Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary
Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education)
Your pathway to teaching is ready! This flexible, online master’s program is designed for career changers and will prepare you for K-6 teacher certification.
With this program, you will benefit from:
- Affordable. All students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. More than 70% of MAT students receive scholarships, such as K-State’s online scholarships and/or the Kansas Board of Regents’ Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship.
- Earn While You Learn. Through our Practitioner Track, Kansas students may obtain a restricted license and become full-time teachers while completing their degree requirements. Our License-Seeking Track allows students to continue their current (non-teaching) employment while they pursue their degree.
- Flexible and Convenient. MAT students work on their online courses as their schedules allow and may complete their program in as little as 12 months or at their own pace, with student teaching in local schools.
- Personalized Coaching. Every MAT student is assigned a GradCat — a master teacher who serves as a mentor, coach, and evaluator from the beginning to end of each course.
- Quality. K-State’s MAT program is ranked #20 among 313 online education programs evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. The program combines research-based preparation with practical, classroom-based experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared.
- Exceptional Learning Community. Your peers in the MAT program come from across the country and around the globe, bringing talent, insight, and shared purpose into every conversation.
- One Size Does Not Fit All. The MAT recognizes and values your unique strengths, views teaching as a practical and individualized activity, and prepares you for success across a variety of contexts.
- In-Demand Everywhere. K-State MAT graduates have the flexibility to launch teaching careers in their own communities — or beyond, with licensure that opens doors nationwide.
The College of Education prepares educators to be knowledgeable, ethical, and caring decision makers for a changing world. You will learn how to effectively define, organize and connect these subjects to the lives of elementary students.
The elementary MAT offers two flexible tracks.
- Practitioner track: For students who pursue the MAT while teaching full time. Practitioner track students are required to hold a Limited Elementary Residency Program (LERP) License.
- License-seeking track: For students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.
Once you complete the MAT, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Kansas K-6 Initial Teaching License. Kansas Licensure also requires Praxis content tests. The license will transfer to other states upon completion of any additional requirements for that state.
Oct. 29 — Don't miss our interactive webinar
Do you have questions about the MAT pathways? Join us live at 7 p.m. (CDT) on Oct. 29, 2025, with Dr. Thomas Vontz and TJ Duntz.
Spotlight on MAT Students
Each student featured here brings a unique background and perspective to their journey into teaching. Click on their profiles to learn more about their pathways, passions and experiences in the MAT program.
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*Tuition rate is based on 2025-2026 rates, which are subject to change annually. Your hours and costs will differ depending on your transfer hours, course choices and academic progress. For a full breakdown of all tuition and fees, please visit K-State's Online Tuition and Fees website.
Career Prospect Highlights