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Online M.Ed. Applied Learning and Instruction Elementary Education

Shape Young Minds With Elevated Teaching Expertise

Online

2 Years

36 Credit Hours

$362 per Credit*

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Skills To Help Transform Your Classroom — and Your Career

  • Apply By: 05/21/26
  • Start Class: 06/04/26 

The USC Upstate M.Ed. Applied Learning and Instruction – Elementary online program will refine your teaching practice with research-backed methods. In this classroom-ready program, you will learn the latest instructional strategies for creating standards-aligned, interdisciplinary units in science, mathematics, social studies and English language arts for elementary-aged students.  

Master integrating technology into lessons to monitor achievement data and create highly differentiated assessments that increase student problem-solving capabilities. Plus, discover new career pathways when you graduate ready for the South Carolina add-on certification.  

Concentration Details

  • No application fee
  • Field-based learning opportunities
  • Aligned with South Carolina add-on certification requirements
  • Convenient, online courses ideal for busy teachers
  • Curriculum supported by local district leaders
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What Will I Learn in the Elementary Education Concentration?

Our curriculum is rooted in practical application and usable knowledge. Engage and challenge your students when you heighten your ability to design, implement and improve dynamic, data-driven lessons for second- through sixth-grade students.

The USC Upstate online community is invested in your success. Our mentoring faculty and supportive staff will provide personalized attention from enrollment through graduation. You’ll always have the tools you need to thrive with the Student Success Center, which offers free tutoring and study group facilitation.

Elementary Education Required Courses

Reinforces the science background of practicing elementary teachers. Innovations are examined. Emphasis is placed on methods, materials, community resources and evaluation procedures.

Analysis of a developmental approach to teaching mathematics to early childhood and elementary students.

Critical study of the modern elementary school curriculum.

The selection of teaching procedures and instructional materials used to teach social studies in the elementary school will be investigated.
Demonstration and critical evaluation of reading and writing instructional approaches. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based approaches, instructional materials and integrative, comprehensive, balanced curricula necessary to support student learning in the PK-5th grade classroom.

Our online Master of Education degree equips you with enhanced tools to take your classroom to the next level. Increase your repertoire of cutting-edge instructional strategies with seven core courses covering a range of modern education trends and challenges.

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What Positions Can I Pursue with the Elementary Education Concentration?

Reach greater heights with an elementary education degree that provides the high-level pedagogical knowledge and classroom-ready skills leading educators need. If you are seeking their elementary education add-on certification, this online program meets the South Carolina course requirements and prepares you to teach in second- through sixth-grade classrooms.

For extra career guidance, connect with the USC Upstate Career Management Office. You will have access to resources such as résumé and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, one-on-one career counseling and more.

Elementary School Teacher $62,310 per year1

Instructional Coordinator $74,720 per year2

Explore More M.Ed. in Applied Learning and Instruction Concentrations

Align your M.Ed. degree online program to your future when you select a required concentration. Each option is taught by world-class faculty and delivered in a flexible online learning format.

Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): Early Childhood

The M.Ed. Early Childhood Education online coursework is rooted in developmental theory and provides today’s best practices for working with children.

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Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): Literacy

Support literacy development in K-12 students with a master’s literacy education that prepares you to design and implement effective reading initiatives.

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Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): TESOL

This TESOL online program prepares you to effectively teach and support multilingual K-12 students in a broad range of educational environments.

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Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): Research in Practice Education

Strengthen your research literacy capabilities and take steps toward qualifying for the S.C. gifted and talented or project-based learning endorsement.

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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers.” Retrieved Sept. 26, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Instructional Coordinators.” Retrieved Sept. 26, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm.

*In-state tuition with South Carolina teaching certificate