Master’s Degree in Education: Elementary Education
This joint Master’s in Elementary Education degree/credential program combines classroom learning and fieldwork enabling students to understand the connection between theory and practice. Students will develop a sophisticated understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts of child and human development, preparing them to be advocates for democracy, diversity, and inclusion in education at the school, district, and state level. Please note: All School of Education programs are taught in eight-week sessions: Fall I and II, Spring I and II, Summer 1 and II. All on-campus courses are “blended,” with 30 hours of face-to-face/in class instruction and 15 hours of online instruction. Pacific Oaks does offer a 100% online Elementary Education Master’s degree program.
Other M.A. in Education Programs and Credentials
California Elementary Education Licensure
The California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential qualifies candidates to teach in K-12 multiple subjects in self-contained classrooms.
View a Teacher Credential Virtual Information Session Video
Learn about the Teaching Credentialing process for Elementary Education and Special Education teachers in California, and how the B.A., M.A., and Stand-Alone teacher education degree programs at Pacific Oaks College help prepare you to make a difference in the classroom. Hear about our approach to preparing you for your career and the way we support you to become a culturally-minded role model for your students.
Credentials Office
For more information to assist you in your journey to obtain your California Preliminary Teaching Credential, visit the Credentials Office page.
Sample Degree Courses
ED 509: Learning Theories and the Social, Political, and Economic Factors that have Influenced Education
This Master’s in Elementary Education course is designed to provide all teacher candidates with an understanding of various learning theories and the intersection of social, political, and economic factors which have influenced education in the United States. Candidates will explore their own epistemology and the various cultural, economic, political, and social influences that have shaped their view of the teaching and learning process. Emphasis will be placed on the history of ethical and legal decisions which have impacted current educational systems, assessments, and curricular decisions that impact learning environments.
Candidates will learn about constructivism as it relates to the distinct Pacific Oaks mission and core values and how to integrate these values into teaching students at various developmental levels. In addition, this M.A. in Elementary Education course will provide candidates with an overview of the teacher certification process in California, federal and state laws that govern education, and current reform trends.
ED 552: The Art of Teaching Science: Inspiring Curiosity, Analytic Thinking, and Scientific Inquiry
This three-credit Elementary Education Master’s course provides an introduction to teaching the art of scientific methodology to students at varying developmental levels in grades K-8. Course topics include teaching strategies, lesson design, instructional planning, and the selection of science materials and resources. A focus of this Master’s in Elementary Education course will be equipping the teacher with the skills necessary to foster curiosity, analytic thinking, and scientific inquiry among K-8 students in self-contained classroom environments.
Elementary Education Master’s Degree Application Requirements and Standards:
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Official Transcripts from a Regionally Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Granting Institution Showing Date of Degree Conferral
- Successfully meet the Basic Skills Requirement. Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to learn about tests and classes that qualify to pass this requirement, including the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
- Letter of Recommendation required for students whose cumulative GPA is below 2.5
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.
How long does it take to complete the Master’s in Elementary Education?
The Elementary Education Master’s program can be completed in 1 1/2 years full-time or 2 1/2 years part-time, requiring 43 credits for completion.
Can the Masters in Elementary Education program be completed online?
Yes, the Elementary Education Master’s program is offered online and on-campus in Pasadena, California.
What are the admission requirements for the Elementary Education Master’s program?
The online and in-person Masters in Elementary Education degrees require the same admission requirements. This includes a completed application, a bachelor’s or associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, a current resume or CV, and a personal statement. If your GPA is below 2.5, you will need a Letter of Recommendation.
Does the M.A. in Elementary Education degree qualify me to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities?
No, The Elementary Education Master’s degree cannot qualify you to teach Special Education. To teach special education, graduates must complete a Master’s Degree in Education: Mild/Moderate Special Education and the necessary credentials. Requirements may vary from state to state.
Can I take the Online Master’s in Elementary Education program outside of California?
No. It is important to note that students enrolled in the Pacific Oaks College Online Master’s in Elementary Education must complete the program within the state of California. Students enrolled in this program MUST complete all observation, fieldwork, and student teaching hours in California classrooms.