Elementary Education, MA
Why Pursue an Elementary Education Master’s?
There is nothing elementary about being an elementary school educator. Modern teaching systems and structural realities require much from our educators. And that is why Piedmont University is here ready to help you improve your understanding of your role and to improve your career path with our elementary education Master of Arts degree.
Piedmont’s study of elementary education at the master’s degree level (MA) focuses on refining and strengthening the educator’s abilities to design and deliver high quality instruction. Piedmont graduates also join an accomplished coalition of Piedmont alumni who year after year pursue excellence and experience the challenges and triumphs of teaching. We’ll help you sharpen your abilities and knowledge – while also showing you how to keep it elementary for your students.
How a Piedmont Elementary Education Master’s Degree Helps You
- Gain a more complete understanding of your chosen field of teaching.
- Deepen your appreciation of teaching and improve your teaching ability of children in grades PK-5.
- Improve your resume and put yourself in position for more competitive roles and school systems.
- Take classes on your time in a setting that best suits your hectic schedule.
Career Opportunities
An Elementary Education Master’s Degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. Students who graduate from Piedmont with an MA in Elementary Education are prepared to teach in both public and private schools.
A Master’s Degree in Elementary Education enhances instructional skills, curriculum design, and classroom management—key for success in Public Schools. It also deepens understanding of child development, enabling educators to better support diverse learners and improve student outcomes.
A Master’s Degree in Elementary Education equips educators with advanced teaching strategies and a strong foundation in child development, making it well-suited for careers in Private Schools. It also supports differentiated instruction and curriculum enrichment tailored to smaller class sizes and unique school missions.
More About Elementary Education
Learn more about Elementary Education and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont’s elementary education MA consists of a 30-hour (10 course) program. In pursuing their MA at Piedmont, candidates will complete intentionally planned course work in areas of graduate study like research methods, as well as learning and cognition to prepare for a capstone research project. Candidates also complete courses that address the most pressing needs of 21st century students – which includes specialty topics in elementary education (such as interdisciplinary teaching, advanced differentiation, and the role of play, movement, and the imagination in modern classrooms). This program also has embedded space for candidates to complete one of our endorsements on their journey to graduation. (NOTE: The MA Degree in elementary education is not appropriate for individuals who are seeking initial certification in elementary education or who wish to add elementary education to their current certification.)
If you are an educator ready to advance in your career, Piedmont is here to help. Our MA candidates may begin in fall, spring, or summer semesters, complete courses online, and design course schedules that fit their needs.
Piedmont’s Master of Arts (MA) degrees in education are designed for teachers and/or individuals who hold a valid teaching certificate or who are currently teaching in a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) at the Accredited With Quality (AWQ) or Accredited (ACC) level. Eligibility for application requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university and a copy of a valid teaching certificate or letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator.* NOTE: Master of Arts (MA) degree programs do not lead to initial educator certification nor to the conversion of a non-renewable certificate (provisional or waiver certificate) to a professional certificate. Piedmont has Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and certification-only programs leading to initial certification.
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from the college or university awarding the bachelor’s degree showing all course work from all colleges and universities attended. (Piedmont University transcripts are on file.)
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Copy of valid, current professional Georgia teaching certificate at the appropriate level or letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. For those holding provisional certificates a copy of the current certificate and a copy of the PSC letter outlining requirements for updating to a clear-renewable certificate
- (Note: If your certificate is not a Georgia certificate and you desire to be certified in Georgia, you must complete all requirements through the Professional Standards Commission [PSC].)
- Personal Affirmation Form
* These programs are for advanced certification and do not lead to a recommendation for an initial Georgia Teaching Certificate. Holders of out-of-state certificates should contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for reciprocity rules.
** Teachers using this option must have taught three out of the past five years with a professional teaching certificate in an accredited public school or private school [SACS or GAC (top two levels)] verified through submitted annual evaluations.
Related Programs
Intrigued by an Elementary Education Master’s Degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Elementary Education, adolescent development, and effective teaching strategies.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming an Elementary Education student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Secondary Education.