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Elementary Education (M.Ed.)

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

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Master of Education in Elementary Education at a Glance

  • A master’s degree in elementary education for students who are eager to grow as educators, leaders or researchers
  • Multifaceted partnerships with local schools facilitate a strong connection between theory and practice
  • Strong career outcomes, with 100% of job-seeking graduates employed or enrolled in graduate study within four months
  • Ranked among the best elementary education programs by U.S. News & World Report

What is the Elementary Education Master’s Degree at Peabody College?

The M.Ed. in Elementary Education at Peabody College is designed for those who want to make a meaningful impact in elementary classrooms. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, students gain experience in elementary literacy practices, social studies methods and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) practices.

Master’s in Elementary Education Program Highlights

  • 11-month, 33-credit program leading to K–5 teacher licensure
  • Extensive classroom-based learning through practicum and student teaching
  • Coursework grounded in reading, English language arts, mathematics, science and varied learning needs
  • Strong partnerships with local schools in the Nashville area
  • Capstone project demonstrating readiness for professional practice
    Eligibility for the Teacher Pathway Scholarship

Program Structure and Timeline

The 11-month, 33-credit Elementary Education (M.Ed.) runs from July through May. Most classes meet for 3 hours once a week. The course schedule is:

  • Summer - 2 courses (6 credits): coursework focused on subject-specific content such as arts education, children’s literature and social studies methods, while exploring Nashville as a learning environment
  • Fall - 5 course (15 credits): strong foundations in reading, English language arts and mathematics through coursework paired with a learning ecologies class and a practicum in local schools
  • Spring - Student teaching and a weekly seminar (6 credits): full-time student teaching, followed by coursework focused on supporting learners with specific needs in reading and science
  • May - 2 courses (6 credits): completion of a capstone project

Please note that this program begins in the summer, earlier than most of our other M.Ed. programs. Completing the program leads to a recommendation to the state for K–5 teacher licensure.

Elementary Education Master’s 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

Master of Education in Elementary Education Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Elementary Education (M.Ed.) program are prepared to teach and lead in diverse educational settings. Most graduates begin their careers as K–5 teachers in public, private and charter schools.

While many choose to remain in the classroom throughout their careers, others leverage their teaching experience and leadership skills to pursue broader roles in education. These pathways include positions such as instructional coach, curriculum coordinator or specialist, district assessment or data coordinator, educational consultant, professional development trainer and curriculum writer or developer, among other education-related careers.

Recent Elementary Education M.Ed. Degree Outcomes

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
  • #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

Key Application Dates

  • 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.

Teacher Pathway Scholarship

  • Scholarship Details

    The Teacher Pathway scholarship guarantees a minimum 30 percent scholarship to all admitted students in initial licensure programs and advanced programs, and a minimum 20 percent scholarship for teacher leadership 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 include:

    • Initial Licensure Programs (30% minimum scholarship)
      • Secondary Education
      • Elementary Education
      • Multilingual Education
      • Integrated Early Childhood Education
      • Special Education
    • Advanced Programs (30% minimum scholarship)
      • Human Development Counseling (School Counseling track only)
      • Reading Education
    • Teacher Leadership Programs (20% minimum scholarship)
      • K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy (Ed.D)

    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 with tuition coverage and those who opt out of merit aid consideration are excluded from the scholarship.

Elementary Education Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an M.Ed. degree?

    A Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare educators and school leaders with advanced knowledge and skills in teaching, curriculum and educational leadership. It equips graduates to work in classrooms, schools and other education-related roles.

  • How do I apply?

    You can start your application now through our application portal. Our admissions page can give you more information about our community at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development and . When you apply for admittance to the program, you’ll automatically be considered for a merit-based scholarship to support your studies.

  • What can I do with a master’s in elementary education?

    Graduates are prepared to teach and lead in a range of educational settings. Most begin their careers as K–5 teachers in public, private or charter schools, while others advance into roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, assessment or data coordinator, educational consultant, professional development trainer or curriculum writer. Learn more in our blog—How a Master’s Degree Equips You for Elementary or Secondary Education.

  • Do you need a master’s to teach?

    While you do not need a master’s degree to begin teaching in most K–12 settings, earning an M.Ed. can enhance your teaching expertise, qualify you for leadership roles and open doors to specialized positions or higher pay.

  • Who should apply to the Elementary Education (M.Ed.) program?

    We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences and post-graduation goals. The students who thrive are curious, committed to their long-term goals and eager to grow as educators, leaders or researchers. We review each application with an open mind, seeking individuals ready to engage deeply and make an impact in education. 

  • How long is the Elementary Ed. master’s program at Peabody College?

    The program is completed in 11 months of full-time study, beginning in July.

  • What is a typical week like in the Elementary Education M.Ed. program?

    A typical week starts in the summer with two three-hour classes, three days a week. In the fall, students take five seminar-style courses and spend two full days in schools for a practicum. During the spring, student teaching is five days a week with a weekly evening seminar. In May, students complete two final courses, four days a week. Throughout the program, coursework includes discussion, practical projects and targeted readings to build teaching skills and deepen understanding.

  • How can I get a teacher certification in Tennessee?

    We are a licensure program. Upon completing the program, you will earn both a Master's degree and a state K-5 teaching license, allowing you to teach in Tennessee.

  • Are graduate scholarships for teachers available at Peabody College?

    Yes. Teachers pursuing a master’s degree at Peabody College, including the Elementary Education (M.Ed.), are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Additionally, the Teacher Pathway Scholarship provides guaranteed funding to eligible students, helping make graduate education more accessible.

  • Do you have social media?

    We try to post on Instagram (@elemedpeabody) fairly frequently. Be sure to follow us to see current happenings. Also check out @vupeabody to see what is happening at the college level.

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