About the Program
Elementary teachers make a difference in children’s lives every day. Whether you just graduated or you are looking for a career change, our program can help you achieve your goals.
The program addresses: Learning and developmental theories, knowledge of curriculum and effective teaching strategies, cultural and diverse needs of students, integration of technology, application of skills in assessment and implementation, and evaluation of effective educational programs.
In this fully online program, classes are designed to meet the needs of adult learners who are currently in a career. Students will need to complete one semester of student teaching, which includes a full-day, 14-week placement.
Program Features
- Rigorous professional preparation includes theory, fieldwork and student teaching.
- Learning focuses on grades PK-6
- Coursework integrates understanding of typical and atypical child development to teach children across the learning spectrum.
- Degree leads to diverse careers in elementary education.
- Convenient, affordable online courses for great flexibility
Degree Requirements
The master’s degree in elementary education leading to certification (grades PK-6) requires 30 credits of online coursework, plus 9 credits of student teaching. Additional undergraduate coursework may be necessary to meet State of Connecticut certification requirements.
Students must have completed a minimum of 39 credits in undergraduate general education courses, including one course in each of the following academic areas: English, Mathematics, U.S. History, Natural Sciences, Foreign Languages/Fine Art. The remaining elective credits may come from Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts. Please visit the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) for more information on general education requirements for certification.
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
EDF 568: Philosophic & Cultural Issues in Contemporary Education
EDH 510: Theoretical Foundations - Children & Adults with Special Needs
EDP 540: Applied Developmental & Learning Theories
EDR 550: Fundamentals of Reading Instruction
EDR 551: Reading & Language Arts Instruction
EDR 544: Foundations & Strategic Actions of Literacy Learning
EDT 663: PK-6 Science and Technology in the Classroom
EDE 663: Elementary Methods – Social Studies/Science/Art
EDE 662: Planning & Assessing – Elementary
EDE 664: Elementary Methods – Mathematics
EDE 667: Student teaching
Program Focus
- Preparing candidates to work with a diversity of students across all content areas, English language arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.
- Coursework that provides theory and practical application for supporting all learners through administration of assessments and differentiated teaching.
- The growth and development of elementary education students.
- The content areas of elementary education, including math, language arts, science, social studies, physical education, health education, music, the arts, and personal social skills.
- Teaching skills and methods (pedagogy).
- The knowledge of reflective practice, including knowing yourself.
We prepare you to be a reflective practitioner who integrates understanding of subject areas, your students, and theories of pedagogy. Learning and developmental theories, knowledge of curriculum and effective teaching strategies, cultural and diverse needs of students, integration of technology, application of skills in assessment and implementation, and evaluation of effective educational programs are addressed in the curriculum.
Admission Requirements
- The M.Ed Elementary Education program is for any college graduate seeking certification in Elementary Grades PK-6. A major in education is not required.
- A bachelor's degree with minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. (Conditional admission may be offered if GPA is below 3.0).
Application Steps
- Complete our online application.
- Request official transcripts from bachelor’s degree-granting institution and for any graduate coursework completed. Have transcripts sent to: University of Hartford, Graduate Admissions, Online Programs, CC231, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 USA
Submit:
- A non-refundable application fee ($50)
- An essay describing your reasons for seeking admission.
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources.
- Though no longer a formal requirement of the University, evidence of having taken the SAT or the Praxis Core is required for prospective teachers by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Please submit test results as part of your application.
Visit Us!
Graduate program events are held throughout the year. Online Open Houses are held several times during the year to provide more information on programs and to speak directly to faculty. Learn more at http://hartford.edu/gradevents.
Additional Information
- Candidates apply their knowledge of disciplinary content, curricular standards, and pedagogy to plan and instruct lessons that meet the needs of students in inclusive classrooms
- Candidates administer and analyze formal and informal assessments to inform their instructional practice.
- Candidates learn to foster learning environments that support diverse students
- Candidates learn professional dispositions for exhibiting effective communication, collaboration, and professionalism within the education field
Total expenses for your graduate degree in elementary education will vary depending upon the cost if any, of undergraduate courses you may need to complete to be eligible for certification in the State of Connecticut. Once you develop a program of study based on your prior coursework and experience, you will be able to estimate the total cost of your program.
Please visit our financial aid website for the University's official current tuition rates and fees. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.
To discuss ways to finance your program of study, contact the financial aid officer for the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.
Financial Aid Office
860.768.4296
finaid@hartford.edu
Program Contacts
For more information regarding this program, please contact:
Christopher Stuck
Assistant Director of Graduate Success
Division of Graduate and Professional Studies
Adjunct Instructor, Special Education
University of Hartford
860-387-9941
stuck@hartford.edu
Elementary Education Program Director
Theresa Abodeeb-Gentile
Associate Professor of Elementary Education
Department of Education
860-768-5534
abodeebge@hartford.edu
You may also contact the Department of Education at 860.768.5263 for a referral to an appropriate faculty member.
Accreditation and State of Connecticut Certification
Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut.
Professional Licensing Disclosure
Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.