Frequently Asked Questions – M.Ed Elementary Education

Please note: The M.Ed. in Elementary Education will stop accepting applications on Aug. 1, 2024. Please visit the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction for graduate level study in elementary education.

Q: What are the admission requirements for the M.Ed. in Elementary Education Program?

Students applying for admission to the Master’s Program in Elementary Education must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), a satisfactory undergraduate GPA, and an “A” level (undergraduate ) teaching license in Elementary Education from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or its equivalent from another state).

Q: How important are GRE/MAT scores and the statement of purpose in admission decisions?

It is our goal to accept well-qualified candidates who can successfully complete all of the requirements associated with M.Ed. To that end, we consider all facets of the application including applicant’s letters of recommendation, work experiences, and educational background. We also place great value on a student’s rationale for enrolling in a Masters program. We have established candidates should demonstrate scores above the 30^th percentile for GRE (verbal) and MAT tests. Based on a comprehensive review of the application, applicants may be accepted with scores that do not meet these criteria, but in this competitive environment in which we seek the most qualified students, low scores raise concerns that higher scores do not.

Q: Does your program give preference to part-time vs. full-time applicants?

We accept both full and part-time applicants, but candidates must be employed full-time as teachers to complete the requirements associated with courses in Phase II and Phase III of the program.

Q: Can applicants take any coursework prior to being admitted into the program?

Yes, candidates can complete enroll in up to six hours as a Post-Baccalaureate student or with departmental permission (if transferring from a different program).

Q. What prerequisites regarding degrees and experience are necessary for admission to the program?

Applicants to the M.Ed. program must have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from a regionally-accredited university in addition to a teaching license from North Carolina (or equivalent license from another state). Candidates are not required to have teaching experience, although this is highly recommended.