Skip to content
Northeastern University Graduate Programs Home
Saved Programs Explore Programs
All Programs
College of Professional Studies

Elementary Education

Master's

This degree enhances your foundational skills, perspectives, and ability to inspire and educate. Coursework is online with prepracticum observations, teaching practicum and seminars, and a full term of student teaching in Boston.

Program curriculum Explore College of Professional Studies
A teacher is leaning over a table, helping four students with a classroom activity. The students are seated and focused on their tasks. The classroom has colorful decorations and educational materials displayed on the walls.
Request info
Apply now
Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
12 - 18 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Summer, Winter
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
Request info
Apply now

Program overview

Become an inspiring educator

Designed for aspiring teachers and career-changers, the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education provides an appreciation for and an understanding of the diverse educational needs, social concerns, and cultural values of today’s elementary and secondary schools.

Upon completing this comprehensive degree, which includes prepracticum/early field work observations and a full term of student teaching, you will be well positioned to make a meaningful impact in your school, community, and students’ lives.

The MAT+ option allows qualifying students to earn either an additional license in special education or in ESL. Candidates may also plan to obtain triple licensure in consultation with the program director.

 

Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will transition from a quarter-based to a semester-based format under the new name Master of Arts in Teaching. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit the FAQ page  for more information. Students enrolling before fall 2026 will receive advising support to ensure a smooth transition with no impact on academic progress or tuition.

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) has been approved for initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.For information on where this program will help you achieve professional licensure, please visit Northeastern’s consumer information website and review Professional Licensure Disclosure. For questions regarding professional licensure, please contact Jennifer Madonna, director of field experience and licensure, by emailing [email protected].

  • The MAT+ option allows you to earn an additional license: teacher of students of moderate disabilities, PreK-8 or 5-12, or teacher of English as a second language, PreK-8 or 5-12.
  • Partake in prepracticum/early field work observations, teaching practicum and seminars, and a full term of student teaching.
  • Choose from elective courses covering a broad range of skills and approaches, including literacy, behavior management, and special education strategies.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.


  • Online application

  • Professional resumé

  • Unofficial, personal copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; official transcripts are required at the time of enrollment

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents. Please review the FCE requirements by country.

  • English language proficiency proof

  • Two recommendation letters

  • Personal statement (500-1000 words in a PDF or Word document) identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university’s academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose

  • Copy of teacher's license (initial or professional level)

  • Please refer to the CPS Apply Now page to learn about additional materials that may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Gain the skills necessary to lead diverse classrooms and prepare students for success.

Gain perspective

Gain political, social, and historical perspectives on education while exploring the richly complex environments of schools and communities. Investigate how humans learn, acquire knowledge, and make sense of their experiences, and research the methods, materials, pedagogies, and assessment strategies that foster integrated learning.

Develop your teaching style

Develop a working understanding of teaching and learning in diverse settings and examine theories of teaching to find how to best teach for learning achievement.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

Loading...
Market outlook
Industry at a glance
Here's a look at current market trends and the career landscape.

Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $37,395
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

MacFarland Scholarship Opportunity

  • New, incoming students who are working or have the intention of working as a leader in a public school at the elementary or secondary level, within an urban area, are eligible to receive a scholarship award of up to $18,000. Learn more here.
Studying in Boston

A hub of innovation

A group of people walks along a curved pathway beside a modern building, with tall skyscrapers in the background. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the scene, creating long shadows on the path and highlighting the cityscape.

Northeastern's first campus builds on Boston's legacy of innovation. Our 37-plus research facilities allow students and faculty to work on groundbreaking research, while our deep ties to the biotech, healthcare, education, and startup industries provide unique opportunities for learning.

Learn more about our Boston campus

#1

Best state to live in

(WalletHub, 2023)

110K+

Northeastern alumni in Greater Boston

#3

Best state for education

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)