About
Appalachian’s Master of Arts in Elementary Education leads to “M”-level licensure in grades K-6 and has been approved by the appropriate bodies at the state level to meet the advanced competencies as mandated in the NC Excellent Schools Act for master’s-level teacher education programs. This degree program is open to qualified students who hold a valid NC “A”-level teaching license or its equivalent from another state (the teaching license does not have to be in elementary education).
The program covers the theoretical and philosophical bases for educational practices as they relate to the elementary school curriculum. Students concentrate in one or more of the instructional areas in these grades and explore how subjects interrelate. Students learn to better understand the elementary school-age learner, utilize research techniques in designing and implementing curricula and activities, identify major issues and trends impacting elementary education, and make critical decisions.
Courses
Course titles and information can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Application Essentials
Required Entrance Exam: GRE or MAT (score must be no more than 5 years old)
Required number of references to specify in the online form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission); proof of teacher licensure
Basic Conditions for Consideration of Admission: Meeting or exceeding the conditions below does NOT guarantee admission. All applications for a given entry term will be weighed based upon the number of seats available and the quality of the complete application packages. With special permission from the Graduate School, a program may admit a limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the graduate school minimums.
Graduate School: 3.0 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores from the appropriate admission test(s), OR 2.5 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores at the 25th percentile level from the appropriate admission test(s).
Admission to Elementary Education: Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of applications are reviewed in comparison to the current applicant pool.
Employers
School systems across North Carolina and beyond
Application Deadlines
- Spring: 11/1
- Summer Session 1: 4/1
- Summer Session 2: x
- Fall: 7/1
*See full deadline information below under Application Essentials.
Why Appalachian?
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- You can obtain initial and advanced licensure in your field of study.
- Appalachian offers varied delivery modes to meet the needs of students.
- Programs are offered on campus, off campus and online.
- Class sizes are small and taught by faculty with K-12 experience.
- An advanced degree may provide pathways to educational opportunities and new positions.
- All graduate programs at Appalachian have small class sizes, providing intimate classroom interaction.
- The School of Graduate Studies offers scholarships, fellowships and assistantships to support eligible, full-time, degree-seeking students.
Method of Delivery
On campus and online
Careers
Master’s-level Elementary Teacher
Contacts
Dr. Chrystal Dean
Program Director
deanco@appstate.edu
828-262-8009