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 also meet all the requirements listed under “Credential Program Requirements”. 

Admission Requirements

The prospective MAT student must demonstrate his or her readiness to succeed in graduate-level academic coursework by satisfactorily fulfilling one of the university’s graduate admission options with the following program-specific requirements: 

  1. Transcripts must show completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. If the student attended a school that was not regionally accredited at the time of their attendance at that institution, UMass Global is not permitted by CTC to file an internship credential or preliminary teaching credential for the student’s UMass Global program.
  2. Subject Matter Verification: All applicants must sign an acknowledgement of what their intended plan is to fulfill subject matter competence. This is completed via a form available within the application for admission, or via a standalone form (if needed). 
  3. 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 current Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or other administrator in a similar position. 

Items 1-2 above are required for all applicants; item 3 required only if applicable.  

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

Candidates enrolled in a credential standalone program and would like to enroll in the MAT program that aligns exactly with their existing credential area 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. 

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. Teachers who hold a valid California preliminary or clear teaching credential may be eligible to transfer additional credits into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.  

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.