Master of Science in Education (Emphasis in Elementary Education)
The Master of Science in Education (MSE) with an emphasis in Elementary Education is a graduate-level program designed to prepare individuals for licensure as elementary teachers. This accelerated 12-month program is intended for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and wish to transition into the teaching profession.
Through one year of graduate coursework, students earn both a Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) teaching license and a Master of Science in Education. Candidates may also choose to add a provisional endorsement in PreK–12 High Incidence Special Education by completing one additional summer semester of coursework.
This option allows students to complete their graduate degree and earn dual credentials—a Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) license and a PreK–12 High Incidence Special Education provisional endorsement—within approximately 14 months.
Admission Requirements for MSE Transition to Teaching / MSE Elementary Education PreK-6
General M.S.E. Admission Requirements:
- Two letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your potential to be an effective PreK-6 educator. (Note to ELED T2T Applicants: At least one letter must be from the building administrator in your hiring/sponsoring district.)
- A written statement (of at least 250 words) that describes your professional reasons and motivation for pursuing PreK-6 licensure, which includes examples of the qualities and characteristics that will make you an effective educator. This statement should also reflect your ability to write and construct a narrative at the graduate level.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
- A grade of B or better in English Composition II and Speech/Oral Communication.
- A grade of C or better in a college-level math course.
- Completed Admission Criteria Acknowledgement form.
- Completed Program Expectations form.
- 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.
- Please note: Candidates must meet the undergraduate requirements. Previous graduate performance and/or degrees will not be considered. Students who were placed on FHSU TE Program probation or received a disposition violation (such as plagiarism) at FHSU, are not qualified. Additionally, students who were previously removed from either the MSE Elementary or MSE Secondary program at FHSU must wait a minimum of 12 months from their last enrolled semester to re-apply to either of these programs. Re-application does not guarantee program acceptance. Students who are re-admitted will be placed on probation for the duration of their program.
(Refer to either Track 1 or Track 2 below for access to specific, required documents, which can also be found in the Graduate Application.)
Candidates in Track 1 and Track 2 are required to meet the following expectations during their first Mentoring Seminar (Track 1) or Supervised Practicum (Track 2):
- 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
The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Elementary Education offers three tracks/pathways to Kansas elementary licensure with the option to add a provisional endorsement in PreK-12 High Incidence Special Education.
Track 1 (A): Elementary Education (PreK–6) — Transition to Teaching (T2T)
(Click the link above to view the program of study and course requirements.)
Track 1 (B): Elementary Education (PreK–6) — Transition to Teaching (T2T), adding PreK-12 High Incidence Special Education provisional endorsement
(Click the link above to view the program of study and course requirements.)
Track 1 (A & B) provides candidates the opportunity to begin teaching full-time in a licensed elementary school in Kansas while completing the program. Candidates obtain a Limited Elementary Residency Program (LERP) license, which authorizes them to serve as the teacher of record in a PreK–6 general education classroom throughout their coursework.
In addition to meeting all program admission requirements, Track 1 applicants must submit a signed Intent to Hire form from their hiring or sponsoring district.
Additional Admission Documents for Track 1: (These documents must be uploaded as part of the graduate application)
- ELED T2T (Track 1) Admission Criteria Acknowledgement
- ELED T2T (Track 1) Intent to Hire
- ELED T2T (Track 1) Program Expectations
Track 2 (A) : Elementary Education (PreK–6) — Traditional Certification
(Click the link above to view the program of study and course requirements.)
Track 2 (B): Elementary Education (PreK–6) — adding PreK-12 High Incidence Special Education provisional endorsement
(Click the link above to view the program of study and course requirements.)
Track 2 is designed for candidates who wish to pursue Kansas elementary teaching licensure (PreK–6) but do not currently hold a full-time teaching position in a licensed elementary school. This traditional route supports individuals transitioning into the teaching profession through structured coursework and guided field experiences.
Key Information for Track 2 Candidates:
- Candidates become eligible for the Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) teaching license upon successful completion of the required licensure coursework and state-mandated exams.
- Track 2 does not include eligibility for the Limited Elementary Residency Program (LERP) license. Candidates may seek employment in related educational roles, such as paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, or positions outside a school setting, while enrolled in the program.
- Although all coursework is offered online, candidates must complete a 90-clock-hour practicum and a supervised student teaching placement in an approved PreK–6 classroom.
- This program meets the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) licensure standards. Candidates who finish all coursework and licensure requirements will be recommended for a Kansas Elementary Teaching License (PreK–6).
- Individuals seeking licensure in another state must first obtain a Kansas teaching license and then apply for license transfer through that state’s department of education. (Click the link above for licensure transfer information.)
Additional Admission Documents for Track 2:
(These documents must be uploaded as part of the graduate application)
- ELED Traditional (Track 2) Admission Criteria Acknowledgement
- ELED Traditional (Track 2) Program Expectations
Track 3 (A): Elementary Education PreK–6 — For Currently Licensed Teachers
(Click the link above to view the program of study and course requirements.)
Track 3 (B): Elementary Education (PreK–6) — adding PreK-12 High Incidence Special Education provisional endorsement -- For Currently Licensed Teachers
(Click the link above to view the program of study and course requirements.)
Track 3 is designed for currently licensed educators who hold a teaching license in an area other than elementary education (e.g., Early Childhood, Middle/Secondary Education, or Special Education) and wish to add the Kansas Elementary Education (PreK–6) endorsement to their existing credential. This pathway offers a streamlined approach to expanding instructional expertise and career opportunities within the elementary setting.
How to Apply
To begin the application process, visit the FHSU Graduate School Admissions webpage for detailed instructions and access to the online application. Although the program does not have a formal application deadline, all materials must be submitted and fully processed in Workday at least two weeks prior to the start of the intended semester to ensure timely registration.
Contact Information
For program-specific questions regarding the MSE (Elementary) pathways, please contact:
Dr. Valerie Zelenka
Department of Teacher Education
vlzelenka@fhsu.edu, 785-628-4688 or Teacher Education Office, 785-628-4204
For general inquiries about the graduate admission process or the graduate application, please contact:
FHSU Graduate School
Graduate School webpage
785-628-4236
For details regarding licensure requirements and disclosures, please refer to the Licensure Disclosure link provided above.