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Master of Arts in Education | Masters in Elementary Education Unified | Leads to Licensure | Graduate Degree Program

Master of Arts in Education | Masters in Elementary Education Unified | Leads to Licensure

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Master of Arts in Elementary Education Unified

The accelerated Elementary Education Unified degree will provide students who are preparing for the education profession with a high-quality academic setting and field based experience. Educators will obtain a clear understanding of student need, instructional approaches, content knowledge, continued professional growth, and a commitment to creating a learning environment for all Pre-K - 6 students. Ottawa University's accelerated masters degree in education is designed to assist in meeting the criteria to become a Pre-K - 6 classroom teacher. 

This accelerated program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to:

  • Practice theory in a classroom setting. 
  • Engage in continued professional growth.
  • Enhance teaching and services to students.
  • Prepare and plan for change in the schools.
  • Provide students with an engaging learning environment.
  • Learn aspects of learning assessment and accountability.
  • Engage in applying learning strategies for ELL instruction, the science of reading, exploring creativity, and students with special needs. 

Why Earn a Masters Degree in Elementary Education?

It has been widely understood that if the United States of America expects greater returns on its investments in education, we are going to need to put highly qualified, innovative minds in teaching and administrative positions. A Master of Arts in Education is a prerequisite for many education positions and is recognized by school districts as a valuable credential. An accelerated, online master’s degree in elementary education from Ottawa University gives educators the knowledge and skills to inspire and encourage a love of learning and the techniques to handle diverse classrooms and learning styles.

Download a program overview

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Job Opportunities for Elementary Education Degrees

Why You Should Consider a Career in Teaching

For more information about earning your accelerated, online degree through the master of arts in education - elementary education unified program at Ottawa University — or for any of our accelerated degree programs — contact us today!

Education | Masters in Elementary Education Unified | Leads to Licensure is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Kansas City (Overland Park, Kansas)
  • Online

Education and Qualifications for Elementary Education Unified

The traditional route for pursuing a career in teaching involves completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a teacher education program and then obtaining a certificate/license in a specific state. Those who have a college degree in other fields may meet state guidelines by completing a teacher certification/licensure program. For supervisory or other advanced education positions, a master’s degree may be required. Teachers who hold a degree and a state license have the most career flexibility.

Elementary Education Careers

Master’s degree programs in elementary education prepare educators to utilize high-level teaching methodologies and provide the tools to make work in the field of education more effective and efficient. Ottawa University's online hybrid Education - Elementary Education Unified graduate program prepares students to teach grades Pre-K - 6 .

Career Outlook for Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elementary education teachers was $61,690 in May 2022. About 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, from 2022 to 2032. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

  • This program meets professional licensure requirements in certain states, as outlined on the University’s Licensure Disclosure page. Students are advised to verify that they are located (or plan to seek initial licensure) in a state where Ottawa University’s program meets requirements. Students who have questions about a program’s status should consult with an enrollment advisor. Those who relocate to another state during their course of study may no longer be eligible to enroll in the program or receive federal financial aid, and they may not meet licensure requirements in their state.

Master of Arts in Education: Elementary Education Unified

For the complete curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview. 

Click Here for Full Course Catalog 

Foundation Courses 

EDF 7110 | Foundation of Learning Theory (3 Credits) 
Evaluate key learning theories and environmental factors in relationship to student motivation; in order to advocate, nurture, and sustain the behavioral and academic success of students. 

EDF 7210 | Foundation of Education (3 Credits) 
Explore the historical and philosophical foundations of education in order to evaluate educational trends and create a personal philosophy of education while practicing the profession with intentionality. 

EDF 7310 | Foundation of Exceptionality (3 Credits) 
A comprehensive investigation concerning the identification, support, and resources necessary for supporting families and children/students with exceptionalities. Utilizing a team-based approach, candidates will construct strategies for creating programs that advocate for and sustain an instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth. 

EDF 7500 | Foundation of Professional Practices in Education (3 Credits) 
Examine the guidelines and professional educator standards. Analyze, engage in and demonstrate aspects of reflective practice, critical perspectives, and making informed decisions. Learn about advocating for sound educational practices and policies. 

EDF 8400 | Advanced Action Research and Assessment (3 Credits) 
Capstone course and directly associated with student teaching experiences or teacher apprenticeship culmination. Activities may include, but not limited to, professional development in trauma informed care, ELL instruction, dyselxia, balanced assessments, life-career balance and parent-community involvement. Final teaching worksample (action research) and/or case study portfolio will be completed. 

Elementary Education Unified Concentration Courses

EDC 7120 | Arts and Wellness in the Elementary Classroom (2 Credits) 
Examines the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the arts (music, visual arts, dance, and/or theatre), physical education, and wellness.

EDC 7320 | Integrated Teaching in Elementary Science and Mathematics (3 Credits) 
Examine the understanding and uses scientific disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science and engineering practices central concepts, tools of inquiry, and introduces the structures of mathematics (counting and cardinality, operations and algebraic thinking, number and operation in base ten and fractions, measurement and data, geometry, ratios and proportional relationships, statistics and probability). Learn how to plan, implement, and assess science and mathematics concepts including engaging elementary learners in curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, exploration, sense-making, conceptual development, and collaborative problem-solving. Experiences will include designing personalized learning needs, ELL strategies, universal design, application of learning technologies, and intensive intervention strategies. Field experience required.

EDC 7321 | Integrated Teaching in Elementary Social Studies, English and Language Arts (3 Credits) 
Students will examine the central concepts and structures of social studies (the integrated study of history, geography, people and places, economics, civics and government) and the English/Language Arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening, language and ELL). Field experience required. 

EDC 7700 | The Professional Educator: Relfection Practicum Lab (2 Credits) 
Gain experience with research-based strategies, project-based instruction, collaboration, and reflective practice, which assumes use of technology and design learnig. Field-based experience required to fulfill student teaching requirements. 

EDC 7701 | The Professional Educator: Clinical Practicum Lab II (2 Credits) 
Gain strategies for instruction, inclusion, classroom organization, data management, and student engagement. Field-based experience required to fulfill student teaching requirements. 

EDC 8003 | Behavior and Classroom Management in Inclusive Elementary Settings (3 Credits) 
This course examines principles and practices of effective classroom and behavior management in K-6 inclusive settings. Candidates learn to design structured, supportive, and culturally responsive environments that promote academic and behavioral success for all learners. Focus areas include Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), the Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS), Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) along with strategies that foster social-emotional learning and student self-determination. 

EDC 8500 | Elementary English/Language Arts (ELA) Teaching Lab (3 Credits)  
Practice in selected inclusive classrooms with emphasis on the ELA elementary education standards and ELL standard (including phonics, the science of reading, and language acquisition). Special seminars and continuous evaluation teaching experiences. 

EDC 8501 | Elementary Unified and Mathematics Teaching Lab (3 Credits)                                      Practice in selected classrooms with emphasis on the mathematics elementary education standards. Special seminars and continuous evaluation of teaching experiences. 

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

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