Find Your Path in Education—Three Online Master’s Programs to Match Your Goals
American University has three master’s programs to help you answer the call to serve students.
- Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education: Learning Disabilities
- Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership
Tell us about yourself.
Bachelor’s degree required before starting this program.
Program Highlights
100 Percent Online
Our graduate programs are offered through a flexible online format, with the special education program also offered on campus.
Career Success
The MAT, MAT SELD, and MEd programs have a 96%+ placement rate in graduate school or the workforce.
Hands-On Experience
Whether it’s through classroom hours or real-world consultancy projects, our programs equip you with practical experience to prepare you for today’s education landscape.
Overview
The demand for qualified school teachers and education leaders is greater than ever. The shortage extends beyond traditional classroom teaching roles to impact areas such as special education, STEM subjects, and high-need schools in underserved communities.
To help address these critical needs:
- AU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs prepare future teachers to serve where they’re needed most.
- The Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership equips aspiring changemakers with the tools to influence education systems at the school, district, or policy level.
Together, these programs offer multiple pathways to make a lasting impact in education.
Choose Your Path
Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Elementary Education
- 33 credit hours
- No previous teaching experience required
- Less than two-year completion time
- Preparation for licensure in elementary education in 48 states
- Offered online
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Special Education: Learning Disabilities
- 30 credit hours
- No previous teaching experience required
- Less than two-year completion time
- Preparation for DC, Maryland, and Virginia licensure with reciprocity in over 40 states
- Offered online and on campus
Online Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership
- 30 credit hours
- No previous teaching experience required
- Less than two-year completion time
- Offered online and on campus
Key Dates & Deadlines
Applications require a $55 application fee.
Accreditation and Licensure
MAT SELD: Prepares you for DC, Maryland, and Virginia licensure with reciprocity in over 40 states without prior teaching experience.
MAT: Successful completion of an American University School of Education Educator Preparation Program, including the Teacher Education Program (Undergraduate and MAT), is widely accepted for state certification across the US (see detailed information by state).
Why American University
The American University School of Education has established a tradition of excellence by creating teachers, education leaders, and policy makers who are committed to social justice and building equitable and inclusive learning environments for everyone.
Alumni have a 91 percent Praxis pass rate and go on to work at school districts, public and private schools, charter schools, and organizations across the country, including District of Columbia Public Schools, TNTP, New America, KIPP public charter schools, the Department of Education, E.L. Haynes, and the Rand Corporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The online MAT programs and the MEd program require a bachelor’s degree. Prior teaching experience is not required, but education-related experience is strongly recommended.
Most students complete their program in less than two years, depending on the number of credits taken each semester. The online MAT Elementary Education program consists of 11 courses (33 credit hours), while the online MAT Special Education: Learning Disabilities and the MEd program both consist of 10 courses (30 credit hours).
Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education, and many employers or groups offer a 29% tuition discount. Most students in our programs are eligible for a merit-based scholarship that can range from $5,000 to $20,000 upon an admittance decision. No additional application items are required. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply.
- Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application.
- Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes and more.
- Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the American University master’s programs in teaching.
Become an Exemplary Educator and Leader for All Students
Whether you’re preparing to become a classroom teacher in elementary or special education, or looking to drive change through education policy and leadership, our programs are designed to help you excel—while balancing your personal and professional commitments.
Take the Next Step