Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education

The UMBC elementary education program provides a course of study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Program completers are eligible for teaching grades 1-6 in Maryland. The program meets all state and national accreditation standards. The UMBC undergraduate certification program is unique in that all undergraduates must complete an academic major in addition to the certification program. Students can choose from a list of majors, including American Studies, English, history, mathematics, a foreign language, one of the sciences, one of the arts, psychology, or interdisciplinary studies. At a time when many elementary schools are departmentalizing (teachers focus on teaching math, Englishlanguage arts, science andor social studies), principals find the academic major especially attractive in their new hires. Coursework in the undergraduate program includes foundations, content methods, and reading courses. Students must take additional co-requisites that will prepare them for the wide range of content taught in the elementary grades. These courses include mathematics, science, and social studies-related courses. Students must have a basic psychology course.

The Graduate School recommends applicants have at least a 3.0 GPA or “B” average when applying.For transcripts from schools abroad, the UMBC Graduate School will accept official WES (World Education Services) ICAP Course-by-Course evaluations but note that these evaluations are not required.Students who are unable to meet the minimum GPA standards may still be admitted to graduate study by demonstrating outstanding performance on one or more of the graduate aptitude tests or by providing letters of recommendation from evaluators who can speak to the applicant’s performance as a student or in a professional capacity.Standards for admission to a doctoral program are generally higher than those for admission to a master’s program. The terms of this admission are based on specific recommendations made by the applicant’s department in conjunction with the Graduate School.