Master of Science in Education - Teaching and Learning - Early Childhood and Elementary Initial Licensure

Earn your early childhood and elementary teaching license in our online program

Establish a strong foundation of teacher skills and strategies in this program to become a licensed educator. From birth to third grade which is early childhood to elementary ed which is 4K to ninth grade, you will develop the expertise and confidence to meet the needs of these specific students. An flexible, online program open to individuals currently serving in education and those looking to start their teaching careers.

Credits52

Cost Per Credit^$715

Online Format

This program runs in 8-week sessions with multiple start dates during the fall, spring, & summer.

Teacher License

Earn licensure to teach individuals from birth-3rd grade and PreK-9th grades.

Questions? We’re here to help

Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.

Get answers to your questions

Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.

Program Overview

You need to have earned a bachelor's degree to be enrolled in this program. You will earn your Wisconsin teacher license to be dual-certified in early childhood and elementary education. We develop caring, skilled, and reflective teachers that will be servant leaders in public, private, and parochial schools.

Our relevant curriculum prepares you to work with diverse student populations and gives you the ability to differentiate instruction to meet the academic needs of all learners. In addition, classroom observation and student teaching will develop your abilities to effectively lead a classroom.

Students who desire licensure in another state must contact their state department of education for details about whether or not this coursework will meet state requirements. Students from outside of Wisconsin may earn the Master’s degree without teacher licensing.

What to Expect

Accelerated program
Option to start the program at the beginning of any 8-week session
Small class sizes with individual attention
To earn only the teacher licensure, the program can be completed in 2.5 years. To earn your master's degree with the licensure will require an additional 6 months.

Online/Blended - Courses are taken online with others as a group, participating in weekly discussions, postings, assignments, etc. Each course has a definitive start and end date. Courses are 8 weeks long and each one will require one virtual Saturday session delivered via Zoom.

Passing score on Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) is required for licensure
You are required to participate in a minimum of two pre-student teaching experiences. Some teaching programs will require additional pre-student teaching experiences beyond the minimum.
Student teach during your final semester of the program.

Transfer in up to 50% of your graduate credits.
Utilize the program, Degree Works, which is a web-based planning tool that helps you monitor your progress.

Licensure / Certifications

WI DPI- Early Childhood #1777 (Birth-3rd grade) Elementary #2088 (4K-9th grade)

Graduate Application Steps

Entrance requirements

An awarded bachelor's degree from an accredited higher-education institution
This graduate program has a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. (Students below a 3.00 may still be reviewed for consideration.)

Admissions process for graduate school

Application form available at
- Select the Graduate option
One page essay which should include the following:
- Reason for obtaining a graduate degree
- What are your career goals
- Why are you choosing to pursue your degree at Concordia University
Current résumé of your education and employment experience
Two letters of recommendation using this Recommendation Form
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

When your application is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review.

Accepted into the program

An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number
An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details
Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you access to Blackboard, your Concordia email account, and your student portal
Academic Advising Appointment: Once admitted, you may schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the �鶹ӳ��ý student portal, and assist with registering for classes

Please note:

Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE, are not required
If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information
Uncommon Scholarships: If you meet qualifications, please complete an application Uncommon Scholarship

Non-Degree Students

This is for students seeking a certification, licensure, or an individual course.

Please complete an application at
- Select the Non-Degree option
Non-degree applicants only need to submit an application to begin their admission review. Academic transcripts may be requested from admissions to complete our review.

International Students

International students should contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@cuw.edu for additional information on eligibility and application requirements. For more details, please visit our International Admissions website page.

Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admission@cuw.edu or 262-243-4300.

Adam Paape
Ed.D.

Assistant Dean, Professor

Informational Webinar

Learn more about our accelerated teacher licensure program in a webinar presented by faculty and Concordia staff. Get detailed information on licensure options, requirements, the admission process, and more.

Academic Community Partnership

�鶹ӳ��ý’s School of Education has a reputation for helping public, private, charter, and other school systems meet the needs of their students in the most comprehensive way possible. This is not only an exclusive partnership; we simply believe in providing opportunities to increase teacher capacity, improve leadership development, and impact student success.

Benefits of the Academic Community Partnership include:

Partner with a local university that has an excellent academic and ethical reputation
We come to you – meet with our team to customize a program or professional development that fits each districts’ unique needs
Meet educational objectives and enhance faculty expertise with highly respected, fully accredited programs in a wide range of graduate degrees, licensure programs, and technology options
Face-to-face cohorts or diverse online programs to meet your busy schedule. We provide expert instructors and consultants and draw on research-based practices through our rigorous accredited programs
Professional development connected to university credit
Receive $450 per eligible graduate course or $150 per eligible adult accelerated course

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