Elementary Education (M.Ed.)

Join a program ranked among the top five in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

campus

Program Overview

Our multifaceted partnerships with local schools help you connect theory to practice as you gain experience in elementary literacy practices, social studies methods, and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) practices.

Our master's degree in Elementary Education begins in July during the second summer session.  At the beginning of your journey you will learn subject-specific content (arts education, children's literature, and social studies methods) while also exploring Nashville as a place for learning.  In the fall, you will focus on subject-matter foundations and methods in reading, English language arts, and mathematics. Your coursework will be grounded by a learning ecologies class and a practicum experience where you will work in local schools.

From January through May, you will complete student teaching, and during May, you will take courses linked by a focus on serving learners with specific learning needs in reading and science. Capstone projects are submitted and presented in May.

Completing the master's degree in Elementary Education leads to a recommendation to the state for a teaching license in K-5.

Careers

Of job-seeking Elementary Education graduates, 100% were employed or attending graduate school within four months of graduation. Career outcomes include:

  • Computer Science & SEL Interventionist, Carter Lawrence Elementary School, Nashville, Tennessee
  • English Teacher, Haile Manas Academy, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
  • English Teaching Assistant, Fulbright Program, Mulhouse, France
  • Fifth Grade Teacher, Bloomington Elementary School, St. George, Utah
  • Second Grade Head Teacher, New York city Department of Education, New York, New York

Info Session

  • Nov. 10, 2025

    6:30 p.m. (CST)

    Elementary Education Info Session

    If you've identified an interest in Peabody's Elementary Education M.Ed. program, we invite you to join us for a program information session taking place Monday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. CT. Dr. Brian Kissel, Program Director, will discuss the program's structure and curriculum, career outcomes, application requirements and timeline, and the webinar will end with a Q&A with current students to discuss the Peabody and Elementary Education student experience. We encourage you to register to attend!

    Elementary Education is a campus-based, 11-month, licensure-granting program.

    Register Now

  • #5

    Best Elementary Education Program, U.S. News & World Report 2025

Nupur Singh

"Through Peabody, I learned to provide education of both the mind and heart."

Nupur Singh
M.Ed., Elementary Education

Program Facts

Program Director: Brian Kissel
Admissions Coordinator: Shawn Blomker
Admission Term: *Summer
Credit Hours: 33

*This program begins in July during Peabody's summer term

Application Deadlines

  • Priority Decision 1

    January 3*

  • Priority Decision 2

    February 3

  • Rolling Decision

    After February 3

*For more information on application dates and requirements, and the benefits of Priority Decision, see the How to Apply page.

Request Information

Program Curriculum

You will be able to earn a master's degree in Elementary Education with licensure in 11 months by completing 33 credit hours at Peabody College.

Coursework

  • Sample Courses
    • Social Studies Methods and Arts/Children's Literature
    • Math Methods, Reading Methods, Writing Methods, Learning Ecologies and Practicum in Schools
    • Student Teaching and Student Teaching Seminar
    • Science Methods and Recognizing/Responding to Learners

Teacher Pathway Scholarship

  • Scholarship Details

    Applicants to this program qualify for the Teacher Pathway Scholarship, which guarantees a minimum 30% scholarship to all admitted students in initial licensure programs and advanced programs (eligible programs listed below). This guaranteed funding has been put in place in order to

    • broaden access to high-quality graduate education for individuals hoping to enter the teaching profession, and
    • make a commitment to increasing the teacher workforce, particularly in Tennessee.

    Eligible Programs

    Initial Licensure Programs

    • Secondary Education
    • Elementary Education
    • Multilingual Education
    • Special Education

    Advanced Programs

    • School Counseling
    • Reading Education
    • Pre-K-12 EdD

    Applicants are automatically considered for this, and all merit-based scholarships. There's no extra work for applicants to do on their application in order to qualify.

    Scholarship cannot be combined with other Peabody scholarships; if a student is eligible for multiple awards, the larger amount will be granted. Students who accept grant-funded positions and those who opt out of merit aid consideration are excluded from the scholarship.

Faculty

    No matches