OVERVIEW
Add to Your Teaching License with an Online Elementary Math Degree
Join us in helping students find a passion for math by earning a master's degree in math education. STEM is increasingly important for schools and students, and WGU is proud to support this mission by having more STEM graduates than any other college in the country.* As a credentialed elementary school teacher, you see the value in becoming the best teacher possible. This elementary math program will give you the skills you need to become a distinguished educator and positive influence on your students. Become a math expert, and be better equipped to connect with different kinds of learners. This degree program will help you connect with your young students in new ways, improving outcomes and understanding.
Our K–6 math curriculum is specifically designed to focus on the strategies and teaching methods that connect with diverse learners, increase interest in mathematics, and improve student confidence and understanding. This elementary math program is not intended for aspiring teachers seeking licensure or certification or already-licensed teachers seeking an additional endorsement.
*Source: NCES data
Interested in teaching other grade levels? Check out the following WGU degree programs for already-licensed teachers: M.A. Mathematics Education (Secondary) and M.A. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades).
Eligibility note: The M.A. Mathematics Education (K–6) online math program is for already-certified teachers who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to gain additional elementary math (K-6) content knowledge. This elementary math program is not intended for aspiring teachers seeking licensure or certification. If you are seeking your teaching certificate, please view our online teaching programs leading to teacher licensure.
61% of graduates finish within
12 Months*
Use your experience as a teacher to graduate faster! WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,125
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$16,216*
Graduates of this program report an average salary increase of $16,216 after completing their WGU degree.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
Elementary Math Education Courses
A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you upgrade your teaching career with mathematics credentials.
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
WGU's M.A. in Mathematics Education is an affordable, online math master's program that prepares you to teach math effectively at the elementary school level. Our math master's curriculum focuses on the importance of teaching math to elementary school students and making math relevant and understandable for young minds.
WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.* Our graduate degree for elementary school math teachers was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from experts on our Education Program Council, who know what it takes to successfully teach K-6 mathematics. This curriculum is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
This program is specifically designed for working adult students, so you can honor your current work and family responsibilities while completing your coursework.
*Source: NCES data
This program is made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
The M.A. Mathematics Education (K–6) program is a mostly online program that you will complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty.
10 Courses
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
The M.A. Mathematics Education (K–6) program requires the successful completion of a capstone project. This written project will take you through the steps of planning and conducting research on a topic or issue related to your practice setting. The result is expected to be a significant piece of research, culminating in a written research report, including sections describing a literature review, methodology, and detailed analysis and reporting of results.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Mathematics: Demonstrated proficiency in solving mathematical problems.
- Lesson Planning: Identified common areas of confusion or challenge in a course or curriculum.
- Educational Evaluation: Developed well-crafted assessments tailored to address specific learning goals, enabling accurate evaluation of student progress.
- Problem Solving: Conducted research to find effective solutions to a problem.
- Communications: Explained intricate details and concepts to effectively convey ideas, resulting in improved understanding for students.
- Differentiated Instruction: Effectively selected strategies that support differentiated instruction for all students, ensuring that individual learning needs, abilities, and interests are met, resulting in an inclusive and effective learning environment.
“Every step along the way at WGU was amazing! From the enrollment counselor to the mentors, all faculty were helpful and had excellent communication skills.”
—Dana Hatfield
M.A. Math Education (K–6)
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you set up your Student Teaching, learn about teaching certification in your state, and more. You're not alone when you choose an online education degree at WGU.
On Your Schedule
Students choose WGU for their online teaching degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Master's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. You'll be challenged, you'll work hard—and you’ll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments at an accelerated pace if you’re able.
WGU's K–6 mathematics education master's degree program is designed for licensed teachers who already have a bachelor's degree and who wish to improve their knowledge and teaching skills to teach mathematics at the elementary school level.
"I received a great education from WGU while obtaining my master's degree from the Teachers College. I loved that I could go at my own pace. The instructors, evaluators, and my mentor all supported my achievement in this program. This was a challenging program but well worth my time and money.”
—Faith Leonard
M.A. Math Education (K–6)
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Fulfilling Career Filling a Crucial Gap in American Elementary Education
A nationwide shortage of math teachers has created a high demand for educators with the knowledge and training to help young learners understand numbers and develop basic problem-solving skills. WGU's M.A. in Mathematics Education is specifically designed to prepare you to teach elementary school math.
The U.S. Department of Education, in Foundations for Success: The Final Report for National Mathematics Advisory Panel, advises an increase in math curriculum for elementary kids. The report notes that improving K–12 mathematics education is a national interest and recommends adding "math specialist teachers" to primary schools. Teachers in this specialist role would serve as full-time educators in the classroom, or as math coaches for K–12 teachers. This unique position will require specialized knowledge, and a master’s degree in mathematics education can help you prepare for that type of leadership role.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
4%
The number of elementary school teaching positions in the United States is expected to grow by 4% by 2031. The demand for STEM teachers could lead to even higher growth for educators specializing in math.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU Has Alumni Teaching in Schools Across the Country
Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:
- Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
- Middle/junior high schools
- High schools
- Private and charter schools
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
- Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
- Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
- Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
ADMISSIONS
Master's in Primary Grades Mathematics Education Admission Requirements
If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement, (such as the M.A. Mathematics Education, with an endorsement to teach K–6 mathematics) the following is required of you:
- A copy of a valid teaching license.
- Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
More About the M.A. in Math Education (K–6)
- More About This Degree
- Financial Aid
There will be a small practicum in the capstone for the degree. You will be teaching a multi-week lesson plan to a body of at least 10 students. This lesson plan usually consists of about 10 hours of in-class time.
WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.
Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:
- How to apply
- Eligibility requirements
- Examples of scholarships
- What happens after you apply
- FAQs
- Other financial aid options
WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
