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MAT Elementary Education

Build Your Dream While Shaping Young Futures

Saint Xavier University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education prepares you to earn your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement to teach students in grades 1-6. The program offers both traditional licensure and alternative licensure paths in flexible online or on-campus formats, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your personal and professional commitments.

FORMAT

Traditional: Online
Alternative: Blended Instruction (Online and In-Person)

PROGRAM LENGTH

7 Semesters

CREDIT HOURS

42 - 45 Credit Hours

Important DATES

Start Dates:
Traditional: Fall I - August 25, 2025 (Priority Deadline: July 31)
Alternative: Spring II - March 17, 2025 (Priority Deadline: February 1)

Online Info Sessions

COST

Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575
Credit Hours to Complete: 42 - 45
Approximate Cost: $24,150 - $25,875

Why Earn your MAT Elementary Education Degree?

Earning your MAT in Elementary Education at SXU will equip you with the skills, knowledge and credentials to advance your teaching career. Tailored to young learners, this program helps educators develop advanced teaching methods to stay current with educational research and best practices. Your MAT may lead to higher positions within schools, such as leadership roles or specialized instructional positions, with many school districts offering higher pay scales for teachers with advanced degreesWhether you're starting your journey or seeking a new career path, this program provides the flexibility to balance work, family and education. With both on-campus and online options, SXU's program provides an affordable and transformative experience that leads to Illinois licensure and a master's degree.

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About the Program

The traditional licensure path includes comprehensive coursework, field experiences, and licensure testing, culminating in an MAT. The alternative licensure path allows you to work as the teacher of record while pursuing your degree, combining accelerated coursework with classroom experience and one-on-one mentoring. Both paths provide you with the tools to excel as a teacher and positively impact the lives of elementary school students.


SXU's program integrates rigorous coursework with hands-on teaching experiences, including fieldwork and classroom observations. You will also receive personalized mentoring and support from both a site-based coach and a University coordinator. The combination of practical experience and academic learning ensures you are fully prepared for your future classroom.

Upon completion of the program, you will be skilled in designing and delivering effective lessons, assessing student progress, and managing diverse classroom environments. Graduates will be equipped to meet the needs of all students, differentiate instruction, and contribute to the academic success of their future classrooms.

SXU's graduate Elementary Education program provides a clear college-to-career pathway for you. Our experienced faculty will introduce you to the professional, ethical and moral responsibility of teaching to prepare you to learn about topics such as:

  • Classroom management and organization.
  • Lesson planning for students of various needs.
  • Response to Intervention (RTI).
  • Student assessments and development.
  • Research-based strategies to support students.

Through three levels of education, including field experience through each course, you will learn how to apply your knowledge to the classroom through innovative ways to lead your students. Please see the course descriptions for additional information.

Field Experience

During the Elementary Education traditional program, you will be required to fulfill at least 100 hours in the field. SXU's Education Division will provide designated sites for your field experience (though if you work at a school you might use your school as field experience as well). Please see our frequently asked questions page for additional information.

Graduation Requirements

All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 must be maintained. A grade of D in a course is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements. Not more than six hours of appropriate graduate credit, taken prior to being admitted to Saint Xavier University and taken within the past five years, may be transferred from another institution.

Check Out:

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