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2023 Graduation

Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure

CAMPUSES South College Knoxville Programs
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What You’ll Learn

South College’s Master of Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure degree is a rigorous but rewarding graduate program for students who wish to seek licensure as a K-5 teacher in Tennessee. Designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree, this course provides comprehensive instruction in methods for fostering student engagement and achievement. Completion of this program will lead to an initial license in Elementary Education (K-5) and a Master of Education degree.

This program caters to busy professionals who work full-time and is designed to be completed in 15 months. Courses are offered in the evenings and some additional time is required for on-campus, off-campus, and online assignments. Sequenced field experiences are completed during the K-5 school day or during appropriate after school programs, with an online component required for each field experience per course.

Each candidate must successfully complete two student teaching placements for a total of 16 weeks of full-time student teaching in grades K-3 and 4-5. Field experiences completed during the K-5 school day or during appropriate after school programs will provide you with valuable practical experience and real-world skills for educating young students and working with current teachers.

South College students.

As you work toward your future professional goals, review the related information at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Keys to Success

To be successful in this program, students must have strong leadership and communication skills, and be passionate about working with children. Because the program’s curriculum is varied and demanding, you must be organized, disciplined, and self-motivated to meet the standards required.

South College is dedicated to providing all the support we can to help our students succeed. Throughout the program, you will have frequent access to experienced instructors to make your experience as positive and enriching as possible, along with available course tutoring and the Writing Lab and Math Lab to help with core skills as needed.

Teacher teaching a group of students.

Continuing Education

The master of education initial licensure is the highest degree offered for this field at South College. Graduates may choose to pursue a doctoral/PhD-level degree or augment their credentials through our Educational Specialist Teacher Leadership in School (Online) program.

Additional Information

Accreditation or Approval

Knoxville

The South College Master of Education Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure program offered at the Knoxville campus is approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Application, Admission, and Program Completion Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and published via the institution website each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

Success At South College

Shawn Domm

I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.

- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Ferichs

One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.

- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Adam Hatcher

I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.

- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration
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