Elementary Education (M.Ed.)

Want to bring your expertise into the classroom? Southern New Hampshire University's master's in elementary education is for those with college degrees in another discipline who want to become elementary school teachers.

Graduates earn a master's degree and teaching certification in elementary education; course work for general special education certification for grades K-12 may be taken as part of the curriculum.

The initial certification masters programs culminate in a 16-week student teaching practicum and corresponding seminar. This valuable experience requires that potential educators work full time with an established teacher. During this placement, the student teacher gradually takes on the role of the classroom teacher. Students apply to the student teaching program one year before their placement begins. All other course work must be complete prior to beginning the student teacher placement. Candidates for New Hampshire state teacher certification in elementary education must pass the Praxis I before gaining full acceptance into the M.Ed. program. This requirement is waived for those students who score the 40th percentile on the GRE. Students must also pass the Praxis II in their chosen subject area prior to submission of their student teaching application.

Depending upon their undergraduate transcripts, M.Ed. students may have to complete additional undergraduate course work to meet New Hampshire teacher certification standards. Prior to acceptance to a program, a candidate's undergraduate transcripts are evaluated to determine is any of these general education standards are unmet. Students are informed of any unmet standards in their acceptance letter. Unmet standards must be addressed before a student can be recommended for teacher licensure.

Elementary Education – Certification K-8
EDU 503 - Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics
EDU 520 - Introduction to Research Methods
EDU 521 - Exploring the Principles of Education
EDU 533 - Learning Through Technology
EDU 551 - Integrated Elementary Curriculum: Instruction and Assessment
EDU 552 - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Middle and Secondary
EDU 571 - Student Teaching and Seminar (6 credits)
PSY 521 - Educational Psychology
RDG 503 - Emerging and Early Literacy Development
RDG 504 - Content Area Literacy
RDG 531 - Children's Literature
SPED 501- The Exceptional Child and Adolescent
Exit Evaluation – thesis or comprehensive examination

General Special Education – Certification K-12
Certification in general special education K-12 may be added to the elementary or secondary certification programs. The following additional courses are required for certification in general special education.

SPED 521 - Behavior Management
SPED 525 - Curriculum Integration for Students with Exceptionalities
SPED 561 - IEP: Assessment, Consultation and Collaboration
SPED 571 - Special Education Practicum