10 Best Elementary Education Graduate Certificate Programs

Elementary education graduate certificate programs prepare aspiring educators to teach young learners about various subjects. Students seek this higher education credential to speed up the process of pursuing teaching certification after earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Though traditional and online elementary education graduate certificates don't grant a degree, they provide a pathway toward enrollment in a master's degree program, such as a master's in elementary education. There are many requirements for becoming an elementary school teacher, such as studying an educator preparation program and earning a degree.

Many graduate programs lead to a teaching license but take longer than certificate programs. Keep reading to discover graduate certificates in elementary education.

Top Elementary Education Graduate Certificates

Like a graduate degree program, certificate programs have admission requirements, such as achieving a specific GPA. Financial aid options are available for some programs, so apply early. Also, take advantage of in-state tuition rates if possible.

Before enrolling in an education program, determine your institution's accreditation and whether you will study part or full-time. Elementary education graduate certificates can be studied online or on campus. Students should expect to take courses in English, social studies, classroom management, and more.

1. University of North Florida � Elementary STEM Education Graduate Certificate

The University of North Florida's elementary education program requires 15 credit hours of study and helps aspiring educators integrate STEM topics into their curriculum. Students can complete this graduate certificate alone or as a concentration to the Master of Education (MEd) in elementary education.

This graduate-level certificate is for aspiring elementary school teachers who want to focus on teaching STEM topics. Courses in this program include:

• Teaching Elem Math Using Tech
• Trends and Issues Elem Sci Tech
• Comp Think in Elem STEM Plus C

2. University of Missouri, St. Louis � Elementary School Teaching Graduate Certificate

The University of Missouri, St. Louis offers a graduate certificate that prepares students to educate young children and earn teacher licensure in Missouri.

This online program emphasizes educating children from 1st through 6th grade and includes a practicum for students to gain teaching experience. Some of the courses students should expect to take are:

• Math Content Pedagogy
• Integrating the Fine Arts into Elementary Classrooms
• Literacy Assessment for Guided Instruction

3. Eastern New Mexico University � Alternative Licensure in Elementary Education

Eastern New Mexico University provides an online Alternative Licensure Certificate in Elementary Education. The program is 21 credits and provides a student teaching license in New Mexico.

One of the unique aspects of this program is that students are eligible to work as elementary education teachers as soon as they enroll. Also, graduate students can use the credits completed in this program toward an advanced degree in elementary education. Courses here include:

• Learner Development
• Application of Content
• Planning for Instruction

4. Ball State University � Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Ball State University has a graduate certificate in early childhood education that molds educators into master teachers. This program is 15 credit hours and can apply to the master's in elementary education with a concentration in early childhood.

Ball State provides a graduate scholarship for students earning this certificate, but they must plan to work in the early childhood education field. Some of the core courses include:

• Education in a Diverse Society
• Educational Programs for Young Children
• Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood

5. Missouri State University � Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Certificate

Missouri State University offers an Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Certificate that is 12 credits or four courses long. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and an interest in elementary education to enroll.

Those enrolled in an accelerated master's program are highly encouraged to pursue this graduate certificate. It is significant to note that admission into this program doesn't allow you access to any other graduate certificates. Courses here include:

• Elementary School Curriculum
• Problems in Education
• Topical Issues in Education

6. University of Arkansas � K-6 STEM Education Graduate Certificate

The University of Arkansas has a K-6 STEM Education Graduate Certificate through the College of Education and Health Professions. Students must pass the Praxis II exams, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and complete a year-long internship.

People who want to teach STEM subjects to young children should complete this certificate program and consider attending graduate school. The university offers an in-person Master of Education for those interested. Core courses in this program include:

• Introduction to STEM Education
• Creativity and Innovation in STEM
• Problem-Based Mathematics

7. University of Nevada, Las Vegas � Conditional Elementary Teaching Certificate

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, provides a Graduate Conditional Licensure Certificate for Elementary Teaching through the Department of Teaching and Learning.

The certificate program is a good choice for students with no elementary background. Through this program, students can be eligible for hire in Nevada with a conditional license. Courses for this certificate include:

• Classroom Management Elementary Education
• Child Development and Learning
• Literacy Instruction

8. University of Nebraska, Lincoln � Early Literacy Graduate Certificate

The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, presents an Early Literacy Graduate Certificate through the College of Education and Human Sciences. Students must complete 18 credit hours of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

This certificate program emphasizes effective instruction in early literacy to help young learners succeed in future studies. This program is one of six graduate certificate programs students can choose from. Courses here include:

• Emerging Reading and Language
• Second Language Acquisition
• Assessment in Early Childhood

9. University of North Carolina, Charlotte � Elementary Education Graduate Certificate

The University of North Carolina, Charlotte, has an elementary education graduate certificate to help students become licensed teachers.

Graduate certificate enrollees gain hands-on experience by working with children of various backgrounds. This experience is gained through an in-person practicum, but the rest of the coursework is online. This program is 22 credit hours long and includes courses such as:

• Developing a Productive and Equitable Learning Environment
• Essentials of Teaching Mathematics to Elementary School Learners
• Teaching and Assessment of Mathematics for Elementary School Learners

10. Appalachian State University � Elementary Education Graduate Certificate

Appalachian State University's part-time elementary education graduate certificate requires 27 credit hours of study. The program has set online classroom meeting times with self-paced coursework.

Those wanting to become elementary school teachers in North Carolina should enroll in this graduate certificate program. The school will review official transcripts to determine whether you have met the 2.7 GPA requirement. Courses here include:

• Principles of Curriculum and Instruction
• Advanced Study in Elementary School Mathematics
• Advanced Study in Elementary School Science and Assessment

Find an Elementary Education Graduate Certificate Program Today

Earning a graduate certificate in elementary education is a big step toward becoming an educator. Along with learning essential skills, you are on your way to earning a postbaccalaureate degree to advance your career. Start your teaching career today by contacting one of the schools on this list and Learn.org.