Elementary Education (MAE)

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Overview

New cohort to begin August 2021

Applications are currently being accepted; please apply by May 14, 2021 for full consideration.

Program highlights

Designed for K–6 elementary classroom teachers with licensure in the field of elementary education
Ranked #13 on TheBestColleges.org national list of Top Online Master's in Elementary Education
Supports faculty-guided teacher research on relevant issues within your classroom context throughout the course sequence
Courses are designed using the Quality Matters set of professional standards based upon research, best practices and national standards for course design.
Includes graduate courses addressing curriculum issues, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and action research
Delivered on a cohort basis beginning every other fall and completed in five consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring; six hours of credit each semester)
Aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Have questions about the program? View the webinar recording held on April 12 to learn more!

Available Scholarships

College of Education Graduate Scholarships
A number of scholarships are available to students enrolling in graduate programs within the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. Complete the short form by Friday, April 16 at 5 p.m.
Panther Alumni Continuing Education (PACE) Scholarship for Teachers
$1,000 scholarship for qualified UNI alumni and renewable for a second year.

You will need to be admitted in order to receive scholarships. If you haven't applied to the program yet, please submit your application for admission.

Convenient course delivery

Courses are offered online using a combination of Zoom, a desktop video conferencing system, and Blackboard, a learning management system. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties with our online courses, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.

Testimonials

Allison Grady

UNI’s MAE program has been a wonderful experience for me. As a full-time working professional, my schedule can change unexpectedly. So it was great to have the assignments be on a consistent schedule with each class.

Morgan Ives

I'd highly recommend this program...The professors and mentors are there for you every step of the way. You're not [just] a student behind the screen, but a valuable member of your cohort.

Program Schedule

Elementary Education (MAE) - Fall 2021 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Fall 2021

ELEMECML

6289

Seminar in Education: Diversity & Inclusion in the Elementary Classroom

This course will explore theoretical frameworks, current research, and practical approaches to teaching for diversity and inclusion in the context of elementary education. Students will learn how to select texts and curriculum materials that promote diversity and inclusion, and how to use these resources to support their teaching and curriculum leadership.

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

6243

Analysis and Improvement of Social Studies Instruction in the Elementary School

Assists teacher in exploring historical and current practices in social studies to create new approaches by using available resources and ideas. Prerequisite(s): ELEMECML 4143/5143 (210:143g) or ELEMECML 4150/5150 (210:152g) or consent of department.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2022

EDPSYCH

6214

Foundations of Instructional Psychology

Study of factors involved in designing and implementing effective instructional environments.

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

6242

Analysis and Improvement of Science Instruction in the Elementary School

Application of developmental psychology to the scope and depth of science instruction; analysis of strengths and weaknesses of alternative science programs including initial and subsequent costs, facility requirements and implementation difficulties. Prerequisite(s): ELEMECML 4142/ELEMECML 5142 or ELEMECML 4150/ELEMECML 5150 or consent of department.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2022

ELEMECML

5141

Integrated Activities in Elementary School Science and Mathematics

Pedagogy that facilitates the development of cross-cutting concepts and habits of inquiry within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through authentic, meaningful, and integrative investigations in elementary classrooms. Prerequisite(s): for undergraduate students: junior standing. Prerequisites for graduate students: admission to the Elementary Education Master's Program (MAE) or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

LITED

6212

Methods and Materials in Literacy Education

Integrated approach to language learning within and across grades K-12, with a strong emphasis on reading and writing connections within content areas and across children’s and young adult literature. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing; previous course work in literacy education or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2022

ELEMECML

6201

Issues and Trends in Curriculum

Current ideas influencing the planning and implementation of curriculum. Prerequisite(s): consent of department.

3 unit(s)

MEASRES

6205

Educational Research

An introduction to research methods relevant to educational research with an emphasis on how these methods address the challenges of conducting research in applied settings such as schools. Course content includes a survey of major types of research designs (both quantitative and qualitative) and their associated approaches for minimizing bias, establishing validity, collecting data and drawing conclusions. A primary goal of this course is to equip students with an understanding of basic concepts and tools so they can systematically locate, efficiently read and critically evaluate empirical research studies.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2023

ELEMECML

6289

Seminar in Education

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

6299

Research

Conduct supervised research on selected topic(s). Prerequisite(s): consent of department.

3 unit(s)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

There are no entrance exam requirements for this program.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

What are the GPA guidelines?

Undergraduate GPA	Admission consideration
3.0 and above	May be considered for full admission
2.75-2.99	May be considered for provisional admission
Less than 2.75	May be denied admission

Can transfer credits from another college/university apply toward program requirements?

In general, students complete the full set of courses outlined in the program. It is possible to transfer a limited number of graduate credits. However, this credit must meet the following criteria:

Course must be a regular graduate course with a graduate course number (not professional development or college credit through an Educational Agency or conference).
Course must be taken by the student in graduate status, and the official transcript must show a grade of B or better earned.
Course must be applicable as a graduate requirement at the institution where it is taken.
Course must be taught by regular graduate faculty.
Course must meet the UNI seven-year recency requirement.
Academic departments will determine whether or not they wish to accept transfer credit even if it meets the above requirements. These criteria were established to prevent credits not intended for use toward graduate degrees (i.e., Area Education Agency/professional development credits) from being used to meet UNI degree program requirements.

Please check with the program coordinator about specific situations.

What are the benefits of pursuing the Elementary Education MAE degree?

Designed for elementary classroom teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of the teaching and learning process, this program helps you develop professionally in four major areas: Application of Knowledge, Understanding Theory and Practice, Leadership and Scholarship.

Next Steps

Step one: Express your interest

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future Elementary Education MAE cohort. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines as they become available.

Step two: Apply for admission

We are accepting applications for the Fall 2021 cohort. Applications received by May 14, 2021, will receive full consideration.

Former UNI students: The online application requires logging in with your CatID credentials. If you have forgotten your username or passphrase, contact the IT Help Desk at servicedesk@uni.edu or 319-273-5555 and have them reset your password.

Need help with your UNI application?

Contact us at 800-648-3864 or Distance@uni.edu for assistance. Additional resources are also available from the UNI Graduate College.

Complete the online Application for Graduate Study.
Please note that you are applying for admission as a Graduate student for Fall 2021.
The program for which you are applying is Elementary Education - MAE.
Entrance exams are not required.
Note that if you have received a degree from UNI, you do not have to pay the non-refundable $60 application fee or request your UNI transcripts.
International students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@uni.edu or 319-273-2195 for specific instructions.

What to expect

When your application for graduate study is complete, you will receive confirmation from UNI Admissions staff that they have received and forwarded your application and transcripts to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for review.

The department will review your application materials and contact you about your admission status. Following admission to the program, you will be provided enrollment information as it becomes available.

Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Mason Kuhn

Curriculum and Instruction

(319) 273-2167

Mason.Kuhn@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Rita Gutman

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2504

Rita.Gutman@uni.edu

Pre-K	Kindergarten
1st	2nd
3rd	4th
5th	6th
7th	8th
9th	10th
11th	12th

Continuing Education and Special Programs

Tabs

New cohort to begin August 2021

Program highlights

Have questions about the program? View the webinar recording held on April 12 to learn more!

Available Scholarships

Convenient course delivery

Allison Grady

Morgan Ives

Elementary Education (MAE) - Fall 2021 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

Step one: Express your interest

Step two: Apply for admission

Need help with your UNI application?

What to expect

UNI Continuing Ed Production Build

Visiting