Master of Arts in Teaching with a Specialization in Elementary Education Online

Achieve full licensure to teach in North Carolina and prepare to enrich your teaching experience.

Next Apply Date: 6/16/25
Next Start class Date: 6/30/25
Apply Now

Program Overview

Get to know our 100% online M.A.T. in elementary education program

By earning your Master of Arts in Teaching with a Specialization in Elementary Education online from UNCP, you will gain the necessary preparation to plan instruction and apply a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. This recognized educator preparation program is a convenient and affordable pathway ideal for North Carolina teachers seeking initial teaching licensure.

As you develop applicable knowledge of the principles and theories of human growth and development, you will also enhance your abilities to use technology to engage students in learning. Graduates of the M.A.T. – Elementary Education program will have a solid foundation in teaching all aspects of elementary education including literacy, social studies, mathematics and science.

This Master of Arts in Teaching program offers an effective combination of rigorous coursework delivered 100% online and field experience along with a student teaching internship. Learn from our supportive School of Education faculty who are committed to student success and join respected UNCP alumni who constitute the majority of the state’s “Teacher of the Year” recipients.

The online program is designed for those who hold an undergraduate degree in education and those new to the field. The CAEP-accredited program meets the requirements for initial licensure.

Graduate from this M.A.T. online program prepared for various educational roles, such as:

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Teacher Leader
Graduate from this M.A.T. online program prepared for various educational roles, such as:
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Teacher Leader

Also available online:

UNC Pembroke offers value in a variety of education programs. Check out our other graduate and postgraduate education programs.

Total Tuition (In-State) $9,227*
Duration As few as 14-20 months**
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation

Council for the Accredidication of Educator Preparation logo

All educator preparation programs at The University of North Carolina Pembroke are approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Also available online:

UNC Pembroke offers value in a variety of education programs. Check out our other graduate and postgraduate education programs.

Request Info Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 844-302-7886

Call 844-302-7886

Tuition

Make a cost-effective choice with an online M.A.T. degree

Tuition for our affordable master’s in elementary education online is priced with the working student in mind—plus, you can pay by the course. Financial aid may be available for students who qualify.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Fees Per Credit Hour Distance Fee Per Term Per Program*
M.A.T. – Elementary Education (in-state resident) $237.78 $713.34 $33.05 $36.75 $9,227
M.A.T. – Elementary Education (out-of-state) $963.28 $2,889.84 $33.05 $36.75 $30,992

Tuition is based on a cadence of 6-9 credit hours per semester, which is two 7-week terms. Tuition will be capped at the per semester, full-time enrollment levels of nine (9) credit hours for graduate students.

Please consult with your advisor for more information.
https://www.uncp.edu/resources/student-accounts/tuition-fee-information

Additional Fees

One-Time Fees

Application Fee - $55 domestic/$60 international
Orientation Fee - $20
Graduation Fee - $100 (students will be charged an additional $25 if fee is not paid on time)

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour (In-State) $237.78
Total Tuition (In-State) $9,227*

Calendar

Prepare for the upcoming dates and deadlines for our M.A.T. in elementary education degree online

For the convenience of our M.A.T. degree online students, the School of Education offers multiple start dates each year. View the full calendar for upcoming deadlines, including when to turn in all required documents, register for classes and pay tuition for your desired program start date.

View full calendar  + 

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer I5/12/254/28/255/1/255/5/255/8/256/27/25
Summer II6/30/256/16/256/19/256/23/256/26/258/15/25
Fall I8/25/258/11/258/14/258/18/258/21/2510/10/25
Fall II10/20/2510/6/2510/9/2510/13/2510/16/2512/5/25

Now enrolling

Next Apply Date 6/16/25
Start Date 6/30/25

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

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Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?

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Take the next step toward earning your degree online from UNC Pembroke.

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Admissions

Review the requirements for our online M.A.T. – Elementary Education program

The School of Education admission process is the first step toward earning your master’s in elementary education online. Find out the requirements for the program and what additional materials are needed.

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • 2.75 cumulative GPA or 2.65-2.75 GPA for provisional admission
  • No GRE required for admission
View all admission requirements +

To be eligible for consideration for full or provisional admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Submit a completed online application
  • Pay a $55 non-refundable application fee ($60 for international applicants and waived for military members)
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA; or 2.65-2.75 GPA for provisional admission
  • Three professional references
  • 150-250 word personal statement. Please include a brief discussion of your current (or future) teaching assignment in your statement of purpose.
  • Submit Admission to Educator Preparation Acknowledgement Form
  • No GRE or GMAT required

The electronic and physical information for submitting transcripts:

UNC Pembroke The Graduate School
PO Box 1510
One University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372

UNCP will accept transcripts electronically - [email protected]

Courses

Discover what you will learn in our online M.A.T. degree courses

To earn the M.A.T. with a Specialization in Elementary Education online, students must complete 10 core courses inclusive of the internship for a total of 30 credit hours.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a graduate-level introduction to the foundational fields of education: philosophy and psychology, with an emphasis on the development of an appreciation for the role and responsibility of the teacher as the instructional leader in the educational community. Corequisite: EDN 5460: Field Experience required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a graduate-level introduction to the areas of focus addressed within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This course familiarizes students with the practices, philosophies, roles and responsibilities of educators working with a diverse population of students. Corequisite: EDN 5460: Field Experience required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines curriculum design and research-based practices in lesson design and instructional practices, including backward design, instructional strategies such as differentiated instruction and formative and summative assessment. Corequisite: EDN 5460: Field Experience required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to develop graduate students' knowledge base related to the theory and techniques of classroom management. Emphasis is placed on how those understandings can be utilized to establish a positive and respectful learning environment for all students. A variety of classroom management programs are examined and evaluated.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Culminating clinical practice for initial teacher licensure. Course requirements include completion of program and licensure requirements, including full-time pre-service student internship or in-service teaching in a public-school setting in the licensure area.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of the current national, state, and local classroom assessment data practices and alignment of practices with desired classroom and inclusive student outcomes. Teacher candidates learn how to make data-driven decisions by selecting appropriate assessment instruments, observing and recording data, analyzing test scores and performance, interpreting data, and creating accommodations and plans to meet the needs of all students. Emphasis will be placed on social justice and equity related to pedagogy and assessment practices. Field Experience Required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of the theoretical and practical aspects of pedagogy as it applies to effective and scientific research-based methods of teaching reading. Teacher candidates will develop the knowledge and skills to use systematic, explicit, multisensory methods to teach communication skills, reading, and written expression. The course provides foundational information about reading and writing acquisition stages, factors that impact literacy development, and the nature of literacy difficulties. Emphasis includes phonological awareness, comprehension strategies, study skills, technology use in the inclusive elementary classroom, questioning, discussion skills, and integrating writing and literature across the curriculum. The course will give particular attention to understanding students’ varied cultural, linguistic, experiential, and literacy-based assets and the importance of recognizing multiple literacies. Students will also examine the role of culture and diversity as it informs teaching practices and learner behaviors. Field Experience Required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of mathematics processes and pedagogies that support developmentally appropriate mathematics instruction in grades K-6. Current standards, research, educational practices, technological skills, and instructional materials are analyzed in relation to an inclusive, comprehensive, balanced approach to planning, instruction, and assessment. Teacher candidates critically examine research-based theories and best practices that support learners' developing mathematics skills and reasoning. Particular attention will be given to understanding the role of culture and diversity as it informs teaching practices and learner behaviors. Field Experience Required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of the scientific processes and pedagogies that support developmentally appropriate instruction in process skills and science concept understanding and instruction in grades K-6. Current standards, research, educational practices, technological skills, and instructional materials are analyzed concerning a comprehensive, balanced approach to science instruction. Teacher candidates critically examine inclusive, research‐based theories and best practices that support learners' developing science skills and understanding of concepts in life, physical, earth/space science, and health/wellness. Particular attention will be given to understanding the role of culture and diversity as it informs teaching practices and learner behaviors. Field Experience Required.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of the sociocultural context and pedagogies that support developmentally appropriate instruction in global citizenship, diversity, equity, and inclusion instruction in grades K-6. Current standards, research, educational practices, technological skills, and instructional materials are analyzed in relation to an inclusive, comprehensive, balanced approach to global citizenship instruction. Teacher candidates critically examine research‐based theories and best practices that support learners' developing global citizenship and the embracing of diversity. Emphasis will be placed on identifying gaps, tensions, and misalignments in elementary curricula to include the selection of supplemental resources and practices. Field Experience Required.
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*Tuition rate (in-state: $237.78 /credit hour plus $36.75 flat fee; out-of-state: $963.28 /credit hour plus $36.75 flat fee) is based on a cadence of 6-9 credit hours per semester. Students planning to take more than 9 credit hours per semester should consult with their advisor for more information about the graduate tuition policy.

**Time to completion may vary depending on your start date. Speak with your Enrollment Specialist for more details.

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