M.Ed. in Elementary Education
Become a Global Educator at the Crossroads of the Pacific 
Hawaiʻi Pacific University's Master of Education in Elementary Education prepares aspiring teachers for initial teacher licensure through a practice-based curriculum that combines educational theory, field experiences, and student teaching. Designed for individuals seeking careers in elementary education, the program develops knowledgeable, culturally responsive educators equipped to create engaging learning environments and positively impact diverse K–6 classrooms in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
At HPU, graduate education is more than earning a degree. You'll join a supportive learning community where experienced faculty and mentor teachers invest in your professional growth from your first education course through clinical practice and into your teaching career.
At A Glance
Class Settings
- On Campus / Evening
- Online / Asynchronous
Start Dates
- Fall Entry: August
- Spring and Summer entry points will be considered on a case-by-case basis determined by the candidate's teaching experience.
COURSE INFORMATION
- 36 Credits
- Complete in 12 Months Full Time
TUITION
All costs can be found at hpu.edu/costs.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- $55 app fee
- Official transcript/s (bachelor’s degree or higher)
- Resume
- Passing Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Exam
- Admissions Interview
- English proficiency required for international students
Optional:
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Letters of Recommendation
Request Info
FAQs With Dr. Mani Sehgal & Dr. Eugene Guillian
Dr. Mani Sehgal & Dr. Eugene Guillian discuss common questions about HPU's graduate-level education programs: M.Ed. in Elementary Education, M.Ed. in Secondary Education, and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
Complete in 12-months as a full-time student
100% Virtual or Seated
Practicum Placement Included
Why HPU for Elementary Education?
Not only does the M.Ed. in Elementary Education program take a global view, the learning environment at HPU is also multicultural. Located in the center of the Pacific Rim, Honolulu is a cosmopolitan city with a busy, international community. This attracts a wide-range of learners and uniquely prepares you to teach in culturally diverse classrooms. In fact, HPU students come from all 50 states and more than four dozen countries.
Graduate faculty at HPU are well-respected teachers and scholars in their respective fields. Because they come to HPU from all parts of the United States, they also bring a wealth of experience to campus. You will find a deep commitment to utilizing educational technology tools at HPU, including access to online periodical databases, a digital portfolio-based web page assessment system, course web-page technology, and state-of-the-art wireless services and high tech classrooms.
The M.Ed. in Elementary Education is a portable degree, recognized in Hawai‘i and on the mainland. The curriculum is aligned with professional, state, and institutional standards. In addition, teacher candidates engage in 450 hours of clinical practice experiences in schools under the guidance of mentor teachers selected by school principals.
Why students choose HPU
- State-approved teacher preparation program leading to recommendation for Hawaiʻi initial teacher licensure.
- AAQEP nationally accredited teacher education program through June 30, 2028.
- Complete your degree in as little as 12 months as a full-time student.
- Flexible online and seated coursework designed for working professionals and career changers.
- 450 hours of supervised clinical practice in public, private, and charter schools.
- Experienced faculty and mentor teachers who provide individualized support throughout the program.
- Small class sizes that encourage collaboration, discussion, and personalized feedback.
- Culturally responsive curriculum preparing graduates to teach diverse learners in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
- Technology-rich instruction that integrates modern educational tools and evidence-based teaching practices.
- A master's degree recognized beyond Hawaiʻi, with preparation for graduates seeking licensure opportunities in other states, subject to state requirements.
CURRICULUM & COURSES TAILORED TO CAREER PATHWAYS
HPU's M.Ed. Program in Elementary Education prepares candidates to become competent, caring, and professional educators through classroom discussions and clinical practice experiences. Teacher candidates learn in small classes and enjoy individual attention by university faculty and mentor teachers. The program prepares individuals for licensure in grades K-6.
Graduate students will complete 450 hours of clinical practice in one semester. Placement at a school is determined by various factors: educational philosophy, employment of the teacher candidate at the school, proximity of the teacher candidate's residency at the school, convenience to the teacher candidate's outside employment, etc.
Candidates complete ten core teacher preparation courses and two capstone clinical practice courses for a total of 36 credit hours.
Full-time enrolled, Fall entry
Fall Semester (12 credits)
- ED 6000 The Professional Educator
- ED 6100 Educational Psychology
- ED 6300 Introduction to Teaching
- ED 6700 The Exceptional Learner
Spring Semester (12 credits)
- ED 6401 Elementary Curriculum I: English Language Arts
- ED 6402 Elementary Curriculum II: Math and Science
- ED 6511 Elementary Clinical Practice I
- ED 6512 Elementary Clinical Practice II
Summer Semester (12 credits)
1st 8-week term
- ED 6430 English Language Learner
- ED 6200 Introduction to Educational Research
2nd 8-week term
- ED 6310 Culturally Responsive Education in Hawaii
- ED 6403 Elementary Curriculum III: Social Studies and the Arts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is HPU's Master of Education in Elementary Education designed for?
A: HPU's M.Ed. in Elementary Education is designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree and want to become licensed elementary school teachers. The program is ideal for recent graduates, career changers, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and others seeking initial teacher licensure while earning a master's degree.
Q: Does this program lead to teacher licensure?
A: Yes. HPU's Master of Education in Elementary Education is a Hawaiʻi State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP) that prepares graduates for recommendation for initial teacher licensure in grades K–6 upon successful completion of program requirements and applicable Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) requirements.
Q: Can I complete the program while working full-time?
A: Many students successfully balance the program with professional and personal responsibilities. Evening course offerings, online coursework, and flexible scheduling allow students to continue working while completing most program requirements. Clinical practice requirements require dedicated time in a school setting.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: Full-time students who begin in the fall can complete the 36-credit program in as little as 12 months. Students who require a different pace should work with an academic advisor to develop an individualized plan of study.
Q: How does clinical practice work?
A: Candidates complete 450 hours of supervised clinical practice in an elementary school classroom under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers and HPU faculty. Placements are made based on factors such as educational philosophy, location, employment status, and school availability.
Q: What will I learn throughout the program?
A: The curriculum develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to become an effective elementary educator. Students study educational psychology, curriculum design, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, culturally responsive teaching, classroom management, educational technology, and instructional strategies before applying their learning through clinical practice.
Q: What makes HPU's Elementary Education program different?
A: HPU combines personalized faculty mentorship, small class sizes, extensive clinical practice, and culturally responsive teaching within a globally diverse learning environment. Students gain meaningful classroom experience while preparing to teach diverse learners in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Q: Can I teach outside of Hawaiʻi after graduation?
A: HPU's Master of Education in Elementary Education is a respected graduate degree, and many states offer licensure reciprocity. Because teacher licensure requirements vary by state, graduates planning to teach outside Hawaiʻi should review the certification requirements of the state in which they intend to work.
Q: Who teaches in the program?
A: Courses are taught by experienced educators and faculty members who bring both classroom expertise and educational scholarship into every course. Throughout the program, students also receive guidance from experienced mentor teachers during clinical practice.
Q: What careers can I pursue with a Master of Education in Elementary Education?
A: Graduates are prepared for careers as licensed elementary school teachers in public, private, charter, and independent schools. The degree also provides a strong foundation for future opportunities in curriculum development, instructional coaching, educational leadership, and other education-focused careers as professional experience grows.