Masters in Elementary Education Degree Online

Master's in Elementary Teaching

The M.S. in Elementary Teaching program at Indiana Wesleyan University is designed for teachers who were awarded a graduate-level Transition-to-Teaching (TTT) Elementary Certificate within the last ten years and became practicing classroom teachers. Through this Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education program, you can go further in your P-12 teaching career, qualify for college-level teaching, or work in administrative roles in elementary education. Oftentimes, students can see an increase in their elementary teacher salary with master’s level degree completion.

Why Pursue My Master’s in Elementary Teaching at IWU?

There are several benefits to earning your MS in Elementary Teaching at IWU. As a student in this Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education program, you will receive a nationally recognized, accredited education, and a complete system of supportive student services. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Plus, we lock in the rate of your tuition once you start the program. This eliminates the worry of unexpected cost increases once you start classes.

What Will I Learn in This MS Elementary Teaching Program?

The MS in Elementary Teaching curriculum is designed to help students thrive as effective teachers in elementary schools. The courses in this Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education program are tailored to the needs of modern elementary school settings. Course topics include special education, how we learn, research, the craft of teaching, and more. In this Master’s level program, you will be taught by faculty with experience as teachers and leaders in elementary education.

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Elementary Education faculty bring deep expertise in literacy, curriculum design, and culturally responsive teaching. Dr. Karon Futch specializes in literacy development, instructional coaching, and supporting inclusive classroom environments. Dr. Carla Biro brings extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment, and differentiated instruction, with a passion for supporting educators in high-needs schools. Dr. Concepción Cummings focuses on multilingual learners, family engagement, and community-based education, preparing teachers to serve diverse student populations effectively.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office through the Student Portal, by phone, or by email. Most students receive a response within 24–48 hours.

This online elementary education degree includes embedded clinical experiences beginning early in the program, allowing students to gain hands-on classroom experience. Students develop practical skills in lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management, culminating in a full-time student-teaching placement. Faculty with real-world teaching experience and a Christ-centered approach further strengthen preparation.

This program prepares students for careers as licensed elementary school teachers (K–6) in public, private, and charter schools. Graduates may also pursue roles such as early childhood educator, literacy interventionist, instructional aide, or community education leader. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in education, literacy, or educational leadership.

Key courses include Foundations of Teaching and Learning, which develops instructional design and classroom management skills; Teaching Reading and Language Arts, which focuses on evidence-based literacy instruction; and the Student Teaching Seminar, which integrates theory and practice while preparing students for licensure and employment.

Recent graduates include Allie Terrell, an elementary classroom teacher in a public school district, and Kelly Culver, an early childhood educator and literacy support specialist. Additional alumni examples are being gathered.

Most graduates begin teaching in K–6 classrooms in public, private, or charter schools. Others pursue graduate programs in literacy, special education, or educational leadership.

Clinical experiences begin early and increase in responsibility throughout the program. Students complete field placements in approved K–6 classrooms, followed by a full-time 12–16 week student-teaching experience. IWU partners with schools nationwide, allowing students to complete placements near their location when possible.

Coursework is fully online. However, clinical experiences and student teaching are completed in person at approved school sites to meet licensure requirements.

Courses are delivered in accelerated 6–8 week formats, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Students typically take one course at a time, which supports working adults and allows for focused learning.

Students progress independently rather than in a cohort model.

Yes. Students connect through discussion boards, group projects, virtual office hours, and professional development opportunities.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Optional live sessions may be offered.

Students should plan to spend approximately 10–15 hours per week per course.

Students follow a structured course sequence but can take breaks between courses if needed. The program is flexible but not fully self-paced.

Most students complete the program in approximately 2.5–4 years, depending on transfer credits and course load.

Yes. Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year, typically every 6–8 weeks.

Students receive access to the IWU Student Portal, connect with an academic advisor, complete orientation, and prepare for their first course. Field placement expectations are introduced early.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, career services, library resources, technical support, and disability services.

Yes. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, student-teaching seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.

Yes. Student teaching serves as a full-time internship, and additional field experiences may be available.

Yes. Students may transfer up to 90 credits, depending on evaluation of transcripts and coursework.

In some cases, prior learning assessment (PLA) may allow students to earn credit for professional experience.

Yes. Students complete practicum experiences throughout the program and a capstone student-teaching placement. Assignments such as lesson plans, teaching portfolios, and evaluations are completed online.

This program combines a Christ-centered approach with flexible online learning and strong clinical partnerships. Faculty bring real-world experience, and the curriculum emphasizes whole-child development and culturally responsive teaching.

Students who are self-motivated, organized, and passionate about teaching children thrive in this program, especially working adults balancing multiple responsibilities.

Students consistently report a supportive and engaging environment. Faculty are accessible and committed to student success both academically and professionally.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout coursework, discussions, and teaching practices, helping students connect their beliefs with their role as educators.

The program emphasizes research-based instructional strategies for K–6 learners, including differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, scaffolding, culturally responsive teaching, and data-driven instruction. Students are prepared to support diverse learners, including multilingual students and those with exceptional needs.

Students develop practical teaching skills through applied assignments, field-based experiences, and faculty mentorship. The program builds confidence in lesson planning, assessment, classroom management, and family engagement.

Yes. Literacy and numeracy are central to the program. Students learn evidence-based reading instruction, writing strategies, and mathematics teaching methods that promote conceptual understanding and problem-solving.

Graduates pursue roles such as elementary classroom teachers (K–6), reading or math interventionists, instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and education leaders. Many also continue into advanced graduate study.

Master's in Elementary Teaching Online

Master's in Elementary Teaching

Why Pursue My Master’s in Elementary Teaching at IWU?

What Will I Learn in This MS Elementary Teaching Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Aid

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

Take the Next Step

Related Pages