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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Master of Arts in Teaching

For Aspiring Teachers to Earn Their Initial Teaching License

Bency Pierre, M.A. English Language Learning

WGU Master of Arts in Teaching Programs

Education
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Science Education (Secondary Biology) — Master of Arts in Teaching

An online master's degree for aspiring teachers who want to earn a...

An online master's degree for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and prepare to teach biology at the junior high or high school level

  • Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 20 total courses in this program. 

This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn their teaching license and become eligible to teach biology in their state.

Concepts included in this program:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Heredity and Genetics
  • Zoology

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

Education
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Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) — Master of Arts in Teaching

This online master's program is designed for aspiring chemistry teachers...

This online master's program is designed for aspiring chemistry teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, and are looking to become a licensed teacher.

  • Time: 62% of students in a similar program earn this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 20 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).

This program is designed for aspiring teachers who are looking to get their teaching license, and become prepared to teach secondary chemistry.

Concepts in this program include:

  • General Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.

Education
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Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) — Master of Arts in Teaching

An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have...

An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have a bachelor's degree, and are looking to teach earth science.

  • Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 20 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and become an earth science teacher in their state.

Concepts in this program include:

  • Physical Geology
  • Earth Systems
  • Astronomy
  • Ocean Systems
  • Chemistry

Propel your career as a junior high or high school earth science teacher with this education master's degree.

Education
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Science Education (Secondary Physics) — Master of Arts in Teaching

An online master's program for those who have already earned a bachelor's...

An online master's program for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree, but now want to become a licensed teacher.

  • Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 20 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).

This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to become eligible to teach physics in their state.

Concepts included in this program:

  • General chemistry
  • Mechanics
  • Waves and optics
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Space, time and motion

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

Education
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Teaching, Social Studies (Secondary) – M.A.

This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed...

This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed social studies teacher in your state.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 63% of students finish similar programs within 21 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 19 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).

Concepts included in this program include:

  • US History
  • World History
  • Economics
  • Classroom Instruction Strategies
  • Technology for the Classroom

This online social studies degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Education
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Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree, and are now looking to become a teacher.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 21 total courses in this program (23 for Washington residents).

Concepts included in this program:

  • Algebra for Secondary Teaching
  • Geometry for Secondary Teaching
  • Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching
  • Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Educational Psychology

This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Education
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Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 17 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

  • English Pedagogy
  • Reading Instruction and Interventions
  • Disciplinary Literacy
  • Educational Psychology & Development
  • Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Education
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Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 64% of students finish within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 28 total courses in this program (29 for Washington residents)

Concepts included in this program:

  • Lesson Planning
  • Ethics
  • Behavioral Support Strategies
  • Educational Psychology & Development
  • Classroom Management

This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

Education
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Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their...

An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

  • Time: 64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 30 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.

Concepts included in this program:

  • Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
  • Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Methods of Instruction and Intervention
  • Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

What Is a Master of Arts in Teaching?

A Master of Arts in Teaching or MAT degree is a graduate degree program that is focused on preparing future teachers for licensure. This kind of degree program is ideal for those who currently hold a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, but want to become a teacher and get their teahcing license.

If you're looking to become a teacher and obtain a teaching certification in your state, an online degree program from WGU can help you be prepared for certification. You can get in the classroom and start a meaningful career with the help of WGU.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master of Arts in Teaching?

18 Months*

Typically MAT degrees take about 2 years to complete. At WGU, most students are able to finish their MAT in about 18 months due to competency-based education which allows them to accelerate their academic courses.

*WGU Internal Data

How Much More Will I Earn With a Master of Arts in Teaching?

$11,241*

WGU School of Education graduates see approximately a $11,241 increase in their salary two years post-graduation.

*WGU Internal Data.

Will a Master of Arts in Teaching Help Me Get Certification?

Yes

Accredited MAT programs should prepare you for teacher licensure in your state. There will be unique requirements for certification in teach state, but an MAT degree that is from a respected school will ensure you have the education element needed to be licensed.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master of Arts in Teaching?

18 Months*

Typically MAT degrees take about 2 years to complete. At WGU, most students are able to finish their MAT in about 18 months due to competency-based education which allows them to accelerate their academic courses.

*WGU Internal Data

How Much More Will I Earn With a Master of Arts in Teaching?

$11,241*

WGU School of Education graduates see approximately a $11,241 increase in their salary two years post-graduation.

*WGU Internal Data.

Will a Master of Arts in Teaching Help Me Get Certification?

Yes

Accredited MAT programs should prepare you for teacher licensure in your state. There will be unique requirements for certification in teach state, but an MAT degree that is from a respected school will ensure you have the education element needed to be licensed.

Who Should Get an MAT Degree?


 

MAT degrees are ideal for those who want to pursue an education career inside the classroom. Most MAT programs will help prepare you for a teaching license and are geared to ensure you are ready to lead a classroom. MAT programs are available for teaching students of different ages, as well as different topics.

Type of student:

  • Elementary education
  • Middle Grades
  • Junior High (secondary)
  • High School (secondary)
  • Special education
  • ELL or ESL

Education topic:

  • Math
  • English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Earth Science
  • Social studies

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

Learn About a Career in Education

Why Choose WGU For Your Master of Arts Degree?

WGU is a great fit for your MAT degree for many reasons, including:

  • Low, flat-rate tuition means that you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take. 
  • Competency-based education means you can use your knowledge to your advantage, accelerating your program and graduating faster. Graduating faster also saves you money. 
  • We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
  • Respected and accredited programs ensure that your MAT degree is meaningful for you as an educator.

What Are the Benefits of Master of Arts in Teaching Degree?

There are many benefits to choosing to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program, including:

  • Make a career change. If you're currently in a non-teaching profession, an MAT can help you get the skills and licensure you need in order to make the move to the classroom. If you're ready to start making a difference in this important way, an MAT is the ideal choice.
  • Increase earning potential. Teachers with advanced degrees have the ability to earn raises and have higher salary levels all throughout their career. 
  • Improve job security. Teachers with higher education and more licenses often see greater job security than other teachers. Your additional knowledge and skills can make you more integral in your school and district.
  • Build a professional network. When you pursue higher education, you'll meet other like-minded educators who are passionate about helping students, just like you. Faculty and peers can become an important professional network for you that could impact your career in many ways.
  • Gain more respect. Higher education is a key way to gain more respect from your peers and administration. An MAT degree will demonstrate that you are committed to furthering yourself, and committed to being the best teacher possible for your students.