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Elementary Education K-6 (M.A.T.)

Make a meaningful transition into the classroom or advance your teaching credentials with UNF’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education. Designed for individuals with a non-education bachelor’s degree and current classroom teachers holding a temporary certificate, this state-approved program leads to professional certification in Florida. Unlike traditional graduate degrees that focus on leadership or policy, the MAT is rooted in classroom practice, equipping aspiring and early-career educators with research-based instructional strategies, subject-specific knowledge and hands-on teaching experience. Through coursework aligned with Florida Department of Education competencies and a student teaching component in K-6 settings, candidates gain the skills to foster inclusive, effective learning environments and confidently meet the demands of today’s diverse elementary classrooms.
An elementary teacher sits with a group of students doing a science experiment

Program at a Glance

  • Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Credit Hours: 30
  • Certification: FL Teacher Certification in Elementary K-6; endorsements in Reading and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • Location: Online
  • Application Deadlines: Fall Term - August 1
  • Related Programs: Elementary Education (M.Ed.)

Apply Now!

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education is a comprehensive graduate program designed for individuals with a non-education bachelor’s degree who are seeking a career change into teaching, as well as for educators with a temporary certificate aiming to earn full professional certification in Florida. Unlike programs that focus on administration or policy, the MAT is grounded in classroom practice and equips aspiring teachers with the instructional strategies, pedagogical theory and subject-specific knowledge needed to lead effective, student-centered K-6 learning environments. Through a blend of coursework and a supervised student teaching experience, candidates gain the practical tools to build inclusive classrooms, support diverse learners, and meet the Florida Department of Education’s professional competencies.

With a 30-credit hour structure, the program is tailored to accommodate working professionals while delivering rigorous, hands-on preparation for the teaching profession. Delivered in a supportive cohort model, students progress through the program alongside a group of peers, fostering collaboration, mentorship and a strong professional network. Courses emphasize research-based instructional methods, classroom management, curriculum development, and assessment, ensuring candidates are well-prepared to engage today’s elementary learners. The student teaching component provides meaningful field experience in real K-6 classrooms alongside experienced mentor educators. Whether you’re stepping into education for the first time or building on prior experience, UNF’s MAT in Elementary Education offers a supportive, practice-focused pathway to becoming a confident, certified teacher ready to make a lasting impact.

  • Expand your expertise
    An MAT degree enhances your personal growth as an educator. You’ll gain new insights that help you become a better teacher, acquire essential skills that benefit your students, and improve your overall effectiveness in the classroom and community. You’ll deepen your understanding of subjects, educational technology, and classroom management, all of which will positively impact your career.
  • Transition into a career in Education
    If you're currently in a non-teaching profession, an MAT provides the skills and licensure needed to transition to teaching. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference, this degree is the ideal path for entering the classroom.
  • Boost your earning capacity
    Teachers with advanced degrees have greater earning potential throughout their careers. Many districts offer salary increases for advanced degrees, and some may even assist with tuition to help you upskill as a part of their workforce.
  • Broaden your licensure
    For current teachers, an MAT is an excellent way to expand your teaching qualifications. If you’re certified in elementary education, for example, an MAT can help you add special education or another subject area, broadening your ability to serve more students.
  • Enhance your job stability
    Teachers with advanced education and additional certifications often enjoy greater job security. Your expanded knowledge and skill set will make you a more valuable asset to your school and district.
  • Grow your professional connections
    Pursuing an MAT connects you with like-minded educators who are passionate about student success. Faculty and peers from your program can become an important professional network that may offer opportunities and support throughout your career.
  • Elevate your professional standing
    Earning an advanced degree showcases your dedication to growth and excellence. An MAT signals to peers and administrators that you are committed to being the best teacher you can be for your students, earning you respect in the educational community.
  • Course Catalog
    Explore the graduate courses that will prepare you to become an effective, certified biology teacher and make a meaningful impact in grades 6-12 science classrooms. The course catalog outlines the required coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education – Biology Concentration, including foundations in instructional planning, classroom management, assessment, and science-specific pedagogy. Each course is designed to deepen your understanding of research-based teaching practices and equip you with the practical skills needed to engage diverse adolescent learners, foster inquiry-based learning, and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned biology instruction in today’s secondary schools.

Career Outlook

There is a growing demand for well-prepared elementary educators who bring strong instructional skills, content knowledge, and a commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning. Graduates of the MAT in Elementary Education are equipped to begin their careers as certified teachers in K–6 classrooms, ready to implement research-based strategies, design engaging lessons, and support diverse learners. This degree also serves as a strong foundation for future growth—whether advancing to leadership roles such as mentor teacher or grade-level team lead, or pursuing further graduate study to expand their impact in the field of education.
A teacher stands in the hallway of a school.
  • University Requirements
    1. A baccalaureate degree from an accepted institutional accreditor, or its equivalent from a foreign institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.

      Application and Fee

      Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

      A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

      Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

      College Transcripts

      All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

      All admits must provide official transcripts.

      All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

      1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
      2. Evaluated course-by-course
      3. Include the overall academic GPA
      4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

      Important Notes

      • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
      • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
      • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
      • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
      • Official transcripts must:
        • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
        • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
      • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
      • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

      Where do I send transcripts?

      Mail

      UNF Graduate School
      1 UNF Drive
      Jacksonville, FL 32224

      Email

      graduateschool@unf.edu

  • Program Requirements
    • Letter of intent
      • Maximum of 250 words
      • Describe reasons for
        • Interest into the program;
        • Topics and areas of interest; and
        • Goals after completion of degree
      • Applicants not meeting the 3.0 minimum GPA requirement may contact the graduate program director for additional admission criteria options
    This is NOT a program for individuals who already have their U.S. education/teaching state licensure or certification.
  • International Requirements

    Deadlines and Documents

    The program application deadlines below are for international students who are seeking F1/J1 visas. While these deadlines are not mandatory, we encourage students to complete their applications and submit all immigration documents at least two months prior to the regular program deadlines to ensure timely visa processing. For most programs, the international deadlines are:

    • Fall: June 1

    For programs with fall deadlines earlier than June 1 and spring deadlines earlier than October 1, the international deadlines are the same as the program deadlines. Please direct questions to the International Center.

    According to U.S. immigration regulations, immigration documents can only be issued for students who are fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program. F-1/J-1 students cannot pursue online degree programs, part-time enrollment, or certificate programs; please see the list of F-1 Non-Qualifying Degree Programs and contact the International Center for more information. This list is subject to change. 

    English Language Proficiency

    All international applicants, except those from an English-speaking country, are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency by meeting the indicators listedon the English Language Proficiency page.

    Affidavit of Financial Support and Bank Certification

    The Affidavit is a legal document which is signed by the sponsor (the person who will be providing the funds) stating the amount of funds that she/he will provide for the educational expenses of the student applicant and then certified by a bank official that the sponsor does have that amount of funds in their account. This form represents an obligation on the part of the sponsor to provide the required amount of funds as indicated on the form. Please review the Estimated Cost of Attendance for International Students to determine the amount of funds needed to be written on the Affidavit.

    All documentation and immigration inquiries should be sent to the UNF International Center.

    Immunization Documentation Form and Health Insurance

    All international students are required to submit proof of required vaccinations and health insurance. Please refer to the Office of Medical Compliance with any questions.

    *International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information. 

Program Contacts

Headshot of Dr. Cathy O'Farrell

Dr. Cathy O'Farrell

Elementary Program Advisor

Contact Program Advisor

View Dr. O'Farrell's Profile

Alyssa Elaskari Headshot

Alyssa Elaskari
Coordinator of Graduate Recruitment and Communications

Email Alyssa Elaskari

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Resources

Explore our club, graduate assistantship information, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you succeed throughout your journey in the Elementary Education program.
A young teacher smiles while sitting in a preschool classroom.

Education Club

The Education Club is dedicated to connecting future educators and providing hands-on, career-focused resources to support their journey. Through engaging meetings and events, the club creates opportunities for all UNF students interested in pursuing a career in education to learn, grow, and build community.
A teacher sits at a desk and talks to a young student.

Graduate Assistantships

Learn more about SCOEHS graduate assistantships: Research (GRA), Teaching (GTA) and Administrative (GAA). With opportunities available to master’s students based on their year of study and program level.
A teacher sits while reading a book to a group of young students.

FAQs

Find answers to your most common questions about applying to graduate programs at the University of North Florida, including application steps, required materials, timelines, and more.
A young teacher smiles while sitting in a preschool classroom.

Education Club

The Education Club is dedicated to connecting future educators and providing hands-on, career-focused resources to support their journey. Through engaging meetings and events, the club creates opportunities for all UNF students interested in pursuing a career in education to learn, grow, and build community.
A teacher sits at a desk and talks to a young student.

Graduate Assistantships

Learn more about SCOEHS graduate assistantships: Research (GRA), Teaching (GTA) and Administrative (GAA). With opportunities available to master’s students based on their year of study and program level.
A teacher sits while reading a book to a group of young students.

FAQs

Find answers to your most common questions about applying to graduate programs at the University of North Florida, including application steps, required materials, timelines, and more.