Bring Equitable Education to All Elementary School Students
Change the education culture through our online Master of Arts in Teaching.
Tell us about yourself.
Bachelor’s degree required.
CAEP-Accredited
AU’s online MAT degree is CAEP (formerly NCATE) accredited and designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and an interest in earning a teaching license in elementary education. The latest approval (2023) was without any areas for improvement (AFIs).
20 Months
Earn your online Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 20 months,1 and start making an impact in elementary school classrooms right away.
Convenience
Complete elementary school classroom hours in your state of residence.
100% Placement
Within six months of completing this program, 100 percent of our graduates land in the education field or further education.2
The Answer for Education
Education is facing a crisis. According to the Economic Policy Institute, “The teacher shortage is real, large and growing, and worse than we thought.” It’s not just elementary education that’s suffering. The shortage of credentialed teachers is felt especially hard in special education, the STEM subjects, and high-poverty schools.
American University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program was made to answer this challenge.
Developed on the idea that passionate, well-prepared, and progressive-minded teachers are key to sustaining a just and democratic society, the Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares current and aspiring educators to provide an excellent elementary education to all students, regardless of race, socioeconomic background, or learning disabilities.
This program will teach you to turn learning differences into learning strengths as you delve deep into a cutting-edge curriculum that leverages advancements in neurodevelopment, social-emotional interventions, and a multidisciplinary approach to elementary education, empowering you to become an educator equipped with innovative strategies and insights.
Are You Ready to Transform the Lives of Students?
I still remember the support I had from my professors and the school of education to help with the process. With their guidance, I started emailing principals while also going through the DCPS hiring process. One afternoon, a principal from a nearby school called me to schedule an interview. A week later, he called to offer me a teaching position, and I still work at that school today!
Alicia Garfinklel Pines
Why American University
American University is a top-ranked university with award-winning faculty and a political and social legacy, making it an optimal destination to get a teaching degree.
You’ll have access to American University’s cutting-edge research, coursework, and partnerships with academic institutions throughout Washington, DC.
Bringing the essence of the DC culture right to your home, the curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and diverse perspectives.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Applications require a $55 application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
The online Master of Arts in Teaching program requires a bachelor’s degree. Prior teaching experience is not required, but is strongly recommended.
Students will not be eligible for licensure until they complete their MAT degree program, apply to the state/DC for the appropriate credential, and successfully pass certification exams.
The majority of students complete the online Master of Arts in Teaching in two years.
Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. 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. We encourage you to consult with the Office of Financial Aid or a financial advisor when determining the best way to fund your education.
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 MAT program
Learn more about the online Master of Arts in Teaching program.
1 Time to completion may vary depending on the number of credits taken per semester.
2 Based on an American University census.
