Online Master of Education in Elementary Education – Teacher Certification

Ready to begin your career as a well-prepared certified teacher? Arizona State University’s Master of Education in elementary education – teacher certification program online provides those with a bachelor’s degree in any field the chance to earn a graduate degree from a top-ranked college of education and become certified to teach grades K–8. This program provides a solid foundation in teaching and content knowledge, guided by field experts. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for success in today’s dynamic and ever-changing educational landscape.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 17

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 15

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered

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Earn your elementary education MEd and teacher certification

Earning your elementary education master’s with teacher certification provides an ideal path if you want to teach grades K–8 and already have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Whether you're a substitute teacher, a non-education professional changing careers or an aspiring educator, this program will guide you through coursework, exams and hands-on experiences to become a subject matter expert in the classroom.

You’ll gain practical skills in classroom management, inclusive teaching and learning design, all while receiving support from a top-ranked college of education. Plus, by committing to teach in Arizona after graduation, you may qualify for the Arizona Teachers Academy at ASU tuition scholarship.

Two pathways to certification

This program offers two flexible pathways to teacher certification, tailored to fit your individual needs. Both options blend theory with practice through expert instruction from ASU faculty and hands-on internship and student teaching experiences. While both paths provide valuable learning opportunities, their structures are designed to accommodate different schedules and preferences.

  • Traditional certification pathway: Ideal if you’re not yet teaching full time, this route combines online coursework with on-site internships and student teaching. You’ll work with a placement coordinator to secure these experiences, ensuring you gain the practical knowledge needed for certification. The internship typically requires one day a week or two half-days a week, while student teaching is a full-time commitment. It’s important to plan financially, as student teaching demands your full focus with no flexibility in scheduling.
  • Alternative certification pathway: If you’re already employed as a full-time teacher under an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states), this route allows you to earn certification while continuing to teach. Unlike the traditional pathway, you’ll need to secure your teaching position before applying to ASU, but this option lets you implement what you learn in real-time as you complete the program. If you’re interested in obtaining your teacher certification without earning your Master of Education, ASU also offers this standalone online teacher certification graduate certificate.

Both pathways ensure you receive the support and experience necessary to thrive in the evolving educational environment.

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 teach grades K–8 and earn certification, this elementary education master’s with teacher certification will be the right choice for you. If you don’t want certification and prefer to focus on expanding your expertise in educational theory, our Master of Education in elementary education 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 6–12.

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.

Professional licensure and certification

Professional licensure and certification: ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the State of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check our professional licensure page for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Speak with an enrollment coach for more information.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

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.”

Elementary education and teacher certification courses

This program’s curriculum integrates core coursework with hands-on experiences in K–8 classroom settings. You’ll build a solid foundation in teaching and deepen your content knowledge. Additionally, you’ll undertake a final applied research project where you’ll identify an educational challenge and design a targeted intervention for your own classroom.


The elementary education jobs you’ll be prepared for

This program with teacher certification prepares you to start a career as a certified teacher in an elementary education setting for grades K–8. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped for a range of educational roles, including, but not limited to:

Study with award-winning teaching professionals

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College 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.

Study with award-winning teaching professionals

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College 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.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

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Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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