Online Master of Arts in Teaching

Online MA in Teaching programs offer a strong foundation in educational theory, pedagogy, curriculum design, and applied classroom practice. These programs are designed for aspiring teachers, career changers, and current educators who want to strengthen their ability to create engaging learning environments and improve student outcomes. Graduates learn to apply effective teaching strategies, manage diverse classrooms, integrate technology into instruction, and adapt to the evolving needs of schools and communities.

Core Courses and Electives

Core Courses

• Introduction to Teaching: Provides an overview of instructional methods, learning theories, and ethical responsibilities in the teaching profession.
• Human Growth and Development: Examines cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan, with applications to classroom instruction and student support.
• Curriculum Design and Instruction: Explores models for planning, implementing, and evaluating effective curriculum aligned with educational standards.
• Classroom Management: Focuses on strategies for creating positive learning environments, managing student behavior, and fostering engagement.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Covers methods of formative and summative assessment, data-driven instruction, and feedback to improve student achievement.
• Educational Technology: Examines tools and digital platforms that support 21st-century teaching, online learning, and student collaboration.

Popular Electives

• Multicultural Education – Strategies for teaching in diverse classrooms and promoting inclusive practices.
• STEM Instruction – Methods for teaching science, technology, engineering, and math effectively.
• Literacy Development – Focuses on reading, writing, and language instruction across grade levels.
• Special Education – Prepares teachers to support students with learning differences and disabilities.
• Leadership in Education – Develops skills for leading school initiatives, mentoring colleagues, or pursuing administrative roles.

Specializations

The Master of Arts in Teaching offers a diverse range of specialization pathways, allowing students to tailor their degree toward specific teaching levels, subject areas, or learner needs. Each track is structured with targeted coursework, practicum experiences, and, in some cases, progression opportunities toward advanced degrees such as the Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning.

• MAT: Elementary Education (36 Hours): A streamlined program focusing on foundational pedagogy, child development, and instructional methods for grades K–6.
  Career Paths: Elementary school teacher, literacy coach, instructional specialist.
• MAT: Elementary Education (45 Hours): Provides deeper training in curriculum design, assessment strategies, and differentiated instruction for elementary learners.
  Career Paths: Certified K–6 teacher, curriculum coordinator, educational consultant.
• MAT: Elementary Education (45 Hours): Special Education General Curriculum (K–6) Add-On: Prepares educators to teach elementary-level students with diverse learning needs by combining general and special education training.
  Career Paths: Elementary teacher with SPED certification, inclusion specialist, interventionist.
• MAT: Elementary Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning: Designed for students pursuing advanced expertise in curriculum leadership, this track bridges the MAT with specialist-level training.
  Career Paths: Curriculum specialist, instructional coach, education program director.
• MAT: Middle Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning: Ideal for educators seeking advanced preparation in middle grades pedagogy and curriculum development, with a direct pathway to an Ed.S. degree.
  Career Paths: Middle school teacher, curriculum planner, instructional leader.
• MAT: Middle Grades Education (36 Hours): Focuses on instructional strategies, adolescent development, and subject-specific pedagogy for middle school learners.
  Career Paths: Middle grades teacher, STEM/English/Social Studies teacher, grade-level team leader.
• MAT: Middle Grades Education (45 Hours): An expanded track with additional coursework in content mastery and classroom management for diverse middle school contexts.
  Career Paths: Middle school subject specialist, instructional coach, education coordinator.
• MAT: Secondary Education (36 Hours): Equips future educators to teach at the high school level, with training in subject-specific content areas and adolescent learning.
  Career Paths: High school teacher, subject specialist, test preparation instructor.
• MAT: Secondary Education (45 Hours): Provides advanced preparation in secondary-level pedagogy, curriculum planning, and student engagement strategies.
  Career Paths: Secondary teacher, department head, educational program designer.
• MAT: Secondary Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning: Enables teachers to expand into leadership roles by combining classroom expertise with curriculum design and instructional planning.
  Career Paths: Curriculum coordinator, instructional leader, school administrator.
• MAT: Special Education (36 Hours): Adapted Curriculum with CTE Transition & Special Needs: Focuses on specialized strategies for students with significant disabilities, with emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) transitions.
  Career Paths: Special education teacher, transition specialist, life skills program coordinator.
• MAT: Special Education (36 Hours): Early Childhood Special Education: Prepares educators to address the developmental, social, and learning needs of children from birth through kindergarten.
  Career Paths: Early intervention specialist, preschool special educator, developmental therapist.
• MAT: Special Education (36 Hours): General Curriculum: Trains teachers to support students with mild to moderate disabilities in inclusive K–12 classrooms.
  Career Paths: Special education teacher, resource room instructor, inclusion specialist.
• MAT: Special Education (45 Hours): Adapted Curriculum & Early Childhood Special Education with CTE Transition & Special Needs: A comprehensive track combining early childhood, adapted curriculum, and vocational transition for students with complex learning needs.
  Career Paths: Early interventionist, special needs coordinator, transition services leader.
• MAT: Special Education (45 Hours): General Curriculum with CTE Transition & Special Needs: Focuses on equipping teachers to support students with mild disabilities while integrating CTE pathways for independent living and employment readiness.
  Career Paths: Inclusion teacher, transition educator, vocational support specialist.
• MAT: Special Education (51 Hours): Early Childhood Special Education & General Curriculum: An intensive program covering both early childhood intervention and general curriculum instruction for K–12 special education.
  Career Paths: Early childhood SPED teacher, elementary SPED instructor, developmental specialist.
• MAT: Special Education (51 Hours): General Curriculum & Adapted Curriculum with CTE Transition & Special Needs: Provides comprehensive preparation for working across the spectrum of student needs, from mild learning challenges to significant disabilities.
  Career Paths: Comprehensive SPED educator, transition coordinator, special needs program leader.
• MAT: Special Student – LUO: A flexible option for non-degree-seeking students interested in professional development, additional certifications, or personal enrichment in education
  Career Paths: Varies depending on coursework; often pursued by teachers seeking add-on endorsements or targeted skill-building.

Capstone Projects and Applied Learning

• Teaching Thesis or Capstone: Students complete a research or applied project, such as developing a literacy intervention plan, designing a STEM curriculum, or analyzing classroom management strategies.
• Portfolio Development: Programs encourage students to compile lesson plans, instructional videos, classroom projects, and reflective essays into a professional teaching portfolio.
• Student Teaching and Practicum: Most MAT programs require supervised teaching placements in real classrooms, allowing students to practice instructional methods and receive feedback from mentor teachers.
• Community-Based Projects: Students often collaborate with schools or educational nonprofits to design tutoring programs, after-school initiatives, or family literacy workshops.
• Digital Teaching Tools: Opportunities include creating online learning modules, developing blended-learning strategies, or integrating technology for virtual classrooms.

Admission to an online Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching is designed to attract a broad spectrum of learners—recent graduates, career changers seeking initial teacher licensure, and professionals looking to strengthen their instructional expertise. Programs consider not only academic preparation but also an applicant’s dedication to student learning, professional readiness, and potential to make a lasting impact in classrooms.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution. While a background in education, English, mathematics, sciences, or social sciences is often advantageous, many programs welcome candidates from diverse fields who demonstrate strong academic ability and a commitment to becoming effective educators.
• Statement of Purpose: A personal statement is generally required, providing applicants the opportunity to explain their career goals, interest in teaching, relevant classroom or youth-focused experiences, and motivation for pursuing graduate study. Committees use this essay to evaluate clarity of purpose, communication skills, and dedication to education.
• Professional Resume: Applicants should submit a resume or CV highlighting academic achievements, professional work, or volunteer experiences that reflect readiness for the teaching profession. Roles such as tutoring, mentoring, coaching, or educational leadership are highly valued.
• Letters of Recommendation: One to three recommendation letters are typically requested from academic instructors, supervisors, or professional colleagues who can speak to the applicant’s intellectual abilities, communication strengths, and potential to succeed as a teacher.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions must be submitted. International applicants may also be required to provide credential evaluations or translated documents.
• Writing Sample: Some programs may request a writing sample—such as a reflective essay, research paper, or instructional plan—to assess an applicant’s ability to think critically, express ideas effectively, and engage with academic content.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English are generally expected to demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless they hold a prior degree from an English-language institution.
• No GRE Requirement: The majority of online MA in Teaching programs do not require GRE scores. Instead, admissions committees place stronger emphasis on academic preparation, teaching-related experiences, communication skills, and a clear commitment to student learning.

Online MA in Teaching – No GRE Programs

A growing number of online MA in Teaching programs have waived standardized testing altogether. By removing the GRE requirement, these programs make graduate study more accessible to working adults and aspiring teachers. Admissions decisions instead prioritize an applicant’s academic record, resume, recommendations, and statement of purpose, giving weight to experiences that highlight leadership, resilience, and dedication to education.   

• Average Range: The cost of an Online MA in Teaching typically falls between $16,000 – $45,000 for the whole program.
• Factors Influencing Cost: Several elements shape tuition, including whether the institution is public or private, residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state), and the number of credit hours required, which usually ranges from 30 to 45. Public universities often offer more affordable rates for in-state students, while private institutions may provide tuition discounts, scholarships, or financial incentives for those pursuing high-need teaching fields. In addition to tuition, students should account for other expenses such as digital platform fees, textbooks, classroom resources, and required licensure-related costs (e.g., Praxis exams, background checks, or liability insurance during student teaching).

Accreditation is a critical consideration for anyone pursuing an online MA in Teaching. It guarantees that the program meets the high academic and professional standards required for teacher certification, career advancement, and graduate-level credibility. Most reputable programs are offered by regionally accredited universities, ensuring eligibility for federal financial aid, smoother credit transfers, and recognition by school districts and licensing boards. In the United States, aspiring teachers should also look for programs approved by state education departments or aligned with standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This specialized accreditation signals that the program effectively prepares teachers with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed in today’s classrooms. For international students, verifying whether the degree is recognized in their home country is essential for employment and further study. Accreditation status can always be confirmed through the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Choosing an accredited MA in Teaching program not only validates the quality of education but also ensures that graduates enter the profession with credentials respected by schools, employers, and professional organizations worldwide.

• Clarify professional goals: Students should begin by identifying whether their goal is to teach at the elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level, transition into curriculum design, move into school leadership, or specialize in areas such as special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or educational technology. Having a clear sense of career objectives will help them choose programs that emphasize classroom practice, instructional design, or administrative preparation aligned with those aspirations.
• Assess program content: An online MA in Teaching should offer a strong balance of educational theory, subject-area mastery, and practical classroom application. Key areas often include curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment methods, inclusive education, child and adolescent development, and classroom management. Students should also look for programs that provide supervised teaching practicums, internships, or student-teaching opportunities, since these hands-on experiences are essential for licensure, professional credibility, and classroom readiness.
• Evaluate flexibility and delivery format: Online teaching programs vary widely in structure. Some offer fully asynchronous courses that allow students to learn at their own pace, while others incorporate live classes, group projects, or short campus residencies that encourage collaboration and mentorship. Students should select a format that aligns with their current teaching responsibilities, work schedules, and preferred learning style.
• Analyze cost and return on investment: Tuition can differ significantly across institutions, so students need to weigh program costs against long-term career benefits such as higher earning potential, access to administrative roles, or specialization opportunities. Exploring financial aid options—including scholarships, employer reimbursement, and state-funded teacher incentive programs—can help reduce expenses. Programs that provide strong career services, teacher certification support, and alumni networks often offer the highest long-term value.
• Review faculty expertise: Faculty in MA in Teaching programs should bring both academic depth and classroom experience. Professors who are seasoned educators, school administrators, curriculum specialists, or published researchers in pedagogy offer valuable mentorship that bridges theory with real-world practice. Their guidance ensures that students are prepared for both the intellectual rigor of graduate-level study and the day-to-day challenges of teaching.
• Seek student and alumni feedback: Connecting with current students or alumni can provide meaningful insights into the program’s strengths, community support, and career outcomes. Alumni experiences—such as moving into leadership roles, earning teacher certifications, or excelling in diverse classroom environments—demonstrate the program’s impact and help prospective students envision their career path.
• Understand admissions requirements: Most MA in Teaching programs require a bachelor’s degree, often in education or a related field. Common application materials include a statement of purpose highlighting career goals, recommendation letters from academic or professional mentors, official transcripts, and sometimes proof of prior teaching or field experience. International students may also need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
• Verify accreditation: Accreditation is essential when selecting a program, as it ensures academic quality and professional recognition. Students should look for institutions with regional accreditation and, ideally, programs aligned with standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or their state’s education board. Accreditation not only enhances the value of the degree but also supports eligibility for teacher certification, licensure exams, and advancement in educational leadership.