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Most students are eligible for a merit-based scholarship of $5,000 to $20,000 upon admission. No additional application items are required.

Advance Equitable Education with a Master of Arts in Teaching

Prepare for elementary teacher licensure through a CAEP-accredited online program.

Tell us about yourself.

Bachelor’s degree required.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by American University and its partners via email, phone, or text for program information and application guidance. You grant us permission to call or text you at this number, and that contact may be made using automated dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

CAEP-Accredited

AU’s CAEP-accredited1 online MAT is for bachelor’s degree holders seeking elementary teaching licensure—approved in 2023 with no areas for improvement.

20 Months

Earn your online Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 20 months,2 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.3 

The Answer for Elementary Teaching Careers

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
  • Explore a cutting-edge curriculum grounded in neurodevelopment
  • Apply social-emotional intervention strategies
  • Use a multidisciplinary approach to elementary education
  • Gain innovative strategies and insights to empower your teaching

Are You Ready to Transform the Lives of Students?

REQUEST INFORMATION

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
Students posing with a skeleton model for a project in their teaching degree program.

Why American University

Two women stand outside a building and wave.

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.

A group of students in the teaching degree program sit at a table in a library with their hands raised.

You’ll have access to American University’s cutting-edge research, coursework, and partnerships with academic institutions throughout Washington, DC.

Two family members stand outside in front of a columned building.

Bringing the essence of the DC culture right to your home, the curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and diverse perspectives.

Apply Now — Master of Arts in Teaching Key Deadlines

Applications require a $55 application fee.

Summer 2026
Priority Deadline
March 23, 2026
Final Deadline
April 20, 2026
Classes Start
May 11, 2026
Begin your journey

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.

REQUEST INFORMATION

1 https://www.chea.org/national-council-accreditation-teacher-education

2 Time to completion may vary depending on the number of credits taken per semester.

3 Based on an American University census.