Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Advance Your Career with a Degree from Mississippi State

Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route (MAT-ELAR) is an innovative program tailored for aspiring elementary teachers (grades K-6). This program offers an alternate path to licensure, combining rigorous graduate-level coursework, intensive residency experiences, and comprehensive teacher training to develop highly competent educators.

Next Application Deadline (Spring Semester):
December 1, May 1

Semesters Offered:
Spring, Summer

Number of credit hours:
36 Hours

Tuition per credit hour:
602.50

Instructional Support Fee per credit hour:
$25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Highlights

In-State Tuition for All: Students both in and out of state only pay In-State tuition rates.
Fully Online: All courses are 100% online, making them accessible from anywhere in Mississippi and beyond.
CAEP-Aligned Curriculum: The program aligns with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards, integrating academic and experiential components essential for initial licensure.

Respected Degree from an Accredited University: Earn your degree from Mississippi State University, a nationally recognized research institution and leader in online education.
Flexible Schedule: Courses are delivered asynchronously to accommodate work and life schedules.

Career Opportunities

This degree is designed for individuals who seek to teach in grades K-6.

Degree Requirements

The MAT-ELAR program uses a residency model that is both field-intensive and grounded in clinical practice within an elementary public school setting. As a student in the MAT-ELAR program, you will be referred to as a resident. Your journey begins with an induction camp, followed by a blend of coursework and hands-on residency experiences.

Key Features

Residency Model: Engage in a highly immersive, field-intensive program focused on real-world clinical practice.
Induction Camp: Start your residency with a comprehensive induction camp to prepare you for the program.
Integrated Learning: Combine theoretical coursework with practical classroom experiences using evidence-based teaching methodologies
Learning Cycle Model: Connect your theoretical learning about teaching with practical applications in the classroom, enhancing your skills and knowledge through a proven framework

The MAT-ELAR program prepares you to become an effective elementary educator by integrating placement opportunities and evidence-based teaching methods, ensuring you are well-equipped to meet the demands of today's diverse classroom environments.

Course Number	Title	Credit Hours
EDE 6623	Elementary & Middle-Level STEM Pedagogy	3
EDE 8113	Planning & Managing of Learning for Elementary & Special Education	3
EDE 8133	Elementary & Special Education Residency I	3
EDE 8143	Elementary & Special Education Residency II	3
EDF 8553	Research in the Classroom	3
EDX 8173	Special Education in the Regular Classroom	3
EPY 8473	Elementary Assessment & Evaluation	3
RDG 6123	Elementary Literacy Instruction I	3
RDG 6133	Integrated Reading and Writing in the Curriculum	3
RDG 6143	Elementary Literacy Instruction II	3
RDG 6223	Assessing Reading Difficulties	3
	Select a graduate-level education elective with COE, EDE, EDS, EDX, EPY, RDG, or TECH prefix	3
	Total Hours	36

Eligibility for Initial Licensure

After successful completion of the initial licensure courses—EPY 8473, EDE 8113, and EDX 8173—you are eligible to apply for a Mississippi 3-year Class A non-renewable resident teacher license.

Program Admission: You must be admitted to the MAT-ELAR program to register for Internship I and Internship II.
Full-Time Classroom Position: Secure a full-time teaching position in a public elementary school (grades K-6) as a teacher, teacher assistant, or paraprofessional before registering for these internships.
Residency Component: Internship I and Internship II make up the residency component and can be completed in any K-6 grade level within a public school setting

Transition to Regular Teaching License

Your resident teaching license will be converted to a regular teaching license upon completing all program requirements and passing the necessary licensure exams.

Comprehensive Examination

You will complete a comprehensive examination in your final semester of enrollment.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of graduate level credits from regionally accredited institutions. The decision to grant transfer credit is made by the advisor and the student’s graduate committee. If you wish to transfer credits, contact your advisor. You will need to provide an official transcript showing the courses you wish to transfer.

Commonly Asked Questions

Will the diploma say it was earned online?

No, diplomas from Mississippi State University do not show whether the requirements were met through online or in-person courses

Who Should Pursue This Degree?

If you have a passion for teaching and hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, the MAT-ELAR program is ideal for you. This program is designed for individuals eager to develop effective instructional strategies and meet the needs of elementary students.

What Our People Say

"My time with MS State Online has been a pleasant and rewarding experience. When other colleges were not able to accommodate my schedule, MS State Online was. I am thankful and proud to be an MSU Dawg!"

Julie Burk,

Admissions – Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Ready to advance your education with a flexible, fully online replaceMe degree in replaceMe? Follow the steps below to apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route at Mississippi State University.

Residency Restrictions

We are currently unable to admit students living in the state of Georgia.

Application Deadlines

Before starting the application process, please contact Kristina Clark:

Phone: 601-484-4983
Email: kmc180@msstate.edu

Additional Required Application Step

Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.

Academic Advising

Advising is an essential part of your success in the Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route program. Whether you're just getting started or preparing to graduate, your dedicated academic advisor is here to guide you every step of the way.

Advising Guidelines

Upon university admission, reach out to your advisor to determine the appropriate courses.
Mississippi State University relies on email as its official means of communication for all MSU students.
Check your MSU email daily for important updates. Find instructions for setting up your MSU online on the student services website.

Program Reminders

Ensure to consult with your advisor if you intend to deviate from the program.
If you opt for courses outside your recommended program of study, there is a risk that the classes will not count toward the degree.

Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Tuition & Fees

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Class Schedule

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Advance Your Career with a Degree from Mississippi State

Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Program Highlights

Career Opportunities

Degree Requirements

Transfer Credit

Commonly Asked Questions

What Our People Say

"My time with MS State Online has been a pleasant and rewarding experience. When other colleges were not able to accommodate my schedule, MS State Online was. I am thankful and proud to be an MSU Dawg!"

Julie Burk,

Admissions – Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Additional Required Application Step

Academic Advising

Advising Guidelines

Program Reminders

Contact Us

Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Tuition & Fees

Apply Now!

myState

Class Schedule

Request Info

Advance Your Career with a Degree from Mississippi State

Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Program Highlights

Career Opportunities

Degree Requirements

Licensing and Degree Details

Course Structure

Transfer Credit

Commonly Asked Questions

What Our People Say

"My time with MS State Online has been a pleasant and rewarding experience. When other colleges were not able to accommodate my schedule, MS State Online was. I am thankful and proud to be an MSU Dawg!"

Julie Burk,

Admissions – Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary Level Alternate Route

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

Domestic Unclassified Admissions

International Unclassified Admissions

Readmission

Additional Required Application Step

Academic Advising

Advising Guidelines

Program Reminders

Contact Us