Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education — Boston
This Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education is designed to enhance your foundational skills, broaden your perspectives, and strengthen your ability to inspire and educate.
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From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Overview
Designed for aspiring teachers and career-changers, the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education provides an appreciation for and an understanding of the diverse educational needs, social concerns, and cultural values of today’s elementary and secondary schools.
The comprehensive nature of the program enhances foundational practice and theory and prepares graduates to excel as skilled leaders in education. Upon completing this master's degree, which includes pre-practicum/early field work observations and a full term of student teaching, you will be well positioned to make a meaningful impact in your school, in your community, and in the lives of your students.
The MAT+ option provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching with further study in a selected area of expertise. Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either an additional license in special education (Teacher of Students of Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8 or 5-12), or an additional license in ESL (teacher of English as a Second Language, PreK-8 or 5-12). Teacher candidates may also plan a program of study that allows for triple licensure in consultation with the program director.
More Details
Unique Features
- MAT+ option
- Students partake in pre-practicum/early field work observations, teaching practicum and seminars, and a full term of student teaching
- Choose from elective courses covering a broad range of skills and approaches, including literacy, behavior management, and special education strategies
Program Objectives
- Gain political, social, and historical perspectives on education
- Explore the richly complex environments of schools and communities
- Develop a working understanding of teaching and learning in diverse settings
- Investigate how humans learn, acquire knowledge, and make sense of their experiences
- Examine theories of teaching and explore how best to teach for understanding and learning achievement
- Research methods and materials, pedagogies, and assessment strategies that foster integrated learning
Scholarships
- MacFarland Scholarship – New, incoming students who are working or have the intention of working as an educator in a public school at the elementary or secondary level, within an urban area, are eligible to receive a scholarship award of up to $10,000
Accreditation Description
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) has been approved for initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of teachers is expected to grow approximately 13 percent—the average pace for all occupations. Teachers who specialize in fields such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education or are willing to work urban districts, rural areas or states with increasing populations will be in greater demand. Most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers who are expected to retire by 2018.
Accreditation
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) has been approved for initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Experiential / Co-op Opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
General Requirements
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Elective Courses
Complete 4 quarter hours from the following:
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Looking to deepen your knowledge and expertise?
The MAT+ offers qualifying students the opportunity to complete a MAT with further study in a selected area of expertise. Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either an additional license in special education (teacher of students of moderate disabilities, PreK–8 or 5–12).
Concentrations
MAT+ in Special Education
The MAT+ provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with further study in a selected area of expertise. Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either an additional license in special education (teacher of students of moderate disabilities, PreK-8 or 5-12) or an additional license in ESL (teacher of English as a Second Language, PreK-8 or 5-12). Teacher candidates may also plan a program of study that allows for triple licensure in consultation with the program director.
The special education course requirement are:
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| 0.00 | 4.00 |
MAT+ in English as a Second Language (ESL)
This Commonwealth of Massachusetts-approved MAT+ program consists of five courses, some of which may be taken as electives in the MAT program.
The English as a Second Language course requirements are:
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| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 0.00 | 4.00 |
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online Application
- Professional Resumé
- Unofficial Undergraduate Transcripts: Upon admission to the program, you must provide the official undergraduate transcript(s) in a stamped and sealed envelope from the institution(s), stating degree conferral and date.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: From individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer.
- Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words): Northeastern University's Graduate School of Education teacher-preparation programs are dedicated to cultivating educators committed to equity for all students. How does this mission align with your own professional goals? What skills and characteristics do you believe are necessary to be successful in teaching? Please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to the applicant's statement of purpose.
- MTEL Exam: Students are NOT required to pass the MTEL exams to apply and be accepted into the program. Students WILL need to pass all required MTEL exams to earn their teacher license, but they can take the MTEL exams during the MAT program.
- English Language Proficiency Proof: (VALID ONLY UP TO TWO YEARS FROM TEST DATE, and may take best score of two). Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- If a student is in their last term of their bachelor’s degree program or holds a conferred bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution OR an English-speaking international institution in an English-speaking country, we will waive the requirement to submit an English language proficiency score.
- TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) or NU Global Exam score.
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
PlusOne
Your Head Start on a Master’s Degree
The PlusOne Accelerated Master’s Program provides motivated students with the opportunity to start earning their master’s degree while pursuing their undergraduate education. By completing the BS in Psychology, you can advance your learning by applying up to 16 earned semester hours (or up to 22.5 quarter hours) toward both your bachelor's and master’s degree, allowing you to receive your graduate degree one year sooner than you would with a traditional Master of Arts in Teaching program.
View the registrar’s website for program-specific information
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2023-2024 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Boston Public Schools
- Chicago Public Schools
- NYC Department of Education
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Tufts University
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What They Do
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Business Development
- Human Services
- Entrepreneurship
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What They're Skilled At
- Teaching
- Public Speaking
- Curriculum Development
- Leadership
- Research
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.