Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees (M.A.T)

View online teaching programs currently accepting applicants for 2024.

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a popular degree option for educators focused on teaching specific subject areas. In this program, you can engage in advanced course work within your specialization in an effort to become more knowledgeable and well-versed for student success.

A Master of Arts in Teaching focuses mainly on support and leadership and can be an excellent way to establish one's self as a highly qualified expert and potentially earn more money. MAT graduates can teach within K-12 programs, as well as undergraduate programs within their area of expertise. The MAT can be an excellent pursuit for upcoming educators within specific subject areas. This degree program was designed for educational professionals that are focused on teaching specifically within the field of education, as well as focus within specific specializations during their learning experience.

M.Ed. vs. MAT: What is the difference?

The Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Education are similar in some respects. Many terms are used interchangeably, but there are significant differences. A Master of Science in Education focuses mainly on support and leadership. The Master of Arts in Teaching tends to focus on developing direct teaching skills. The average units or credits for a Master of Arts in Education is 42 compared to 36 required for a Master of Science in Education. No teaching experience is required to earn a Master of Arts degree. The Master of Science requires teaching experience. A Master of Arts in Education often does not require the thesis that a Masters of Science in Education does.

Who is the MAT for and what is the MAT like?

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is typically pursued by people wanting hands-on experience for working directly with students. A broad curriculum s offered that covers topics that range from a focus on areas of traditional content to literacy and reading, and educational technology.The degree equips students with the tools needed to build a fulfilling career and make an impact on many students.

A Master of Arts in Teaching enhances practicing teachers' skills through advanced studies in technologies, methodologies, and theories used in the classroom. Students analyze strategies and philosophies related to educational leadership and curriculum design to learn about pedagogy. In-depth investigations are conducted on the importance of equality in learning environments and cultural diversity. Specialization options include special needs, mathematics, technology, language, and literacy. Before graduating, completion of a class-room based research project may be required.

Those that want to specialize

The Master of Arts in Teaching can be an excellent pursuit for upcoming educators within specific subject areas. This degree program was designed for educational professionals that are focused on teaching specifically within the field of education, as well as focus within specific specializations during their learning experience.

Some of the most common specializations included in the MAT program are Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Each of these specializations can provide you with knowledge relevant to teaching students in these age groups.

Masters in Education Programs

• Masters in Teaching Degrees
• Master of Education (M.Ed)
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed)
• Masters in Teaching (M.I.T)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T)
• Masters in Reading Education
• Masters in Secondary Education
• Masters in General Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching program can also offer training within designated subject areas like Secondary Mathematics, Chemistry, History, or even Physical Education. This degree can be a popular choice for educators with the desire to educate students within particular subject areas during their teaching careers.

View more 100% online teaching programs currently accepting applicants.

What Is It Like to Get a Masters of Arts in Teaching Online?

Online Master of Arts in Teaching programs are great for those teaching in a classroom who want to add a subject area to a resume or further their skills. Many of the programs are 100 percent online programs. Others are a mixture of classroom experiences and online coursework. The programs offer accessibility and opportunity. Students have a wide range of schools and programs from which to choose regardless of physical ability, schedule, or geographic location. Classes are finished on the student's schedule. They can organize their studies around a work schedule instead of the opposite. Assignments are completed when they fit into the student's schedule, be it on a lunch break, after putting the children to bed, or late at night.

The online Master of Arts in Education provides a path to advance teaching skills. The classes involve a lot of reading and writing. Information comes to the student in message form. The advantage is the student does not have to take notes. The information is an available reference for help on projects, papers, and tests. Standard internet tools like email and a Web browser are required. Software may have to be downloaded or installed on a computer.

The same amount of interaction and work as traditional college courses are necessary. Active virtual classes are created for students who are expected to participate in assignments, discussions, and online group activities. Students receive content focused on methodology in teaching best practices and theory. The knowledge is put into practice in the classroom of those who are teaching or involved in a student-teaching internship. Students are equipped to help children or young adults thrive academically.

How the MAT teaching degree is different

The MAT differs from other teaching and education degree programs in that it is primary focused on the art of teaching and the improvement of teaching techniques within its learners. This degree program includes practice within different teaching skill sets, research into current and trending teaching methods, and constant self-assessment of teaching efficacy.

The MAT program can also include concepts related to educational advocacy, curriculum design, and educational leadership. These courses can complement the subject-focused nature of this degree program by providing historical foundations, ethics, and intervention techniques for current educators.

If you choose to pursue this incredible degree program, you could potentially qualify for a wide range of teaching careers within your area. Students that are seeking teaching positions within specific areas of expertise may consider the MAT the degree of choice for this pursuit.

In total, the MAT may take 2-3 years to complete from the bachelor's level. During this experience you can expect to engage in lecture-based learning, research, and independent studies as part of your degree requirements.

How a Master of Arts in Teaching Helps a Career

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree allows teachers to deepen and broaden their instructional skills and knowledge. Teachers strive to keep abreast of technological advancements and educational research in schools and learn more about subjects they teach to remain successful and relevant. The degree is designed to help both experienced and new teachers refine their pedagogues, advance their careers, and hone their classroom skills. It brings student teachers up-to-date in methodology, theory, and technology advancements in education. Those who hold a Master of Arts in Education can teach or pursue careers in designing classroom coursework as curriculum developers. Many become involved with school administration, managing and overseeing a school or system of schools.

Many outstanding career opportunities are available beside the K-12 teaching occupation. They include:

• Elementary Education Sector such as day-care coordinator or pre-school teacher
• Health and Wellness Sector
• Human Resource Sector
• Advanced Education Sector

The Master of Arts in Teaching career provides educational professionals with satisfying and reliable career opportunities for long into the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment opportunities for post secondary teachers are predicted to grow at a rate of 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. It is a respected degree that may lead to increased employment opportunities, career advancement, and a considerable boost in salary. Earnings vary by employer and subject, but in May of 2018, the median average salary was $78,470 for post secondary teachers. A Master of Arts is sufficient to teach in a community or junior college. Employers continuously want more of the people they hire. The skills and critical thinking encouraged in a Master of Arts degree are becoming rarer and in higher demand.

Examples of Online Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Programs

Stephen F. Austin State University

Online Master of Arts in Education

Stephen F. Austin State University’s online Master of Arts in Education program helps students explore a teacher’s role as an educational leader, scholar-practitioner, and researcher. The degree track requires 36 credit hours. All coursework is online. Students also complete a paid one-year internship or a semester of student teaching on-site.

The graduate -level coursework includes:

• Advocacy in Early Childhood
• Child-Centered Environments
• Social/Environmental Foundations
• Technology in Education

Michigan State University

Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum for international, experienced or beginner teachers

Michigan State University has a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum that is suited for international, experienced, or beginning teachers. Students choose at least one area of concentration that includes:

• English Language Learners/English as a Second Language
• Science and Mathematics Education
• Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Teaching and Learning
• Literacy and Language Instruction
• K-12 Educational Administration
• Educational Psychology

All areas of concentration require nine credit hours from a list of approved electives, as well as, core curriculum that includes:

• Curriculum Design, Development, and Deliberation in School
• Professional Roles and Teaching Practice
• Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning

No written thesis is required.

University of Southern California

Master of Arts in Teaching that is available online

The University of Southern California has a Master of Arts in Teaching program that is designed for teachers in grades K-12 who want to develop skills that make them effective educators. Live online classes bring students face-to-face with peers and faculty around the world. The curriculum focuses on theoretical foundations, the development of innovative teaching strategies, and practical learning experiences. Those who graduate from the program are eligible for recommendation for a California teaching credential. Those seeking to earn certification or a credential in another state work with a student services team that provides direction and support to identify the most efficient and direct path to local certification.

Requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T)

Qualifying for entry into the Master of Arts in Teaching degree program can include analyzing your previous experience and educational level. One of the most exciting aspects of the Master of Arts in Teaching program is that graduates from bachelor’s programs in specific subject areas like Chemistry and Mathematics can qualify for entry into the program.

If you hold a Bachelor’s in Teaching or Education, you can also qualify for enrollment. The option to choose a subject-specific specialization within this program can allow current educators to choose a different teaching path at the master’s level, making it a great option for teachers seeking change.

Some MAT programs may offer advanced standing tracks for current teachers with experience in the field. If you have been teaching at the bachelor’s level for 1-2 years, you could qualify for a faster master’s program that does not include in-person experience requirements.

Since most applicants to the MAT program are current educators, this path can provide the fastest route to higher certification and career opportunities in the field. MAT programs may be taken online, making it a great choice for current professionals seeking higher degree programs without interruption of employment.

If you do not have relevant teaching experience, the MAT can still be a great way to get your foot into the door in the field of education. The MAT program is designed for both teaching and non-teaching professionals, making it an excellent choice for prospective educators from various bachelor’s programs.

Bachelor’s learners that are entering this program without teaching experience may be required to engage in a student-teaching experience prior to graduation and receiving their professional licensure. This experience can provide hands-on training under the supervision of licensed teachers.

Different MAT programs may include different application and experience requirements for entry. Our team encourages you to explore each prospective school’s requirements so that you can choose a program that is most suitable for your current degree standing.

Example of Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) Coursework

The type of degree and specialization you choose to enroll in can greatly change the type of courses you engage in along the way. The subject matter of your degree program can then include concepts specific to the specialization you choose as well as generalized concepts relevant to teaching professionals.

For instance, if you choose to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching with specialization in Elementary Education, you may engage in course work like Language Acquisition, Elementary Teaching in Mathematics, and Elementary Teaching in Science.

Secondary Teaching specializations may include courses that are relevant to children within this age range. Courses like Principles of Behavior Management and Curriculum Fundamentals can be part of this degree program.

The courses included within your degree program may cater to the needs of children within your chosen specialization area. Each course can provide you with insight into the laws surrounding the administration of teaching techniques in the classroom as well as methods for reaching students with diverse needs.

How Might a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) Help One’s Career?

Students considering the Master of Arts in Teaching degree program may be on the hunt for better career opportunities or a higher salary. Regardless of your unique intentions, pursuing a higher degree level in teaching can potentially mean great things for your career.

Some specialized teaching positions in special education, undergraduate degree programs, and consulting may require that you hold at minimum a Master of Arts in Teaching to qualify. With a few year of teaching experience, you could branch out into broader career options that can influence the quality of education within your local area.

Higher degree programs in teaching can also qualify you for better paying positions during your experience. Some school systems have different pay grades for educators at the bachelor’s and master’s level.

The master’s degree can provide you with more knowledge and expertise within your specialization and within the field of teaching as a whole. You can utilize your training as a means for providing students with a better quality education from a higher trained teaching professional.

Other Education Master’s Degrees

• Master of Education (M.Ed)
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed)
• Master’s in Teaching (M.I.T)