Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies

Elementary Education, MA

Apply Now

Download Flyer

Overview

Are you ready to redefine your teaching career? This Master of Arts in teaching elementary education in Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development is designed for educators to gain the tools to transform student lives and lead the future of education.

At WMU, you'll join a supportive network of fellow educators and distinguished faculty. Our program blends rigorous hands-on practice with the mentorship of award-winning curriculum experts, ensuring you graduate with the confidence to lead any classroom.

By earning the M.A. in teaching elementary education degree, you'll be prepared to obtain the elementary education certification at the graduate level in the State of Michigan. Educators who hold a master’s degree may have an advantage in the job market and qualify for a pay increase in some states.

Meet Zyaire

After graduating from WMU, Zyaire advanced his teaching career to become a Program Director at the French School of Detroit.

Learn more

Why apply?

Real-world experience: Students in this program complete a year-long clinical experience with the required coursework for certification. Additionally, students co-teach with trained mentors and receive extensive coaching during the school year
Cohort model: Students in this program work in cohorts and receive targeted feedback on their practice as they apply what they are learning in their coursework.
Early career support: Students will have the opportunity to be placed in the district as full-time teachers and receive comprehensive induction support for three years.
Creating exceptional educators: Michigan school principals ranked 97% of new teachers prepared at WMU as “effective” or “highly effective” in 2022-23.

Who should apply?

This master's program meets state requirements to obtain elementary education certification at the graduate level and is designed for individual's who:

Hold a bachelor's degree in any area of study
Are able to be placed in a full-time internship or paid position during their final semester OR who are already working in an elementary classroom
Are ready to complete the required online classes in 18 months

Program of study

This comprehensive program is designed to transform you into a highly effective educator by bridging the gap between advanced theory and real-world classroom success. You will explore the psychological and social foundations of how children learn, while developing a sophisticated toolkit for using data and assessment to meet the unique needs of every student.

The curriculum offers deep expertise in foundational subjects like literacy and mathematics, complemented by hands-on curriculum workshops and extensive field experiences that allow you to apply your skills in real time. Your journey culminates in an original capstone research project, ensuring you graduate not just as a teacher, but as a visionary leader equipped to shape the future of education.

Explore courses

Admissions requirements

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Learn more

Cost & funding