Master of Science in Elementary Education (1-6) for Initial Licensure
Offered in Martha's Vineyard, MA
Wheelock College, founded in 1888, enjoys a national and international reputation as a leader in early childhood education and related fields serving children and families.
Wheelock’s graduate programs are designed to create leaders and advocates to improve the lives of all children and families.
Each graduate program is committed to an inclusive, developmental, and multicultural approach to child study. Emphasis is placed on a commitment to promoting equity and achievement in a multiracial, multicultural society, working in partnership with families, and enabling all children to participate fully in the learning environment. Wheelock College offers master's degree programs, a Certificate in Parenting Education, and several professional development courses and institutes. National and Regional programs are currently offered in locations throughout Massachusetts as well as in New Hampshire, Maine and South Carolina.
THE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MASTER'S PROGRAM (with optional additional course cluster)
The elementary master’s program is nationally recognized, and Wheelock College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Graduates of the program are eligible for the Massachusetts Department of Education Elementary Teacher (1-6) Initial license. This program prepares educators to work with children in the first through sixth grade in public or private school settings.
We are coupling this master’s program with Wheelock’s Advanced Professional Course Cluster in Special Education. This 12 credit course cluster in special education is state approved to advance the initial elementary license to the professional stage, after three years of teaching under the initial license. This additional cluster of courses provides knowledge and skills for teachers working in inclusive elementary classroom settings that serve children with and without exceptional learning needs. (Final state approval of the course cluster for professional licensure is pending notification from the Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.)
THE COHORT MODEL AND FORMAT
Our national and regional master's degree programs are designed as a cohort learning experience wherein a group completes the entire two year program together. The close bond that develops among students as they share professional, academic, and personal experiences is a special aspect of the program. Students work collaboratively and often find that strong support networks are built among cohort members, faculty, advisors, and staff lasting well beyond the two year academic program.
TEACHER LICENSURE
Upon completion of the master’s program, graduates are eligible for the Elementary Teacher grades 1-6 initial licensure M.S. Elementary Education issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
SCHEDULE OF COURSES
The elementary graduate program is two years long. Each course is completed in three weekends (approximately every other weekend) and classes are held Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The program of study below does not list courses in the order in which they are offered for the master’s program.)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission decisions are based upon careful review of academic records, a written essay, three references, and relevant experience. Please refer to the this page for specific information regarding admission requirements and materials.
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
The current tuition for the National and Regional master program is $625 per credit. Federal Stafford loans and other supplemental education loans are available through government financial aid applications (FAFSA). For information on graduate financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (617) 879.2206 or visit the Financial Aid website.
Program of Study
37 Credit Hours- EDP 535 ELE Prepracticum and Seminar – 1 Credit
- EDP 536 Elementary Practicum and Seminar – 3 Credits
- EDU 505 Racial and Cultural Identities – 3 Credits
- EDU 534 Mathematics for Teachers – 2 Credits
- EDU 535 Developing Numeracy for Diverse Learners – 3 Credits
- EDU 540 Intro to Elementary Communities – 2 Credits
- EDU 545 Elementary Science – 3 Credits
- EDU 546 ELE History and Social Studies – 3 Credits
- EDU 685 Elementary Education Capstone - 1 Credit
- HDF 501 Lifespan Development I: Birth through Adolescence - 3 Credits
- RDG 537 Developing Literacy – 3 Credits
- RDG 623 Focused Instruction in Literacy – 3 Credits
- RES 723 Practitioner as Researcher – 3 Credits
- SPE548- Children with Special Needs, I.
- SPE 542 Impact of Special Needs – 3 Credits- required of all master’s candidates for degree completion
- SPE 560 Management of Behavior - 2 Credits
- SPE 654 Advanced Inclusive Curriculum – 3 Credits
- SPE 656 Special Education Assessment – 3 Credits
- SPE 710 Assistive Technology – 1 Credit
For additional information, contact us:
By phone: (617) 879-2311
By email: natreg@wheelock.edu
