Elementary Education Master's Degree Programs

UAF School of Education student teacher interacts with elementary school children in a classroom

Elementary Education

Master’s Degree Program (M.Ed.)

Earn your master’s in elementary education from anywhere in Alaska. You can also become a certified elementary teacher in one year and continue working on your master's degree while you are employed in your own classroom. This program gives you maximum flexibility, and specialized training to teach in rural and urban Alaska.

Our master’s in elementary education (with K-8 teacher certification) is grounded in local knowledge and experience. That means you’ll gain a deeper understanding of who your students are and where they live, growing your skills as a teacher in the process. You’ll also have a variety of opportunities to apply your learning in the classroom, through fieldwork experiences and an internship guided by a mentor teacher.

Requirements for the Master’s Degree in Elementary Education

The elementary education master’s degree includes post-bachelor teacher licensure. When you apply to the postbaccalaureate program you can also apply for the master’s degree. Or, you can complete your licensure and then pursue your master’s degree when you’re ready.

Completing your postbaccalaureate certification gives you 15 graduate-level credits toward the master’s in elementary education. Designed with working teachers in mind, you have up to six years to complete the master’s degree.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Availability:

UAF main campus
Anchorage
Distance and hybrid

Accredited by:

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Why Earn Your Master’s in Elementary Education at UAF?

Earning your elementary education master’s degree is a great way to advance your professional skills and your earning potential. Read on to find out why the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers one of the best elementary education master’s programs in the state.

Develop specialized skills for teaching in Alaska

The elementary education master's program prepares you to work in urban and rural Alaska with multicultural and minority students. An emphasis is placed on Alaska Native learning and knowledge.

Earn your master’s degree from anywhere in the state

The master’s degree in elementary education can be completed face-to-face in Fairbanks and Anchorage, via distance learning or a mix of both.

Build professional connections in the local community

UAF and the School of Education has partnerships with a wide range of Alaska’s rural and urban schools districts, offering unique opportunities for professional development and networking.

Learn from faculty who are also practicing teachers

Our faculty are current and former elementary school teachers—most of whom still hold teaching licenses. Small classes allow for closer supervision and more personal attention.

The UAF School of Education provided me with the highest level and standards of learning. I was encouraged to achieve more than I thought possible. Throughout my time at UAF I had the opportunity to be an in-person student and a distance student, no matter where I was learning from I felt supported and connected. The professors in this program were invested in me as I became a professional and as I grew as a person.Samantha Hesterman, UAF education major

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Elementary Education?

Our graduates are kindergarten and elementary school teachers in rural and urban school districts across Alaska. Some find jobs in other parts of the country, or in international schools. Many of our graduates are offered positions through our internship and fieldwork opportunities.

In addition to developing your teaching skills and potentially boosting your salary, earning your master’s degree opens up additional opportunities for school leadership, career advancement and community engagement.

Each state has its own unique requirements for authorization. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings website.

Master’s in elementary education salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers in Alaska earn an average salary of $74,070. This significantly exceeds the national average for this job, which is $58,230. Earning your master’s degree will help position you for a top earning career.

What Classes Are Required for Elementary Education Majors?

The master’s in elementary education explores methods for teaching mathematics, language arts, science and social studies. You’ll also learn about research and data gathering techniques, with a special emphasis on Alaska and indigenous knowledge. Fieldwork is integrated throughout the curriculum, and you have the option to complete the degree with a thesis or research project.

Programs Related to Elementary Education

Secondary Education (Master of Education)
Special Education (Master of Education)
School Counseling (Master of Education)
Online Innovation and Design (Master of Education)

Get Started on Your Master’s in Elementary Education

Take the next step toward earning your master’s degree in elementary education. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? We have one of the best advising teams of any graduate school for education in the country. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? Contact us to walk through the process and make sure you maximize the credits you’ve already earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

You can enroll in the master’s degree in elementary education program throughout the year. Take a few minutes to submit your online application today.

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