Online MAT Degree Programs

View online teaching programs currently accepting applicants for 2025.

For those of you who love working with children and youth and like to inform and education, a Teaching career could be for you. Teaching offers a lifelong rewarding career while working with children to help them reach their full potential.

Almost everyone has the opportunity to attend college online. If you are working full-time or have other obligations that keep you from attending a traditional campus, then an online program will ensure you are able to pursue your dream job of becoming a teacher.

In order to teach in most schools, teachers must be certified and licensed. TeachingDegrees.com offers information from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation site on starting college and obtaining your teaching certificate. A teaching certificate ensures that you are licensed in your practicing state. Once you complete necessary college coursework and graduate with a Bachelors degree, you can sign up to take the exams required by your state.

Once you have finished a Bachelors degree, most school systems prefer for teachers to obtain a Master's degree. A Master of Arts in Teaching can be completed online while you are fulfilling your duties as a teacher. Online classes allow teachers who work full time to focus on their graduate coursework in the evenings or on weekends.

A Masters degree is preferred in most school systems. A Masters degree increases the chances of a higher level of pay and helps the teacher acquire more knowledge in their field and better ways to present information in the classroom.

Teaching is a growing field. Teachers are needed at schools all across the nation. If you enjoy working with children and youth and helping others reach their full potential, a career in the field of education might be for you. View
Masters in Education Programs.

TeachingDegrees.com uses information from the Council for the Accreditation on Educator Preparation on this website. They work as a whole to prepare colleges to offer coursework for aspiring teachers.

These programs will prepare teachers upon graduation to sit for exams such as the praxis in order to become certified. More school districts now require that all teachers have a Master's degree, or earn one within the first few years of teaching. Several colleges now offer Master's degree programs online to better suit teacher schedules.

In Depth Review of Top Online MAT Programs

University of Southern California-Master in the Arts of Teaching (Online)

Coursework and Curriculum

The University of Southern California's M.A.T. program is a fully online teaching program. Students can finish the program in 11-15 months. They can receive additional certifications in more specialized teaching areas as well. After completing the program, students may be eligible to apply for California’s teaching credentials.

To be accepted into USC’s online M.A.T. program, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Previous coursework in the desired subject areas 
• Strong communication skills
• Documentation of the basic skills requirement

When applicants apply, they must:

• Complete the online application
• Submit a personal essay
• Provide current and past employment information
• Provide two letters of recommendation
• Provide transcripts
• Pay an application fee of $90

This program requires successful completion of 28 course units. Some courses are asynchronous, while other courses include weekly live classes. USC’s MAT online program has the same 3 curriculum foci as their on-campus programs:

• Theory
• Practice
• Mastery

Coursework ensures students understand essential educational theory and pedagogy. It prepares students to enter the field with teaching practice and observations. It also ensures students graduate with full knowledge of teaching strategies and content. Program coursework can take up into 1.5 years. Year one includes two semesters: fall and spring. In fall semester of year 1, students could learn field foundations and basic pedagogy. In the spring semester of year 1, students can gain a deeper knowledge of pedagogy and literacy education in courses like:

• Applications of Curriculum and Pedagogy Part A in 4 units (all tracks)
• Identifying and Teaching to Student Differences in 3 units (all tracks)
• Literacy Development and Instruction in Elementary Education in 3 units (Elementary Multiple-Subject track) OR Literacy Development and Instruction in Secondary Education | 3 units (Secondary Single-Subject track)

In the fall semester of year 2, students could finish the program with:

• Applications of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Part B in 4 units
• Applying Knowledge and Strategies for Teaching All Students in 2 units
• Blended Learning Experiences for Students in Urban Schools in 2 units

Throughout the program, students gain experience in the field through fieldwork. This field work includes:

• Model teacher observations
• Teaching practice
• Co-teaching practice
• Lesson planning
• Mentorship

USC provides two tracks for teachers working towards teaching credentials: multiple-subject and single-subject. The program prepares students on the multiple-subject track to teach all elementary level subjects alongside higher grade level content in many settings. Students on the single-subject track can choose to focus on English, Math, Social Studies, or Science at the middle or high school level.

The full 28-unit program costs $17,608-22,010 per term. The first semester is an estimated $44,020, and the second semester is an estimated $17,608. In total, the program costs $61,628. These totals do not include any program add-ons or credential assessments. Other fees include:

• Enrollment confirmation: $200+ (credited to tuition owed)
• Orientation and new student fee: <$50+
• Graduate student programming fee: <$50
• Norman H. Topping student aid fund: <$20 per semester
• Estimated $3,000+ for books and other supplies
• Credential exam: $300+

The University of Southern California provides opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. Teachers working in high-needs schools can also earn loan forgiveness throughout their careers. Students from the U.S. and international students can also receive financial assistance and pursue scholarships.

Greenville University-Master of the Arts in Teaching (Online)

Coursework and Curriculum

Greenville University’s M.A.T. online program is for students with a Bachelor’s degree who are pursuing an elementary teaching license. The program takes a total of two years and 54 credits to complete at $488 per credit. Greenville University can accept up to six transfer credits to apply towards coursework. It also does not require a GRE test score. To apply, students must:.

• Complete the free application
• Submit transcripts
• Prove a minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA from a previous degree

Greenville University’s online program includes 15 courses, and students can complete it in two years. The courses focus on:

• Basic pedagogy
• Diversity in the classroom
• Student exceptionalities
• Classroom management

Content-specific courses cover reading, writing, math, social studies, art, and other subjects. Further, the university offers two additional courses for students who want to deepen their math education skills. Teaching candidates in this program can choose between the general and math teaching tracks. The general track prepares students to teach all elementary contents. The math track provides two additional courses on elementary math education.

Greenville University offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities. Each credit costs an estimated $488. The total program costs an estimated $26,352. Other fees include:

• Learning Experience Essay Evaluations: $100+
• Posting PLA or CLEP Credits to Transcript: $35+/credit hour
• Graduation Fee: $150+

Students can receive up to 10% off of tuition costs if they previously received a Bachelor’s Degree from Greenville University. Other financial aid opportunities include:

• FAFSA Loans
• Military Benefits
• Employee Tuition Benefits
• Scholarship applications

University of Central Florida-Master of the Arts in Teaching: English (Online)

Coursework and Curriculum

The University of Central Florida offers an online M.A.T. program in English Education. Students in this program can earn ESOL (English to Students of Other Languages) and reading endorsements. Once they exit the program, students are ready to teach English at any K-12 level. Admission requires that students submit:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• Resume
• Goal statement

UCF’s online M.A.T. in English Education requires 39 hours of coursework. Some courses focus on topics like

• Principles of Instruction and Classroom Management
• Applied Linguistics in ESOL
• Developmental Reading
• Researching in Teaching English

All courses topics fall in one of the three following categories:

• Critical analysis of social, ethnical, legal, and safety issues related to education
• Literature for adolescents
• Contemporary issues in secondary education

The program also includes a one-year internship at an assigned school.

UCF’s online program costs an approximate $330 per credit hour for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the cost is approximately $1,200 per credit hour. All students can expect to pay an estimated $1,000 in books each year. UCF accepts FAFSA loans. In addition, the university offers additional options for financial aid.

Georgia State University-Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Online)

Coursework and Curriculum

Georgia State University offers an online M.A.T. program. It is specifically for those who hold Bachelor’s degrees and are wanting to teach ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). This program helps students meet the requirements for a professional ESOL certification and a reading endorsement. GSU’s program prepares teachers to work in all P-12 grade levels. Students can begin the program in any semester. However, the university requires some courses to be taken in order. Program admission requirements include:

• An undergraduate degree
• Experience learning a second language
• A current job in the P-12 ESOL setting OR
• The availability to pair with one through the university’s Office of Field Placements

Other admission requirements include:

• An official undergraduate transcript with a completed degree and at least 2.50 GPA
• Passing GACE Program Admission Assessment score or qualify for exemption
• Completed Georgia Educator Ethics (360) Assessment

Georgia State’s online M.A.T. ESOL program requires 45 hours of coursework. Students can complete it in 4-5 semesters. These courses include 9 hours in each of the following areas:

• Core Curriculum
• English as a Second Language
• Reading Endorsement
• Applied Linguistics
• Practicum

Students can exit the program once they:

• Complete all courses with a GPA of at least 3.0./li>
• Complete all teaching internships with at least a “B”
• Complete and present a professional portfolio

Georgia State University's graduate programs cost an estimated $4,800 per semester with approximately $700 in student fees for in-state students; the total program would be an estimated $22,000-$28,000. Out-of-state students can expect to pay an estimated $15,200 per semester with approximately $700 in student fees; the total program would be an estimated $63,000-$79,000. GSU accepts FAFSA loans. In addition, the
university provides many scholarships.

University of Mississippi-Master of Arts in Teaching (Online)

Coursework and Curriculum

The University of Mississippi offers an online M.A.T. Program. Students are eligible for a 3-year Mississippi provisional license for grades 7-12 after completing the first three courses. The entire program prepares students for a professional state license. To be accepted into the program, applicants must:

• Have an undergraduate degree related to desired subject>
• Show at least a 3.0 GPA on previous 60 hours of undergraduate coursework OR
• Have an ACT score of at least 21 OR
• SAT score of at least 990 in verbal and math OR
• Passing Praxis Core exam score
• Have passed the Praxis II assessment in desired subject(s)
• Submit a writing sample
• Have a valid SSN
• Have proof of residence in the U.S.

University of Mississippi’s online M.A.T. program requires 36 hours of coursework. The courses cover topics such as:

• Teaching practices and procedures>
• Classroom management
• Student exceptionalities
• Diversity in the classroom
• Technology in the classroom
• Educational research
• Content areas
• National and state educational issues
• Field experience

Students can choose 2 of the following contents to focus on in the program:

• Math>
• English
• Science
• Social Studies

The first three courses required for a provisional 7-12 grade provisional license in Mississippi costs $5,136. This cost includes tuition and other student fees. The 36-hour program in total costs an estimated $19,640.04. This total includes all tuition and student fees. The University of Mississippi accepts FAFSA loans. Additionally, students are eligible for the TEACH Grant.

View more 100% online teaching programs currently accepting applicants.

Education Requirements for Teaching Certification

A Master's of Art in Teaching can be obtained solely online. Typically, for entry into an Online MAT program, teachers must possess at least a Bachelors degree, preferably from an accredited college.

Hopeful teachers who are seeking an energetic career in the education field can begin by completing coursework on the Bachelors level and later finishing a graduate program. This can be done by attending traditional campuses or online schools. For potential teachers who want to focus on younger children, most states offer a degree in Pre-k through 3rd grade.

What is the Online MAT?

This degree program trains future teachers to understand the thought process of smaller children, typically ages 4-8, and prepares teachers ways to present information to them in the classroom that they will be able to learn and apply. A Master of Arts in Teaching online program provides information into how to manage behavior in the classroom for younger students.

Graduate students who teach grade school or plan to major in Early Elementary Education will most likely teach all core subjects in their classroom such as reading, writing, and math. In early education, that can also include science and social studies. Teachers who major in Early Elementary Education will be qualified to sit for exams after graduation in order to receive licensure.

Research Teaching Licensure in Your State

Once they pass these exams, they can apply for a teaching license in their state. An online Master's of Art in Teaching prepares teachers for a chance to make a positive impression on children early on.

An online Master's of Art in Teaching is a degree program for students interested in becoming an Elementary school teacher. If you are interested in teaching then you can start with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. Teachers who successfully complete the coursework and degree requirements for this major are qualified to apply for a teaching license for grades Kindergarten through Sixth grade. Information on TeachingDegrees.com comes from programs that are accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The information provided will ensure you are eligible for certification and licensure after completing an accredited program.

Upon graduating with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, students will sit for the licensing exam in the state in which they intend to teach. Once a teaching license has been obtained, students have the option to pursue a Masters of Arts degree in Teaching or a similar field of Education to add another certification to their license.

Considering Specializations

Some professionals like the challenge of teaching older kids and teens. If so, teaching middle school or high school might be the job for you. If you are interested in teaching Middle School or Secondary School, TeachingDegrees.com has all of the information that you need. Secondary teachers have a numerous options when deciding on a college major.

The most common program for teaching high school is to pursue a Bachelors degree in the subject that you prefer to teach. If a teacher was interested in teaching Middle School or High School, then that aspiring teacher would major in the subject he/she plans to teach, with a minor in Secondary Education. The subject focused classes prepare teachers to know their subject and also prepares them to take their content Praxis exams.

Minoring in Secondary Education will help potential teachers understand the best way to handle behavior management, classroom strategies, and teaching methods for adolescents. The college education courses help assist teachers when taking the praxis exams that pertain to teaching and classroom strategies. Most states require every teacher to pass a total of two to four exams before being eligible for a teaching license.

Online MAT in Special Education

When most students consider teaching, they think of teaching in a typical classroom setting in grades K-12. However, there are numerous options for potential educators to consider when choosing a college program.

Special Education is a much needed area in schools across the nation. School districts are constantly seeking teachers certified to teach Special Education. Special Education requires specific coursework and a degree focused on Special Education courses.

The coursework for teachers who want to go into the field of Special Education will prepare future teachers to understand how to read tests and evaluations preformed by the School Psychologist, teach in unique ways to students who have challenges in the conventional classroom setting, and prepare them to write Individual Education Plans.

After graduating from an accredited college with a degree in Special Education, specific exams are required by the state that must be passed before obtaining a license in that state.

Another specialty area that most school systems have a shortage in are Guidance Counselors. Guidance Counseling is a rewarding job. In this role, professionals work in the school systems with children that have specific needs.

View all Special Education Degrees >>

Guidance Counseling MAT & Library Science

Guidance Counselors also teach classes and help with scheduling. A career in Guidance Counseling requires a Master's degree. Professionals in this field are also required to pass the state exams before becoming certified in their state.

Becoming a School Librarian comes with the opportunity to work with students on all grade levels. School Librarians can work in Pre-schools, Elementary schools, Middle schools or High schools. School Librarians help with research, library books and testing, and teach classes to students during their library sessions.

School Librarians are required to complete a Master's in Library Science in order to sit for the state exams. Upon passing the exams, they're eligible to apply for a certification in their practicing state.

Steps to Licensure

TeachingDegrees.com has state specific information that potential teachers need concerning requirements from each state in order to become a certified teacher. Most teaching fields require a series of state mandated exams that professionals will have to pass in order to obtain a certification.

Passing these exams ensures that teachers are knowledgeable in teaching techniques, the latest methods used in the classroom, behavior management, and theories on developmental stages. Teachers also have to take their content exams, which are specific tests that cover the subject matter that they plan to teach. A minimum score, set by the state where you plan to teach, must be earned before receiving licensure or certification.

Different states require specific scores on exams before passing. Once teachers have obtained a teaching license in the state in which they intend to teach, that certification and license can be easily transferred to another state.

After potential educators have graduated with a degree from an accredited college, passed the state required exams, and possess a teaching license, it is easy to add certifications to your license. All states have specific guidelines, and TeachingDegrees.com offers state specific information on adding certifications to your teaching license.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation strives to see that all teaching programs are accredited so that teachers can seek certification after graduation. TeachingDegrees.com provides only information from the CAEP website. Certification ensures that teachers have learned how to deliver information to students based on their grade level.

View Licensing Information by State.

Types of Teaching Degree

Teachers need a license to practice in the state in which they intend to work. Obtaining a license is required because it shows that teachers are knowledgeable in their subject and prepared to deliver and present information to their students in a productive method. Teaching licenses and certifications are regulated through the state. Each state has different requirements and regulations when it comes to applying for a teaching license.

In order to teach on a primary or grade school level, prospective teachers need to complete a Bachelors degree in Early Elementary Education or Elementary Education. After completing a Bachelors degree, students can apply to a graduate program where they can complete a Master’s of Art in Teaching online.

For future educators that want to work with older teens and adolescents, then they would focus on a degree majoring in the subject they want to teach, then sit for the state regulated exams, then apply for licensing in their state. The local school district can assist the process as well once you’ve been offered a job. Some states have the applications online.

Once a potential teacher has graduated, he/she should send their transcripts to the state’s licensing board. The state licensing board should also receive a copy of your test results. Once they have both of these in their office, prospective teachers can apply for a teaching license or certification.

If teachers want to add a certification to teach a new subject or different grade level, then an examination is required. Specific state scores have been set with minimum requirements in order to add the certification to a current, active teaching license. TeachingDegrees.com offers information from each state on the certification and licensing process. All information provided on TeachingDegrees.com comes from the Council for the Accreditation on Educator Preparation.

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