The purpose of the social constructivist-based Elementary Education master's degree program, building upon an undergraduate degree in elementary education, is to strengthen professional educators' abilities and competencies to teach in grades K through six. The program is designed for students to attain their master's level (A-level teacher certification). Course work within the degree is planned to update students' knowledge and skills in research-based language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies content, educational psychology, curriculum and teaching, evaluation of teaching and learning, and foundations of education. The master's degree is intended to help teachers develop higher levels of competence and expertise than is possible in initial certification programs.