This program offers advanced courses in teaching methods, curriculum, and related areas and is appropriate if you wish to enhance your teaching skills for grades K-8. This plan is not intended to provide grades K-8 teacher certification nor does it provide an institutional recommendation for teacher certification.
This program is nationally recognized with condition by the International Literacy Association (ILA).
The Reading K-8 Emphasis is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
More Information
If you’re craving interaction with fellow teachers and mentors in Elementary Education, consider taking coursework for continuing professionals. In the master’s program, you’ll advance your skills in K-8 education and emerge with the promise that you’ll be even more adept at shaping the character and future of all the children in your classroom.
Here, you’ll focus on curriculum design and development, teaching methods, and application of strategies in your classroom that will help you reach all your students. Please note that this degree program does not lead to state certification in Arizona.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, and professional knowledge to be eligible to graduate from this program. In addition to course grades, content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | An emphasis, minor, or certificate is required for this major. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The MEd Elementary Education degree program provides students with the necessary framework for augmenting knowledge and skills related top teaching K through 8th grades. This degree offers students, typically practicing teachers, the opportunity to enhance their content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge emphasizing current research. Students have the opportunity to pursue advanced courses in curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, educational foundations, and educational research. Additionally, students choose from three available emphasis areas: Continuing Professional, Elementary National Board Certification Preparation (NBCT), and Reading (K-8). Students who pursue the Continuing Education track will complete a research project as part of a graduate seminar or a thesis focused on a selected topic. Students who choose the Reading K-8 emphasis will be qualified for a K-8 Reading Endorsement through the Arizona Department of Education. Students who choose the NBCT track prepare for the rigorous process of National Board Certification, an advanced teaching credential.
Throughout the program, students demonstrate outcomes aligned to the standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Students who complete this program will have a deeper and broader understanding of teaching and learning opening up continued opportunities in teaching, as well as other venues where teaching skills, knowledge, and dispositions are valued such as agencies and non-profits.
In addition to the NAEYC SPA accreditation standards, which are integral as we move into accreditation procedures for this degree, this program also incorporates the opportunity to enroll in coursework for National Board Certification:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 30 - 31 units:
Core Requirement (12-15 units):
Select from (3-6* units):
*For the Elementary National Board Preparation Emphasis, select two coursesEmphasis Requirements (16-18 units)
Choose one of the following:
Continuing Professional Emphasis (18 units):
Select two courses from (6 units):
Please note that if you choose the thesis option you may end up taking more than the 6 units of thesis credit you can count toward your degree because you must register for ECI 699 each semester while you are working on your thesis.
Also note that preparing a thesis generally requires one semester of residency, in Fall, Spring, or Summer.
Reading K-8 Emphasis (18 units)
Please be aware that at least fifty percent of your courses must be at the 600-level or above.
Courses are offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer in Flagstaff and at statewide locations.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.