At a glance
Delivery
Online
Finish in as few as
27 months
Estimated tuition
$28,704
Contact us
Request information
Interested in learning more about Bethel's M.A. in Elementary Education K-6 program? Fill out this simple form, and we'll send you more information soon.
- Earn additional licenses. If you have a license and are looking to add additional teaching licenses, explore our teaching license programs.
Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Program highlights
Learning you can apply right away
Every course is designed to immediately apply what you learn in elementary classrooms. Whether you are participating in the residency program or working on the job, your coursework aligns directly with daily teaching practice. You’ll plan lessons, manage classrooms, and support students while applying new strategies in real time—with feedback from faculty and your mentor teacher.
Residency pathway option
Some students choose to complete the program through Bethel’s yearlong residency pathway, working alongside an experienced mentor teacher in a full academic-year classroom placement. This immersive, cohort-based experience integrates coursework with daily teaching practice. Bethel’s residency model is uniquely approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, providing a strong foundation for licensure and long-term success.
Teacher resilience and well-being
Through Bethel’s Charting Hope Series, you’ll explore twelve practical habits that strengthen teacher resilience, well-being, and long-term success in the profession. Grounded in research on hope theory and enriched by faith-informed practices, this distinctive element helps you flourish as an educator and leader.
Integrated residency seminars
Three required seminar intensives—in the first, fourth, and fifth semesters—bring together residents, mentor teachers, and Bethel faculty for reflection, feedback, and hands-on learning. Topics include classroom management, trauma-informed practices, and professional dispositions.
Faith-informed preparation
Your coursework and residency experiences are guided by a Christian perspective that values compassion, integrity, and service. You’ll explore how your beliefs and values shape the way you teach, lead, and serve, grounding your work in purpose that lasts.
License-ready structure
This program meets the requirements to seek an initial Tier 3 Minnesota elementary education K-6 teaching license. You’ll graduate prepared to step into your own K-6 classroom with the skills, experience, and confidence of a well-trained educator.
Grow Your Own funding support
Some partner schools offer external scholarships or Grow Your Own funding to support students while they complete the program. These funds come directly from participating school districts and can help reduce the cost of your education while you work in your local school community.
Recent News
Business teachers gather at Bethel to explore how to use AI thoughtfully in the classroom
March 06, 2026 | 11:45 a.m.
Upcoming Events
JUNE 18 2026
Lissner Hall
Camp Hope is a 3-day retreat designed to provide emotional and spiritual restoration for P-12 educators- come join us!
JUNE 19 2026
Lissner Hall
Camp Hope is a 3-day retreat designed to provide emotional and spiritual restoration for P-12 educators- come join us!
JUNE 20 2026
Lissner Hall
Camp Hope is a 3-day retreat designed to provide emotional and spiritual restoration for P-12 educators- come join us!
Grow as a resilient, hope-filled teacher and leader
Bethel’s M.A. in Elementary Education K-6 helps you grow into a teacher who leads with purpose, compassion, and resilience. You’ll explore how your beliefs, values, and sense of calling can sustain you in a challenging yet deeply rewarding profession. Through Bethel’s program, every semester will provide you with hands-on opportunities to apply what you learn in real time. You’ll also develop practices of well-being and hope that strengthen both your teaching and your faith—equipping you to create classrooms grounded in care, curiosity, and confidence.
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scoring margin during the undefeated regular season
Alumni perform in local musical theatre productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the Ordway, the Guthrie, and the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company.
Career Outcomes
Outcomes
Our M.A. in Elementary Education K-6 program prepares non-traditional students to achieve initial licensure and gain the skills needed to be a confident teacher prepared to serve students, families, and communities.
Careers
Wondering what you can do with an M.A. in Elementary Education K-16? You'll be equipped with skills that apply to growing careers, including:
- Licensed K-6 classroom teacher
- Children’s ministry leader
- Community education instructor
- Youth and family program coordinator (YMCA, nonprofits, and more)
Skills
This program prepares you to grow as a teacher—and a leader—through an integrated curriculum and a full-year residency. You’ll be ready to:
- Teach with confidence. Build strong foundations in academic content and instructional best practices.
- Reflect and improve. Use assessment and reflection to continuously grow your impact.
- Lead effectively. Plan and deliver standards-based instruction and manage your classroom with clarity and care.
- Stay resilient. Practice proven strategies to support your well-being and long-term success as an educator.
- Model compassion. Serve with integrity, guided by a Christian perspective that values each student.
Start your journey
Apply now
You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.
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