This program is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field looking to expand their expertise in teaching students in grades K–8. The curriculum focuses on educational design, decision-making, leadership and professional growth. This program is ideal if you’re working in or planning to work in a school or another learning environment without pursuing teacher certification. While this degree doesn’t result in certification, it equips you with valuable academic and practical skills to enhance your contributions in educational roles. Access to students in a professional or community setting is required to complete the coursework.
Which Master of Education program is right for you?
Each of ASU’s online Master of Education programs is tailored to fit your specific career goals in education, whether you're pursuing a teaching license or looking to advance your career and knowledge.
If you’re looking to expand your expertise in educational theory and practice for grades K–8, this elementary education master’s without teacher certification will be the right choice for you. If you want to earn your teacher certification, our Master of Education in elementary education – teacher certification program is a better option for you.
Additionally, ASU offers an online Master of Education in secondary education with certification and without certification. These programs’ curriculum prepares you for grades K–8.
Programs with certification are the most popular option because they meet the widespread requirement for state certification, which all public schools mandate for teaching. While some charter, private and international schools don’t require certification, having it generally opens more teaching opportunities. However, earning a Master of Education without certification can also be beneficial, especially if you’re pursuing roles such as a teacher's aide or instructional assistant, or if you're interested in educational theory and research.

Develop the skills needed to become a quality educator who works with children in grades K–8 with Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in elementary education. This program is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in any field who are looking to advance their knowledge for teaching grades K–8. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to create equitable learning environments, use instructional methods for language and literacy, and conduct research and evaluations in education.
Throughout this program, you’ll take courses to prepare you to work with students in grades K–8 in a variety of settings. You’ll finish the program with an applied research project in which you’ll identify a challenge in a setting working with children and complete a literature review to design and implement an intervention.
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Provisional admission may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99, provided the application is otherwise strong.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement.
- Resume.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- This program has its own English proficiency requirements in addition to the university's minimum standards.
- The following are accepted to meet this requirement of the master’s and Arizona certification programs:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): score of at least 90 on the internet-based test (iBT), with scores on the Speaking and Writing portions in the high “fair” to “Good” range (22-30). ASU’s institutional code is 4007. Only electronic copies of scores are accepted.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): overall band score of at least 6.5 with Speaking and Writing portions needing to be at least 6.5 (6 = Competent User, 7 = Good User). No institutional code is needed.
- The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals who’ve worked with you in professional or academic capacities, and who can attest to your aptitude in this field and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
- Applicants must provide a personal statement on the following:
- Describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for the MEd in elementary education.
- Explain what has led you to this career path and how you’ll excel as an elementary education teacher in the classroom.
- The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement.
- Applicants are required to answer the following additional questions as part of the application:
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
- Are you now or have you ever been subject to any investigation regarding child abuse or neglect?
- Have you ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any criminal offense involving a child?
- Have you ever previously enrolled in any program or courses that lead to teacher certification?
- Have you ever been subject to sanction, discipline or dismissal by any academic institution?
- Have you ever been employed by and/or terminated from an Arizona K-12 school or school district?
- Have you already submitted an application to DPS for your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?
- Do you understand this program requires daytime internship and/or student teaching commitments?
Note: Although not required for admission, students must provide a copy of their valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance card (or equivalent in their state if outside Arizona) prior to enrolling in the first term professional experience. Students who are unable to provide this documentation may be unable to start the program in the desired term/session. It’s important prospective students are aware of this requirement when applying for the program.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”