Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for individuals pursuing careers as teachers. The program combines a preliminary teaching credential with a master's degree in the following areas:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education with 2042 Multiple Subject Credential with an English Learner Authorization
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education with 2042 Single Subject Credential with an English Learner Authorization
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

Credential courses and fieldwork experiences are aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Teaching Performance Expectations and reflect current research in education and best practices. Candidates utilize Common Core Standards and other California content standards to design engaging lessons and develop skills in planning and differentiating instruction, classroom management, and assessment. The program embraces pedagogy surrounding cultural diversity, equity, social-emotional learning and innovation. Advanced courses focus on global, national, and local education trends and practices.   

Applicants entering the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education, Secondary Education or Special Education programs must meet all the requirements listed under “Credential Program Requirements”. In addition, applicants must possess a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in the last 30 graded semester credits (45 quarter credits) completed in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. 

Admission Requirements

  1. Application: Submit an application for admission to UMass Global.
  2. Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. And submit official transcripts from any other institution where post baccalaureate work was attempted or completed.
    1. GPA for admission is calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed either in the baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate program, including credits earned towards a credential.
  3. Subject Matter Verification: All Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Education Specialist candidates must acknowledge the Intended Subject Matter Competency form outlining all available options to fulfill subject matter competence.
  4. Letter of Good Standing (if applicable): Applicants transferring from another institution’s credential program must submit a letter from that institution’s Education Department attesting to the applicant’s good standing in the program. The letter must be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or other administrator in a similar position. 

Items 1-3 above are required for all applicants; item 4 required only if applicable.  

  5. Applicants with GPAs of 2.74 and below must submit a request for admission via Portfolio Option. 

Transfer of Coursework

Nine graduate level semester credits are the maximum allowed to transfer into the MAT Degree Program. No MAT core courses may be transferred into the degree program.  

NOTE: Candidates enrolled in a credential standalone program and would like to enroll in the MAT program can do so at any point in the program prior to taking MAT Core Courses but must complete a new application and the Change of Academic Level form. Candidates must meet all the admission requirements for the MAT.

Credential Program Requirements

Candidates in the MAT program are governed by both graduate degree and credential requirements.  Students may obtain the degree before completing the individual credential requirements and may be recommended for the credential before completing the full MAT advanced coursework requirement. 

Capstone Project

All Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates will complete a capstone project in EDUU 683. Candidates will create and share a well-designed and research-based course of action to address educational problems of practice as they relate to individual, local/state, national, and global challenges.  

Recommendation for Credential

Upon successfully completing and passing all credential program and coursework requirements, the candidate may apply to be recommended to the CTC for the credential. To apply for the credential, candidates should navigate to the School of Education from their student portal and complete the Credential Recommendation Request Form. Once the recommendation is made by the Office of Credentials and Clinical Practice (OCCP), candidates complete a CTC exit survey and submit the credential fee.  

School of Education Program Support Fee

A program support fee is assessed every enrolled session for students in the School of Education credential and degree programs. This fee supports essential services, tools, and coaching that enhance academic success through support systems. This fee directly supports the School of Education’s commitment to preparing highly effective educators and educational leaders through high-quality, student-centered programs. Please see Tuition and Fees section of this catalog for corresponding fee.