The educational specialist with a specialization in elementary education focuses on training educators in the area of kindergarten through grade six instruction. This specialization provides educators with advanced knowledge for teaching critical thinking, creativity, and multiple subject areas in the elementary classroom. Course content is research-based and infuses best practices in education.
Practicing elementary school teachers who wish to obtain a graduate degree and increase their expertise in their current field
Individuals with a master’s degree in an education field who wish to obtain a graduate degree and increase their knowledge and skills in elementary education
Completed admission application packet, including a $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
Official transcript indicating conferral of a master’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (3.0 minimum grade point average required)
Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
(36 CREDITS)
EDU 708 Research Design in Education
EDU 5000 Orientation to the Graduate Teacher Education Program
EDU 702 Curriculum Trends and Innovations
EDU 714 Families, Schools, and Communities: Ethical Issues and Practices
EDU 719 Current Research in Human Development
EDU 729 Evaluation and Assessment Practices
ELE 712 Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving in the Elementary Classroom
ELE 715 Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom
ELE 714 Teaching for Multicultural Understanding in the Elementary Social Studies Classroom
ELE 711 Literacy: Theory and Practice in the Elementary Classroom
ELE 713 Scientific Inquiry and Discovery in the Elementary Classroom
ELE 716 Creative Thinking in the Elementary Classroom
APR 750 Education Field-Based Project
The field-based project is one of many practical applications included in the elementary education specialization. This culminating experience is the final step in the completion of the program. The purpose of the field-based project is to engage the student in a problem-solving experience designed to improve or enhance an educational situation. The process is systematic and involves submission of a formal practicum proposal; active participation, implementation, and/or research; evaluation of the activities; and submission of a final portfolio.
Satisfactory completion of all required coursework
Successful completion of the field-based project
Cumulative maintained grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Completed application for degree
Coursework for the elementary education specialization is available online and at many of the university’s Student Educational Centers throughout the state of Florida. The online delivery option allows students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. The site-based delivery option allows students to take classes in the evenings or on weekends in a location near their homes. The distance delivery option allows busy professionals to complete their degrees without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
Faculty members for the educational specialist are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition, many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most importantly, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.
Courses in the elementary education specialization may meet state department of education requirements for certification and/or recertification. It is the responsibility of each student to contact his or her state department of education regarding certification, recertification, and/or endorsement requirements.