Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education

This flexible, 100% online master’s program is designed specifically for career changers and will prepare you for P-6 teacher certification.

Rated #16 U.S. News & World Report.

The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a flexible, practical and convenient pathway to teaching. With this program, you can:

  • Multiple Start Dates. Begin in fall, spring or summer semesters.
  • Completion. Complete the program in as little as 12 months or go at your own pace.
  • Flexibility. Design a course schedule that fits your life.
  • Personalized Mentorship. Explore teaching with your own personalized MAT GradCat — an experienced, veteran mentor teacher.
  • Diversity of Talent. Learn with diverse, talented and committed MAT students from nearly every state and many foreign countries.
  • Job Placement. Join a program that enjoys a 97% job placement rate within one year of graduation.
  • License Transfer. Transfer your Kansas Teaching License to other states upon completion of additional license transfer requirements, if any.
  • Cost/Value. $16,620.03 for 31 credits; all students receive in-state tuition.
  • Funding. MAT students are eligible to apply for TEACH grants, Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Kansas Service Scholarships.

The College of Education prepares educators to be knowledgeable, ethical, caring decision makers for a diverse and changing world. You will learn how to effectively define, organize and connect these subjects to the lives of elementary students.

The elementary MAT consists of two, flexible tracks.

  • Practitioner track: For students who pursue the MAT while teaching full time. Kansas teachers are required to hold a LEAP License.
  • License-seeking track: For students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.

Once you complete the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for a K-6 Initial Teaching License in the state of Kansas. Kansas Licensure also requires a Praxis content tests. The license will transfer to other states upon completion of any additional requirements for that state.

Applications are encouraged and accepted year-round. Applicants may apply anytime but should submit their application at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January, and the summer semester has multiple start options. Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions or check with MAT student success coordinator, TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for course enrollment guidance.

 

31 credit hours
100% online
No out-of-state tuition
$536.13 per credit hour*

*This estimate includes online tuition and College of Education fees and is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

  • Median Salary: $57,200 Nationwide Median Salary
  • Jobs 2023: 1,465,255 Jobs Nationwide
  • Job Growth: 4.5% 5-Year Nationwide Job Growth

Steven Thomas

Steven Thomas, a teacher in Kansas City, KS shares his personal story about finding a pathway to teaching through the K-State Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Master of Arts in Teaching Program

Dr. Thomas S. Vontz
Professor and Director
tvontz@k-state.edu

Eileen Wertzberger
Field Experiences Director
ejm7777@k-state.edu

TJ Duntz 
MAT Academic Services Coordinator
tduntz@ksu.edu