Master of Science in Education (MSE) with an Emphasis in Elementary Education

Overview

The Master of Science in Education (MSE) with an Emphasis in Elementary Education qualifies candidates to seek licensure in elementary education (kindergarten through 6^th grade). This degree is offered by the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Advanced Education Programs and is approved for licensure by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Important: Read Before Applying (Applies to Option 1)

• Candidates will not be eligible to serve as the teacher of record in a K-6 classroom until after successful completion of licensure courses and passing the required exams.

• While all of the required courses are offered online, candidates will be required to complete a practicum of approximately 80 clock hours over the course of a semester in an approved K-6 classroom. Additionally, candidates will also have to student teach, full-time for an entire semester, in an approved K-6 classroom. FHSU has no influence over nor is it responsible for students’ employment status or the extent to which they can receive compensation during their practicum and/or student teaching experiences.

• Candidates who wish to teach outside the state of Kansas must first obtain their Kansas license and then inquire with the respective state’s department of education. Please go to this link to locate each state’s information. 

Admission Requirements

General M.S.E. Admission Requirements:

• Two letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your potential to be an effective K-6 educator.
• A personal statement that briefly describes your motivation to pursue K-6 licensure and future goals as a professional educator.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.  
• A grade of B or better in English Composition II and Speech/Oral Communication.
• A grade of C or better in College Algebra.
• In addition to overall GPA, students’ previous undergraduate academic performance will be evaluated.
• A consistent and successful academic history at the undergraduate level that demonstrates the student can successfully pursue education-related coursework at the graduate level and pass licensure exams. This undergraduate coursework should include natural/physical sciences, humanities, and social/behavioral sciences courses.

Additional Departmental Requirements:

After candidates have been accepted into the MSE program at FHSU, they will need to meet the following criteria, which will be facilitated through an online, graduate course and are necessary to enter classrooms. These requirements are not associated with the FHSU Graduate School. Students will be walked through this process during their first practicum course. All related inquiries should be directed to the Department of Teacher Education after candidates have been accepted into the program.

• Provide verification of completing a national background check that must be conducted after admission into the MSE program.
• Provide verification of a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test that must be completed after admission into the MSE program. Most TB skin tests take three days to complete.
• Provide verification of professional liability insurance.

Program Summaries

There are three routes to obtaining a Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Elementary Education. Please follow the links to find the program of study which fits your requirement and licensure needs.

Option #1 leads to K-6 licensure for candidates who do not hold a teaching license.

Option #2 leads to K-6 licensure for candidates who hold a non-ELED teaching license.

How and When to Apply

To apply, go to the FHSU Graduate School Admission webpage for instructions and a link to the online application. Please note that although there is no application deadline, all applications must be approved and processed in Workday a minimum of two weeks before beginning a new semester to secure registration. 

Contact Information

For information specifically related to the MSE – ELED program, please email Dr. Valerie Zelenka (vlzelenka@fhsu.edu) or call the Department of Teacher Education (785-628-4204) for more information.

For more information and general questions about the FHSU Graduate School, go to the FHSU Graduate School webpage.