Are you interested in becoming an elementary teacher?
Learn more about the CEHD's Tuition Reduction Initiative that can be applied to the MAT in Elementary Education program!
The MAT in Elementary Education (Grades K/P - 5) could be your start to an exciting and fulfilling career in teaching!
The P-5 MAT program enables you to earn your initial teaching certificate for grades Kindergarten/P-5 in Kentucky. As a student you learn to teach through instruction in content pedagogy, child development, special education, technology and diversity. You will develop skills through field experiences in local area schools.
The CEHD prepares future teachers who are committed to helping every student learn. The P-5 MAT program emphasizes meeting the needs of the individual learner through understanding and using the best instructional practices in a standards-based environment. Through coursework and clinical field experiences, you will become a critical thinker who is prepared to meet the demands of 21st century elementary schools.
Graduates of the program are eligible to earn Kentucky certification for teaching grades P-5.
Some applicants may be required to complete prerequisite courses. Applicants are required to have a transcript evaluation completed prior to application for admission.
For details about curriculum information, visit the Graduate Catalog.
Candidates to initial teacher certification programs are required to submit credentials supporting their academic ability, creativity and collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills, positive disposition, and commitment to the teaching profession. These credentials include test scores, transcripts, writing samples, and letters of recommendation which support the candidate's ability to succeed in a rigorous teacher education program. Competitive candidates will be invited to a formal, faculty interview.
This program is open to all eligible candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Candidates for admission should review the following which outline the expectations of the teaching profession:
Questions about the application should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu. Candidates will be notified via e-mail regarding the admission decision no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are selected for admission will receive information about a mandatory orientation session.
Fall Admission - June 1st by 5:00 p.m.
Please note: If the application deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, we will accept the admission portfolio on the Monday after the deadline by 5:00 p.m.
For those candidates who submit a complete application by April 1st, an early department screening will be available.
Candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Candidates considering application to the MAT program should contact the MAT admissions counselor (teacher@louisville.edu) prior to applying for admission. Admission is competitive. Candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.
Need help preparing for the GRE or Praxis II exams? Sign up for a GRE or Praxis II Information Sessions.
Individuals considering application to the MAT program should contact the MAT admissions counselor (teacher@louisville.edu) BEFORE applying to the teacher education program.
The Master of Arts in Elementary enables graduates to earn P-5 Kentucky teaching certification.
For general information on financial aid resources, please visit the University of Louisville's Student Financial Aid office. The College of Education and Human Development has its own web page dedicated to financial aid that contains some extra information not listed here.
The CEHD has a long history of offering scholarships to prospective and current students pursuing an education degree program. The CEHD provides over $225,000 annually and selects recipients three times per year. Scholarship selection is competitive and applies to tuition only. Apply online for a CEHD Scholarship before the deadline (April 15th, June 1st and/or October 15th). Applicants should expect notification in four to five weeks after the posted deadline.
If you attend full time, you may complete the program in 4 consecutive semesters. Refer to full-time and part-time sequencing guides under the Curriculum Tab.
The courses are delivered predominantly in the College of Education and Human Development on Belknap Campus in the late afternoon (4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) during Spring and Fall semesters.
Yes, after successfully completing the program requirements and passing national PRAXIS exams, a graduate will be certified to teach in the P-5 setting in Kentucky.