements include:
- Application for graduate admission
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree, or its U.S. equivalent, from a college or university accredited by an approved institutional accreditor completed before graduate study begins.
- Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for the initial application review. If admitted, applicants are required to provide an official transcript showing proof of their bachelor’s degree(s).
- 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
Admissions FAQs
Along with a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, this program requires a North Carolina Class "A" teaching license in early childhood and/or elementary education, or qualifications for licensure in one of those areas.
You'll also need two professional recommendations and a 750-word statement of intent covering your qualifications, teaching philosophy, commitment to the profession, and prior experience working with elementary-age learners.
Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the initial application review; an official transcript confirming your bachelor's degree is required if you're admitted.
Because the admissions criteria are built around currently licensed or licensure-eligible K-6 teachers, the coursework is calibrated to your existing classroom experience rather than starting from general education theory.
Confirm your NC teaching license status, or your eligibility for licensure, and start drafting your statement of intent before you apply.
Yes. This program requires a North Carolina Class "A" teaching license in early childhood education and/or elementary education, or the qualifications to obtain licensure in one of those areas, as part of admission.
That's a distinguishing requirement compared to UNCW's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, which doesn't require a current teaching license to apply.
If you don't currently hold an NC Class "A" license in early childhood or elementary education, UNCW's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction may be a closer fit, since it's open to a broader range of professional backgrounds.
Building the license requirement into admissions keeps the coursework focused on deepening K-6 classroom practice rather than covering introductory teaching concepts you've already mastered.
If you're unsure whether your license or licensure eligibility qualifies, contact an enrollment specialist before you submit your application.
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.
Students must take the following core courses
Student must take the following advanced methods courses
Students must take 9 credit hours of coursework chosen from any CUR 500-599 level course as approved by their advisor.
**Students taking a full-time course load throughout the program can complete it in as few as 12 months. Consult with your advisor.
Request Information
Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.
