Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6) was designed to reflect the professional criteria set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the International Reading Association (IRA) in the field of education. While enrolled in the degree program, you have an opportunity to learn about improving the problem-solving and analytical skills of students, applying strategies that aid students in learning math skills, and adopting data-driven practices that identify areas of need and inform instruction.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6), you should have a bachelor's degree, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to work with students who may be struggling with reading and mathematics. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden's M.S. in Education with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6), you must complete 30 semester credits. The degree program is made up of core courses and specialization courses. There is no capstone requirement.

Core Courses

• Teacher as Professional
• Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
• Action Research for Educators

Specialization Courses

• Elementary Mathematics: Number and Operations
• Elementary Mathematics: Geometry and Measurement
• The Beginning Reader, PreK-3
• The Developing Reader, Grades 4-6
• Literacy Development in an Academically Diverse Classroom
• Elementary Mathematics: Algebra

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6), you have an opportunity to pursue jobs in the field. Some attributes that potential employers, such as the public school system and private schools, look for in job candidates include excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to help students meet reading and mathematics learning goals. Possible job titles include:

• Educator
• Math and reading coach
• Reading specialist
• Math tutor

Advanced Degrees

When you have finished Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6), you have an opportunity to enroll in a doctoral program in a related field. Doctoral programs are typically divided into research and core course components. Before you can begin work on you research project, core courses must be completed. These core courses could include topics such as assessment in reading and literacy, trends and issues in reading and literacy, the history of mathematics education, mathematics teaching and teacher education, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Education (Literacy Development)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy Education (Reading)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Mathematics Education Leadership)

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.