MAT Elementary Education

FORMAT

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

PROGRAM LENGTH

7 Semesters

CREDIT HOURS

42 - 45 Credit Hours

Important DATES

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

Online Info Sessions

COST

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

CURRICULUM

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Program Requirements

Two Options to Choose From

Traditional Licensure - Online Delivery

Saint Xavier University's Traditional Elementary Education Graduate Program will prepare you for an Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement to teach students in Grades 1-6.

This transformative and affordable experience is designed for those who have an undergraduate degree and is available in both on-campus and online formats. Online delivery will offer weekly flexibility, particularly if you have to balance multiple commitments, and is open to those across Illinois who otherwise may not be able to attend SXU on-campus. This program will lead to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

Please check out the program requirements and admission requirements for full details about what is necessary to apply.

Alternative Licensure

The alternative licensure path is an option for prospective elementary education teachers who need to earn a salary while pursuing a teaching license. This alternative licensure program enables candidates to hold a paid position as the teacher of record while pursuing an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). This transformative and affordable experience is available online and on-campus.

Our alternative licensure programs follow rigorous guidelines that include:

accelerated coursework
field experiences
teaching experiences
licensure testing

Candidates enroll in seven semesters of program coursework including two intensive summer sessions as they complete a 42-credit hour program leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

The alternative licensure programs simultaneously combines accelerated coursework with classroom experiences and one-to-one mentoring.

Candidates in this program will have the guidance and support of a site-based mentor/coach and a University coordinator throughout the two years of required provisional teaching.

Please view the admission requirements page, as well as the program requirements and course descriptions in the SXU Academic Catalog for additional information.

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Graduate Admission

773-298-3053
Email: graduateadmissionFREESXU

FAQ |Elementary Education

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Staying the Course

SXU's Elementary Education graduate 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 6 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.