You can start your teaching career once you have a bachelor’s degree. That’s the only degree you’ll need in many states to continue: only three states—New York, Connecticut, and Maryland—require teachers to earn a master’s to continue teaching.
Even so, there are many compelling reasons to earn a teaching master’s degree. A degree program can help you build subject and pedagogic mastery to become a more effective educator. There are also financial incentives: teachers with a master’s degree earn more than those without one, and many school districts automatically increase pay for teachers with an advanced degree.
These inducements help make education degrees a popular choice. More than 20 percent of all advanced degrees conferred in the US are education degrees, and over 50 percent of US elementary or secondary school teachers hold an advanced degree.
Opportunities abound in education. The US Department of Education reports a nationwide educator shortage, particularly among general elementary and special education teachers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady demand for kindergarten and elementary school and special education teachers through 2032, with over 140,000 job openings each year across those categories.
This article explores different graduate degree options available to prospective teachers and reviews essential factors to consider when researching your program options. It also discusses online degree options, like the online Master of Arts in Teaching from American University.
Understand Your Options in MAT Programs
Customize Your Degree to Your Career Objectives
MEd or MAT Degree: Choosing the Right Graduate Education Program
Current and prospective educators can choose from several master’s-level programs. The most common—the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Education (MEd)—prepare students for careers in education while focusing on different skill sets that benefit varied career paths.
The MAT prepares individuals for specialized teaching roles, focusing on developing advanced expertise in specific subject areas or teaching particular age groups. This degree emphasizes practical teaching skills and effective classroom leadership styles, readying graduates for influential careers in the classroom. The MEd targets those interested in developing expertise in educational theory to prepare for leadership roles that can influence educational processes and policies. Coursework typically focuses on the operational aspects of the educational system, equipping graduates to drive systemic improvements in the education sector.
Prospective students interested in making a difference in their communities and transforming the lives of students through classroom teaching may be better suited to a MAT program. Continue reading to learn more about what to consider when selecting an MAT program.
Things to Consider When Selecting an MAT Program
A master’s in teaching represents a significant investment in your future; you will want to research and compare program options to find a program that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Consider these essential factors when selecting an MAT program.
MAT Degree Focus Areas
Master’s in teaching programs often focus on a specific grade level or content area, enabling students to concentrate on an area of interest and gain specialized knowledge and skills. Your focus area boosts your credentials and should improve your chances of landing the job you want. When choosing yours, consider your interests, career goals, and industry demand for your chosen field.
American University offers online Master of Arts in Teaching programs in two in-demand areas:
- The Elementary Education specialization prepares educators to provide equitable elementary education through an innovative curriculum incorporating neurodevelopment advancements, social-emotional interventions, and a multidisciplinary approach. It caters to individuals seeking a teaching license in elementary education.
- The Special Education: Learning Disabilities (SELD) specialization prepares educators to support students with learning disabilities effectively across age groups. It offers training in diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, exposure to varied teaching methods through the arts, and eligibility for licensure in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with reciprocity in over 40 states.
AU also offers an on-campus MAT in Secondary Education for those interested in teaching at the middle school and high school levels.
MAT Program Format, Schedule and Time Commitment
Schools offer MAT programs in various formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options, all of which include in-person components essential to fulfill student-teaching requirements. Most programs are designed to be completed in two years. Look for the format that best fits your lifestyle needs.
On-campus programs require students to attend classes in person, while hybrid programs require some in-person participation and allow for self-paced learning. Online programs offer the most flexibility, allowing students to attend class and complete coursework virtually. Courses may be synchronous, requiring students to log in and attend classes at set times, or asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework at their convenience.
Students enrolled in AU’s online MAT in Elementary Education or Special Education: Learning Disabilities programs can complete their coursework entirely online (students in the SELD program can also choose to attend on campus). The degree requires 33 credits; students enroll in two classes per semester. Students spend roughly 14–16 hours per week on coursework, which includes two hours of synchronous online sessions, 1–2 hours of asynchronous course-related work, and 5–7 hours dedicated to assignments, homework, projects, and research.
Practical Learning Experiences: Observation and Student Teaching
MAT programs require students to complete fieldwork experiences, typically starting with classroom observations to learn new skills and culminating in a semester of student teaching, where they develop practical teaching tools. The flexibility of online programs allows students to complete their student-teaching requirements in their home state or where they plan to teach.
At American University, MAT students receive assistance with securing student-teaching placements. SELD students in the DC area also have the opportunity to complete an internship with the renowned Lab School of Washington.
The AU MAT program is cohort-based, fostering a dynamic learning environment with students from diverse backgrounds progressing through the program together. During their 600-hour student-teaching semester, the cohort collaborates to share their experiences, promoting mutual learning and growth.
MAT Program Distinctions: What Makes Some Programs Unique
While MAT programs share standard curricular requirements, some offer unique components that align with the school’s specific mission and values.
At American University, online program curriculums center on the belief that fostering a fair and equitable education system creates a better society. One online MAT degree program pillar, Antiracist Pedagogy, ensures graduates are equipped to implement antiracist practices in their classrooms. This approach helps educators deepen their understanding of social justice issues and empowers them to drive change in their communities.
Through a collaboration with the Learning by Scientific Design Network, AU emphasizes another unique program pillar, The Science of Learning. This pillar is dedicated to redesigning coursework and clinical experiences using the latest scientific insights into student learning to prepare teachers to apply these principles in their teaching practices.
As you explore program curriculums and their unique components, reflect on your goals and values to determine which options align best with your needs.
Master’s in Teaching Degree Accreditation and Financial Aid
Program accreditation is essential when choosing a MAT program; it demonstrates that the program meets rigorous quality standards and will adequately prepare you for your future career. Teacher education preparation programs must be accredited for schools to receive federal funding or financial aid. Accreditation may also be required for graduates to qualify for industry credentials, such as teacher licensure. AU’s MAT program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
If you are seeking financial aid to help cover tuition costs, explore the options available at your prospective schools and prioritize those that can offer you the most funding. You may be eligible for the following types of aid:
- Federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and TEACH grants
- Institutional aid, including scholarships, payment plans, and tuition discount programs
- Scholarships from private sources, including nonprofits and industry organizations
- Employee tuition assistance benefits
At AU, most MAT students receive need-based aid, and some also qualify for additional partner discounts and scholarships.
Take the Next Step: Earn Your Master’s in Teaching at American University
When choosing a teaching master’s program, consider the focus areas, program format, learning experiences, program distinctions, accreditation, and financial aid to find a program that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and financial needs. AU’s MAT degree programs offer flexibility, support, and strong connections to help you succeed while you earn your degree and beyond. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the program and requirements. If you are ready to get started, submit an application today.
