BOSTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
EdM in Elementary Education
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 30 units for EdM in Elementary EducationProgram Length
- 52 units for EdM with dual license in Special EducationDual Degree Option
- 18 units for ESL Add-On LicenseESL Specialization
- 120+ hours of pre-practicum field experiencePractical Experience
- Full-term student-teaching practicumStudent Teaching
- Focus on research-based and humanizing pedagogyTeaching Philosophy
The Master of Education (EdM) in Elementary Education program at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree who aim to become licensed elementary school teachers (Grades 1–6). The program emphasizes research-based pedagogical principles, an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, and collaborative learning within a supportive community. Students engage in rigorous coursework and mentored field experiences, including a full-term student-teaching practicum, to prepare them for effective instruction and assessment in elementary classrooms, with a strong focus on early literacy. The curriculum is structured to provide students with essential knowledge and practical skills for teaching diverse learners. This includes understanding curriculum development, planning, assessment, creating inclusive classroom environments, and fostering partnerships with families and communities. The program offers opportunities for both full-time and part-time study, catering to different student needs. An optional add-on license for Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is also available, further enhancing a graduate's skillset.
Curriculum
The EdM in Elementary Education program requires 30 units of coursework and supervised field experiences. An optional dual degree in Special Education and an add-on license in ESL are also available, requiring additional units.
- Core EdM (30 units)
- Teaching Inclusive Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies with Pre-PracticumWED CH 515
- Introduction to Reading Development, Assessment, and InstructionWED LR 551
- Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number SystemsWED ME 503
- Inclusive Methods of Teaching Math (Elementary)WED ME 545
- Special Education: Curriculum and InstructionWED SE 510
- Instructional Methods for Teaching Foundational Literacy SkillsWED SE 580
- Teaching English Language LearnersWED TL 520
- Student-Teaching Practicum: Elementary 1–6WED CH 655
- Dual Degree & Licensure in Elementary and Special Education (52 units total)
- Teaching Inclusive Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies with Pre-PracticumWED CH 515
- Introduction to Reading Development, Assessment, and InstructionWED LR 551
- Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number SystemsWED ME 503
- Inclusive Methods of Teaching Math (Elementary)WED ME 545
- Assessment and Eligibility in Special EducationWED SE 515
- Culturally Relevant Approaches to Positive Behavioral SupportsWED SE 572
- Instructional Methods for Teaching Foundational Literacy SkillsWED SE 580
- Collaborative Approaches to Individualized Educational ProgrammingWED SE 601
- Disability, Education, & SocietyWED SE 706
- Teaching English Language LearnersWED TL 520
- Student-Teaching Practicum: Elementary 1–6WED CH 655
- Practicum: Moderate Disabilities Licensure TracksWED SE 593
- Add-On License in Teaching English Language Learners (ESL) (18 units)
- Seminar: The Student-Teaching Experience—Bilingual (ESL) LanguageWED BI 504
- Methods in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language (ESL)WED BI 515
- Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and AssessmentWED BI 535
- Second Language AcquisitionWED LS 658
- Student-Teaching Practicum: ESL, PreK–6WED TL 571
Careers
Graduates of the EdM in Elementary Education program are prepared to become licensed teachers in elementary schools (Grades 1–6). The program's comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences equip students with the skills needed for effective teaching, curriculum development, and classroom management.
- Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1–6)
- Teacher of English Language Learners (with ESL add-on license)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of the EdM in Elementary Education program?
- Graduates are prepared to become licensed elementary school teachers (Grades 1-6). The program also provides skills for curriculum development and classroom management, with an option for an ESL add-on license.
- How long does the EdM in Elementary Education program take to complete?
- The core EdM program requires 30 units of coursework and supervised field experiences. A dual degree in Special Education totals 52 units, and an ESL add-on license requires an additional 18 units.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the EdM in Elementary Education program?
- Tuition rates for this specific program are not provided. International students are generally responsible for securing their own funding for the full cost of attendance, as full tuition waivers and living expense support are not typically available.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the EdM in Elementary Education program?
- Applicants must hold a liberal or professional undergraduate degree. Specific GPA requirements and prerequisite coursework are not detailed and should be confirmed with the admissions office.
- How do I apply for the EdM in Elementary Education program?
- Prospective students should visit the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development admissions page to find program-specific application instructions and portals. You will need to prepare application materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA liberal or professional undergraduate degree is required.
Specific GPA requirements and prerequisite coursework are not detailed on the program page. Applicants should consult the admissions office for full details.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates for this program are not specified on the provided pages. The School of Theology is mentioned as having the lowest cost of tuition for graduate programs at Boston University, but this is for their specific programs (MDiv, MTS, STM, PhD).
Tuition (home)Tuition rates for this program are not specified on the provided pages. The School of Theology is mentioned as having the lowest cost of tuition for graduate programs at Boston University, but this is for their specific programs (MDiv, MTS, STM, PhD).
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
The provided fee information pertains to the School of Theology, not the EdM in Elementary Education. International students must secure their own funding for the full cost of attendance, as full tuition waivers and living expense support are not generally available for LLM programs. This likely applies to other graduate programs as well.
How to apply
1. Visit AdmissionsExplore the 'Apply Now' section on the Boston University School of Theology website or the BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development admissions page for program-specific application portals and instructions.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any prerequisite documentation.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form by the specified deadline.
4. Application ReviewThe admissions committee will review applications holistically, considering academic background, professional experience, and potential for success in the program.
5. Admissions DecisionApplicants will be notified of the admissions decision according to the published timeline.
Scholarships
LLM Scholars ProgramPartial-tuition waivers
Accreditation
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The EdM program is designed to meet licensure requirements in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions
What are the career outcomes for graduates of the EdM in Elementary Education program?
+
Graduates are prepared to become licensed elementary school teachers (Grades 1-6). The program also provides skills for curriculum development and classroom management, with an option for an ESL add-on license.
How long does the EdM in Elementary Education program take to complete?
+
The core EdM program requires 30 units of coursework and supervised field experiences. A dual degree in Special Education totals 52 units, and an ESL add-on license requires an additional 18 units.
What are the tuition fees for international students in the EdM in Elementary Education program?
+
Tuition rates for this specific program are not provided. International students are generally responsible for securing their own funding for the full cost of attendance, as full tuition waivers and living expense support are not typically available.
What are the academic entry requirements for the EdM in Elementary Education program?
+
Applicants must hold a liberal or professional undergraduate degree. Specific GPA requirements and prerequisite coursework are not detailed and should be confirmed with the admissions office.
How do I apply for the EdM in Elementary Education program?
+
Prospective students should visit the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development admissions page to find program-specific application instructions and portals. You will need to prepare application materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.