Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (1-6) Online
Pursue a more fulfilling career with an online master’s program that prepares you to become a licensed elementary school teacher in Missouri. No prior teaching experience is required.
Apply by:
2/26/25
Program Overview
Make a difference with our online MAT in Elementary Education (1-6) program
Avila’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (1-6) online program is ideal for motivated professionals eager to make a difference in children’s lives. Supportive faculty will teach you to combine high-level teaching pedagogy and practical instructional methods to cultivate inclusive classroom environments where young students thrive.
In this master’s in teaching elementary education, you will build a repertoire of classroom management strategies curated for elementary school settings through flexible online coursework and immersive field-based experiences. Learn to design engaging lessons differentiated to individual learning needs in these subject matters: math and geometry, language arts and reading, social studies, science, art, and physical education.
In this education online program, you will:
- Use theoretical knowledge, research, and culturally responsive practices to create a positive learning environment that promotes the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students
- Apply principles, theories, and methods of effective curriculum design, instruction, and assessment
- Promote learning, critical thinking skills, and social responsibilities of all student populations
- Model professionalism through effective internal and external communication, self-reflection and professional growth, and productive and effective collaboration with students, colleagues, and stakeholders
- Use theoretical knowledge, research, and culturally responsive practices to create a positive learning environment that promotes the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students
- Apply principles, theories, and methods of effective curriculum design, instruction, and assessment
- Promote learning, critical thinking skills, and social responsibilities of all student populations
- Model professionalism through effective internal and external communication, self-reflection and professional growth, and productive and effective collaboration with students, colleagues, and stakeholders
Also available:
Avila University offers a variety of online master’s degree programs in education. View all online education graduate programs.
$22,400
Total Tuition
As few as 30 months
Duration
56
Credit Hours
Tuition
Invest in your future with budget-friendly tuition
The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education online program tuition is the same affordable, pay-as-you-go rate for all U.S. residents. Additional fees may apply for select courses, and financial aid may be available.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT in Elementary Education | $400 | $1,200 | $22,400 |
Tuition breakdown:
$22,400
Total Tuition
$400
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
Choose the start date that works for you
Ideal for working professionals, the MAT in Elementary Education (1-6) online program features 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year so you can begin at the time that works best for you. View the full calendar for all upcoming starts and corresponding deadlines.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2 2025 | 3/3/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/3/25 | 5/4/25 | 8 weeks |
Now enrolling:
2/26/25
Apply Date
3/3/25
Class Starts
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?
Admissions
Follow these steps to begin your application
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to the Avila online MAT in Elementary Education (1-6) below.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Official transcripts
- 2.75 GPA in prior coursework
In order to be eligible to receive a MAT in Elementary Education from Avila University, you must have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA requirements for unconditional admission: 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the completion of the undergraduate degree
- GPA requirements for conditional admission: 2.75 cumulative grade point average at the completion of the undergraduate degree
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.* (Avila graduates do not need to obtain Avila transcripts.)
- Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 3.0 GPA on the first nine (9) credits in their program of study
Submit all official transcripts to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Avila University
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
If you are not in the state of Missouri, please check requirements within your own state for certification.
*All transcripts must be submitted. If outstanding transcripts are identified after being accepted, the student will not be able to proceed until the remaining transcripts are received.
Courses
What you’ll study in your master’s in teaching elementary education program
In order to earn your MAT in Elementary Education (1-6) online, you will complete 18 courses for a total of 56 credit hours.
Students will take either EDT 695 or EDT 696.
EDT 685: Initial Practicum
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers education students the opportunity to explore the teaching field through a 40-hour initial field-based experience in a mentor’s K-12 classroom. Topics covered include program policy, fundamental expectations of teaching, and reflective writing. The course meets over 16 weeks, divided into two 8-week sessions: Part A (2 credit hours) and Part B (1 credit hour). Both parts must be taken in the same semester, and if a student fails either part, both must be retaken. This course is a crucial step in the Advancement to Teacher Candidacy process and must be completed at Avila University. A fee is required, and a grade of “B” or better is mandatory.
EDT 610: General Methods of Teaching and Classroom Management
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive overview of effective teaching methods and strategies for managing diverse classrooms. Participants will explore various instructional approaches, learning theories, lesson planning and practical techniques to engage students and promote academic success. Additionally, the course will address principles of classroom management, including behavior management strategies, establishing routines and expectations, and creating a conducive learning environment.
ED 609: Data Literacy & Assessment
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will equip students to create and implement a cycle of continuous improvement by collecting and analyzing student data as an individual and team leader to plan instruction. Topics will include: data team structures, assessment development, MTSS, and differentiated instruction based on data. Must be taken at Avila.
EDT 620: Educational Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines various theories of learning, motivation, and cognitive, moral, and psychological development, and relates these theories to classroom instruction and management. It also addresses issues concerning at-risk students.
EDT 625: Educating the Exceptional Child
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the various areas of exceptionality, focusing on the 14 categories of disabilities in special education, including intellectual disability, learning disability, and emotional disturbance. We will explore the history and laws of special education, examine the educational needs and characteristics of exceptional children, and discuss teaching methods and support strategies for parents.
EDT 600: Foundations of Education
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the philosophical, historical, social, and multicultural foundations of education. It explores teaching as a profession, addressing diversity issues and critical questions in education. It provides a comprehensive overview of all levels of schooling, including elementary, middle, and secondary education. Historical foundations of education are also thoroughly examined.
ED 599: Education Capstone
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
In this Capstone course for initial certification students, we will use the nine Missouri Teacher Standards as a foundation, students will review and integrate the basic concepts and theories studied in previous courses and relate them to teaching in preparation for their student teaching experience. Theories and concepts to be discussed include developmental theories, cognitive information processing, behavior management, lesson planning, instruction, and assessment. Must be taken the semester prior to student teaching.
EDT 695: Final Clinical Experience
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 8
Co-teaching in a classroom setting; supervision and guidance shared between the cooperating teacher and the university supervisor. Application must be made in advance of registration date. A teacher candidate may be removed from the Final Clinical Experience school site based on the recommendations of the school district or any of its agents, Avila University supervisors, or the Director of Clinical and Field-Based Experiences. If a teacher candidate is removed from the Final Clinical Experience, the teacher candidate will not be eligible for re-entry into the program nor eligible for a recommendation for certification. Transportation required. Prerequisites: admittance to the School of Education, admittance to Final Clinical Experience, all coursework completed.
EDT 696: Internship
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 8
Professional experience in teaching while in a full-time paid position as a teacher in the appropriate certification area. Candidates must complete a contract with the sponsoring school. Avila University will provide a qualified supervisor. Fee required. Prerequisites: admittance to the school of education, admittance to internship, and all Education coursework must be completed. Credit/No Credit only.
ED 506: Creative Activities & Physical Movement
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course gives the beginning teacher knowledge to understand the importance of the arts and physical education as well as strategies and skills to help children express themselves in a variety of creative ways using art, music, drama, and physical movement. Activities are presented and practiced to enrich and enhance teaching of academic subjects through these modalities. Field-based assignment required.
ED 507: Geometry for Elementary & Middle School Teachers
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A conceptual and developmental approach to teaching non-metric geometry, including classification of shapes, measurement of lengths and angles, geometric transformations, symmetry, congruent and similar figures. These topics are treated with attention to the pedagogical and content needs of elementary and middle school students and teachers.
ED 508: Math Methods for Elementary Teachers
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on teaching mathematics with a developmental and conceptual approach. Concepts taught relate to the process of teaching number and operations with teaching methods appropriate to the needs of elementary school children. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ED 515
ED 530: Children’s Literature
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Extensive reading of children’s literature, criteria for selection and evaluation of books, and the relation of literature to a reading program. Integration of children’ literature across the curriculum will also be a focus. Strategies for reader-response are included.
ED 537: Elementary Social Studies Methods
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of instructional models based on concept formation, inquiry, and diversity. Theories, methods, and principles of pedagogy are discussed in general and applied specifically to the teaching of social studies in elementary classrooms. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite or corequisite: ED 515.
ED 540: Elementary Science Methods
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Exploration of methods for planning and teaching units of study in science. Strategies for scientific inquiry in the elementary classroom and inquiry-based lesson planning. Aimed to develop the importance of science and how students learn science best according to current educational research. Prerequisite or corequisite: ED 515.
ED 541: Foundations of Literacy & Language Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theories and objectives for teaching structured literacy in the elementary grades (K-6). Strategies for teaching word recognition, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking are a major focus. Strategies and methods for teaching ELL students will be included. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite or corequisite: ED 515.
ED 543: Language Arts Methods
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examination of oral and written language development and its role in a balanced literacy program. Theories, objectives, and strategies for teaching language arts in the elementary classroom are included. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite: ED 541.
ED 570: Assessment & Remediation of Reading
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores methods of informal and formal assessment of reading difficulties, instructional decisions based on assessment data, and methods of remediation of reading difficulties. Prerequisite: ED 541.
ED 586: Advanced Elementary Practicum
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Advanced Elementary Practicum provides candidates with the 45-hour, mid-level field experience in an elementary classroom. Candidates will be placed at an elementary school working with the classroom teacher to apply the concepts of lesson design, teaching strategies, differentiated instruction, classroom management and other content into practice. Responsibilities include: observing mentor teacher; assisting with individual students or small group activities, and developing and teaching lessons in small and whole group settings. This course is a 16-week course that may be broken out into 2 8-week sessions indicated by Part A and B. If a student fails any one part of the course, both parts must be retaken. Prerequisite: ED 515 with a grade of “B” or better.
Avila University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
