Elementary Education, M.A.T.

Program Snapshot

Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Delivery Format: On-Campus; Online
Credits Required: 39 credits
Typical Completion Time: One year, full-time

Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education prepares aspiring educators to teach students in grades 2 through 6. Designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than teacher education, the program provides the academic preparation and hands-on experience needed to enter the classroom with confidence.

Through a combination of coursework and supervised field experiences, students explore topics such as literacy instruction, curriculum design and instructional strategies for diverse learners. These experiences allow candidates to apply educational theory in real classroom settings while developing the skills needed to support student learning and engagement.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for:

Classroom teachers seeking advanced instructional and leadership skills
Education professionals focused on curriculum, advocacy, or organizational change
Individuals preparing for specialized roles in educational policy or administration

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates of the M.A.T. in Elementary Education are prepared to begin careers as licensed elementary school teachers. Successful completion of the program leads to a recommendation for South Carolina teacher certification for grades 2–6, along with the master’s degree.

Because South Carolina maintains reciprocity agreements with many states, graduates often pursue teaching opportunities both locally and across the United States.

Career pathways may include:

Elementary school teacher (Grades 2–6)
Curriculum or instructional specialist
Educational program coordinator
Educational leadership or administrative roles with additional experience

Curriculum

Program Requirements

Credit Hours: 39
Clincial Pratice Internship
75 Field Hours

Required Core Coursework

Foundations of Learning and Learner Development (3 Credit Hours)

EDEE 525 Advanced Foundations of Language and Literacies Development: Birth-Grade 6

Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (15 Credit Hours)

EDEE 535 Theories and Strategies for Developing Literacies
EDEE 545 Advanced Teaching Writing/Design with Children’s Literature and Multimodal Texts, 2-6
EDEE 568 Science for the Elementary School Teacher
EDEE 642 Social Studies and Humanities for Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers
EDEE 665 Elementary Mathematics: Content and Instruction (2-6)

Creating an Effective Climate for Learning (12 Credit Hours)

EDEE 503 Creativity and the Fine Arts
EDEE 507 Creating Effective Learning Communities
EDEE 509 Teaching Diverse Learners
EDEE 595 Field Experience: Advanced Curriculum, Instruction and Literacies Assessment (2-6)

Culminating Professional Experiences (9 Credit Hours)

EDEE 699 Clinical Practice in Elementary Education (9 Credit Hours)

All courses are three (3) credit hours unless otherwise notated.

*Courses with an asterisk must be taken concurrently.

Electives

EDEE 620 Home, School, and Community Relationships
EDFS 632 Education Psychology Learning, Cognition, and Motivation
EDFS 635 Educational Research
EDFS 670 Principles and Strategies for Teaching Multilingual Learners (PK-12)
EDFS 671 Teaching Reading and Writing to PK-12 Multilingual Learners
EDFS 672 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Education
EDFS 680 Teaching English Through the Content Areas (Or Content Modification for ESOL Students K-12)
EDFS 760 The Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students: Historical, Philosophical, and Current Perspectives

Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting institutional admission requirements, applicants are expected to demonstrate an overall A/B average in previous college work or preparation judged to be equivalent.

Statement of purpose or goals describing academic and professional interests
Professional résumé or curriculum vitae.
Two (2) academic or professional references

Admissions decisions are reviewed holistically, considering academic preparation, professional experience, and fit with program goals. The M.A.T. program is designed for both full-time and part-time students. Criteria and standards for admission are the same for full-time and part-time students.

Graduate Tuition & Financial Information

Graduate tuition for the School of Education is based on credit hours. Estimated rates for 2025-2026 are:

South Carolina Educator Rate: $499/credit

Non-Educator Rate: $570/credit

Fees are not included.

For the purposes of the South Carolina public educator tuition discount, a public educator is defined as an individual employed by a public school, public school district, public charter school, or public higher education institution in the State. This includes:

P–12 educators and staff: classroom teachers, administrators, counselors, specialists, district leaders, and school support staff (including office personnel, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers).
Charter school employees: faculty, staff, and administrators serving public charter schools.
Higher education personnel: faculty and staff at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities.

Exact costs vary by enrollment status and term; course fees may apply.

Graduate students may pursue financial aid, assistantships, and scholarship opportunities through the Graduate School.

For the most current rates, review the Tuition and Financial Aid portion of the Graduate School website.

Connect with the Program

Let us know the best way to reach you, and we'll send you important admissions updates.

Share your contact information below and click submit.

Or if you're ready to apply, click "Apply Now"!

APPLY NOW