About this Program

The master’s program in elementary school education (PreK-6) is designed for individuals with a non-teaching B.S. or B.A. degree who want to obtain licensure as a teacher in preschool through grade six and earn a master’s degree at the same time. The Pre-K-6 initial licensure concentration offers three different emphasis areas: Interdisciplinary Studies (those getting a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from ODU) or Non-Interdisciplinary Studies (those with other non-teaching undergraduate degrees). 

The program prepares professional educators who are confident and excel in their content and pedagogy. They are committed to using effective practices innovatively, while respecting and addressing the needs of diverse student populations in PreK-6 settings.

Program Highlights

  • The program prepares candidates to teach in diverse settings using culturally sustaining pedagogy.

  • Faculty are world-class educators who use their own real world experiences to teach in relevant ways.

  • Courses include extensive field placements early on to provide candidates with classroom experiences throughout the program.

  • There are many opportunities to study abroad and deepen both pedagogical and cultural knowledge. 

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science in Education
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

$57,110 Median Salary

Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to kindergarten students. Promote physical, mental, and social development. May be required to hold State certification.

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

$60,830 Median Salary

Teach students basic academic, social, and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

$33,590 Median Salary

Instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility. May be required to hold State certification.

Alumni Careers

Norfolk Public Schools
Virginia Beach Public Schools
Suffolk Public Schools
Portsmouth Public Schools
Department of Defense Schools

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Elementary Education with Initial Licensure at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science in Education program in Elementary Education with Initial Licensure should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

An application for graduate studies and official transcripts must be submitted by the appropriate deadline for admission. Under certain circumstances, applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for regular admission to the program may be admitted on a provisional basis subject to conditions specified by the graduate program director. Requirements include:

  • A B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in teacher education, primary/elementary from the College of Arts and Letters at Old Dominion University

  • Passing scores on the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments

  • Passing scores on the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Contact

Associate Professor

3134 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529