By TED Staff
The country dearly needs its teachers for grades kindergarten through 12. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school teachers projects growth of 7 percent from 2016-2026. Further, the BLS expects that, on average, more than 270,000 primary and secondary teachers will leave the classroom each year from 2016 to 2026. And all those empty classrooms create opportunities for other teachers to enter the field. High demand for excellent teachers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields appears constant.
The MAT program–Master of Arts in Teaching–is a proven pathway to a master’s degree and licensure as a teacher for K-12 students. Colleges and universities design their programs so that candidates can step into classrooms with the needed skills and knowledge to be effective educators. Graduate students who are pursuing an MAT may earn an initial license or add the K-12 license to an existing license. Intended to be a stand-alone, the MAT is not intended to be a stepping-stone to a particular PhD.
If you have thought about earning an MAT, consider the many advantages of an online degree. Going to school via your own computer or laptop can save you time and money. You will in many cases be able to set your own pace in your own surroundings, and you will enjoy top-quality instruction and lessons tailored to your needs. Upon graduation, your diploma and the benefits of your education will be identical to those conferred by traditional institutions. The better online institutions have drawn upon cohort models to emulate the camaraderie of in-person first years, sophomores, etc. if you prefer this arrangement, which typically includes brief in-person training and observation to qualify students for licensure. Most of the selected online universities also adapt to those students that prefer to complete their degrees yesterday while simultaneously toting children and their employers’ whims.
In addition to making you a more qualified teacher and a more valuable employee, the MAT degree will add to your bottom line. The national average salary for teachers with a master’s degree is $65,300. The chart below (from www.education.com) shows differences in annual median wages for a bachelor’s degree in teaching compared to a master’s degree:
Kindergarten: $58,850 (Bachelor’s), $59,700 (Master’s)
Elementary School: $59,300 (Bachelor’s), $63,350 (Master’s)
Middle School: $61,550 (Bachelor’s), $66,150 (Master’s)
High School: $62,050 (Bachelor’s), $67,350 (Master’s)
The schools reviewed below offer online MATs at remarkable savings. They are ranked according to the following scale of rubrics:
NCATE Accreditation – 5 points
Regional Accreditation – 5 points
US News & World Report Online Graduate Education Ranking:
- Top 50 – 5 points
- Top 100 – 4 points
- Top 150 – 3 points
- Top 200 – 2 points
- Top 250 – 1 point
Graduation Rate:
- 81-100% – 5 points
- 61-80% – 4
- 41-60% – 3
- 21-40% – 2
- 1-20% – 1
Number of Campus Visits Required
- No Campus Visits – 5 points
- Orientation Only – 4 points
- Yearly Visits – 3 points
- More Frequently Than Once A Year – 2 points
#20 – Mayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduation Rate: 42%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: No
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 13
Website
Mayville University features a 32 credit, online MA in teaching degree that is standards-based to support secondary teacher requirements of the North Dakota state board. The department has tailored the degree for those who have a non-teaching bachelor’s degree but wish to enter the teaching profession. The program includes the courses of human relations and diversity, child and adolescent development, and a capstone project. The admission process to Mayville University’s MAT calls for transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, a $35 fee, and scheduling of a consultation with an MAT advisor. The cost for each credit hour is $323.69.
#19 – Removed by editor.
#18 – University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Online Master of Arts in Teaching (Certification or Non-Certification)
Graduation Rate: 33%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points:16
Website
The University of West Alabama offers an online master of arts in teaching. The 33-37 credit hour program may be completed in one year, has 8-week long courses, and is shaped for working teachers. Courses include advanced educational psychology OR life-span development and learning, techniques of educational research OR educational statistics, and introduction to special education OR counseling. To apply to the online MA in teaching program, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, evidence that you passed a criminal background check, and an application fee of $30. The University of West Alabama asks for $429 per credit hour.
#17 – Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduation Rate: 30%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 17
Website
Dickinson State University was established 101 years ago and is still fulfilling its original mission of training teachers to serve students in the region by offering an online, 34 credit hour MAT. The focus is on preparing candidates to teach in secondary schools and to earn a teaching license. Coursework includes content area teaching strategies, theory and practice of classroom management, curriculum, design, delivery, and assessment. Admissions expects a 3.0 GPA, statement of purpose, and $35 application fee. Dickinson State University charges $281.97 for each credit hour of its online MAT.
#16 – Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduation Rate: 36%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 17
Website
The online Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Southern Arkansas University is a 30 credit hour program with four tracks: elementary, middle, secondary, and K-12 licensure. The degree consists of 24 hours of online graduate coursework (27 for elementary), six hours of student teaching, and should take 1-2 years to finish. During the internship, a student is “hired as a fully-employed teacher of record in a public school.” To apply, submit official transcripts and application fee of $100. Graduate examinations (GRE/GMAT) are waived for the MAT program. The charge per credit hour is $271.
#15 – University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, Arkansas
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduation Rate: 33.6%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking: Not ranked
Points:17
The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers an online master of arts in teaching that has three tracks: K-6 elementary; 4-8 middle level and secondary; and K-12. The program was developed for students with a bachelor’s degree who wish to become certified teachers. To apply, submit transcripts and immunization records (100% online programs exempted). There is no application fee. Included in the curriculum for the online MAT are teaching diverse learners, instructional technology, and advanced teaching and assessment. The University of Arkansas at Monticello asks for $268.85 for each credit hour.
#14 – Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
Master of Arts in Teaching Online
Graduation Rate: 23%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 17
Website
Western New Mexico University offers a 30 credit hour master of arts in teaching that can be finished in two years. The program is intended “exclusively for employees of accredited New Mexico schools.” Prospective students must obtain a letter from the Chair of the School of Education before enrolling. Three options are available: to meet all the requirements for initial licensure; to provide additional endorsement or a different licensure area; to obtain alternative licensure. Application requires a 3.0 GPA in final 64 credits of an undergraduate degree. Cost for each credit hour is $168.
#13 – University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Online Master of Teaching – Art Education
Graduation Rate: 70%
Payscale.com: 484th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: No
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 18
Website
The University of Central Florida has an online MAT – Art Education degree that is a 37 credit hour program made for candidates with an undergraduate art degree who wish to teach art to K-12 students. The application calls for transcripts showing passing grades on all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (or a competitive score on the GRE) and a $30 fee. The diverse curriculum includes these courses: a critical analysis of social, ethical, legal, and safety issues related to education; art for exceptionalities; and teaching art appreciation with interdisciplinary strategies. The University of Central Florida charges $369.65 for each credit hour.
#12 – Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Graduation Rate: 31%
Payscale.com: 853rd
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: No
US News & World Report Ranking: #148 (tie)
Points: 18
Website
Angelo State University offers a 100% online master of arts in curriculum and instruction. The 42 credit hour program was created for candidates with an undergraduate degree in another area who want to earn certification for teaching in public schools. Coursework includes social and cultural influences and the education of the exceptional student. Those applying must pass a PACT exam before admittance and must send in transcripts with a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours. There is no application fee and no call for GRE scores. Angelo State University asks for $169 for each credit hour for their online MAT in curriculum and instruction.
#11 – Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Master of Arts in Teaching Online
Graduation Rate: 44%
Payscale.com: 964th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 19
School Profile
Stephen F. Austin State University’s online master of arts in teaching is a 30 credit hour degree program that earns a teaching certificate. Applicants must have transcripts that show a minimum 2.5 GPA, with a 2.8 for the last 60 hours. No GRE is needed. The application fee is $50. Stephen F. Austin State University asks for $510 for each credit hour, in state or out. Coursework for the online MAT includes the 21st century early childhood-grade 12, responding to legal and ethical issues in education, and technology and teaching.
#10 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education–Grades 6-12
Graduation Rate: 43%
Payscale.com: 1,128th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation:
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 19
Website
Northwestern State University of Louisiana boasts an online Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education–Grades 6-12, that is a 33 credit hour program for holders of bachelor’s degrees who wish to earn teacher certification in an area of secondary education. The nine areas of study cover secondary school content subjects: physical education; social studies; biology; mathematics; business education; chemistry; English; family and consumer sciences; and speech. The cost for each credit hour of the online MAT, Secondary Education–Grades 6-12 is $475. The admission process at Northwestern State University of Louisiana asks for transcripts and a $20 fee to apply.
#9 – North Carolina Agricultural & Technological State University
Greensboro, North Carolina
Master of Arts in Teaching Online
Graduation Rate: 48%
Payscale.com: 422nd
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: No
US News & World Report Ranking # 194 (tie)
Points: 19
Website
North Carolina Agricultural & Technological State University offers a 30 credit hour, online master of arts in teaching degree that boasts 12 discipline areas, including chemistry, family and consumer education, special education, science, health and physical education, and technology education. To apply, submit transcripts showing a GPA of 2.8 or higher, 24 hours of coursework relevant to chosen teaching field, and $60 fee. You must also pass a criminal background check. The cost per credit for the online MAT at North Carolina A&T State University hour is $233.
#8 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduation Rate: 52%
Payscale.com : 1,438th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking #189
Points: 20
Website
Liberty University has a 36 credit hour master of arts in teaching degree that is 100% online, with optional intensives. The four educational tracks are elementary, middle grade, secondary, and special education, and each track calls for 12 hours of core courses, 12 hours of cognate courses, and 12 hours of professional courses. Classes are taught from a biblical worldview. Admission to the master of arts in teaching program requires transcripts with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a deferred $50 fee to be paid at financial check-in. Each credit hour costs $415.
#7 – University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Master of Arts in Teaching Online
Graduation Rate: 36%
Payscale.com: Not listed
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – #115 (tie)
Points: 20
Website
The University of the Cumberlands has an online MAT with six concentrations: elementary education; middle school education; business and marketing; secondary education; all grades; and special education–learning and behavior disorders. Certification is provided by the state of Kentucky. Out of state students should contact their own state’s certification board to ensure reciprocity. To apply, submit official transcripts but no application fee is required. The charge for each credit hour is $315. The cost for the University of the Cumberlands online MAT is $315 for each credit hour.
#6 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)
Graduation Rate: 44.1%
Payscale.com: 595th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 21
Website
Western Governors University boasts an online master of arts in teaching, mathematics education (secondary). The charge for a six-month term is $3685 (around $737 per credit hour). In addition to mathematics education, coursework includes effective teaching practices and instructional planning and presentation. Admission to Western Governors University’s online MA, Teaching, Mathematics Education program requires transcripts, a $65 application fee, and passing a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which you will be licensed as well as a criminal background check performed in the county in which you reside.
#5 – University of Maryland University College
Largo, Maryland
Master of Arts in Teaching Online
Graduation Rate: 26%
Payscale.com: 76th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking – Not ranked
Points: 21
The University of Maryland University College has a 30 credit hour, online master of arts in teaching that allows candidates to choose from among 13 subject areas, including earth/space science, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin Chinese. Coursework has titles such as these: adolescent development and learning needs; reading and multiple literacies; and subject methods and assessment. The admissions process requires transcripts, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and an application fee of $50. The cost per credit hour for the University of Maryland University College’s online MAT is $480.
#4 – Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia
Master of Arts in Teaching in Foreign Language Education (French or Spanish) Online
Graduation Rate: 40%
Payscale.com: 1,347th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Master of Arts in Teaching Online
US News & World Report Ranking – #139 (tie)
Points: 22
Website
Valdosta State University offers a 36 credit hour MAT in Foreign Education that is 100% online. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in French or Spanish, a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and have passed or been exempt from the Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators Test (GACE). To apply, submit official transcripts and an application fee of $50. Coursework includes ESOL methods, cultural perspectives for ESOL, applied linguistics, and serving students with diverse needs. Valdosta State University asks for $226 per credit hour for their MA in Foreign Education.
#3 – North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduation Rate: 75%
Payscale.com: 160th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: No
US News & World Report Ranking #29 (tie)
Points: 24
Website
North Carolina State University has an online Master of Arts in Teaching that is a 33 credit hour program with a focus on preparation to teach K-12 instead of as an advanced degree for those who are practicing teachers. Coursework includes principles of developing and interpreting assessment, classroom action research, and inquiry and professional development. Admissions expects transcripts (showing a minimum 3.0 GPA), 24 semesters in content that is relevant to one’s teaching field, GRE scores, and a $45 application fee. North Carolina State University charges $395 per credit hour.
#2 – Concordia University-Saint Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Master of Arts in Teaching – Initial K-6 Licensure Online
Graduation Rate: 65%
Payscale.com: 438th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking # 139 (tie)
Points: 25
School Profile
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching – Initial K-6 Licensure degree. The MAT portion of the program is 42 credits; completion of only the licensure part is 36 credits. A Minnesota teaching license is mandatory. Coursework includes content and methods for teaching all subjects taught in K-6, along with Inclusion in Diverse Classrooms. To apply, submit transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, personal statement, and no application fee. Cost for each credit hour for the online MA in Teaching – Initial K-6 Licensure degree is $440.
#1 – Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Online Master of Art in Teaching with an Emphasis on Secondary Education
Graduation Rate: 51%
Payscale.com: 839th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
US News & World Report Ranking:#25 (tie)
Points: 26
Pittsburg State University’s master of arts with an emphasis in secondary education is a 36 credit hour, fully online degree program. Eligible candidates may teach in a middle or secondary classroom as Teacher of Record and earn a salary while completing coursework with a Kansas Restricted teaching license. Candidates who do not secure a teaching license will perform a 16-week student-teaching semester. Application calls for transcripts and a $35 fee. Pittsburg State University charges $382 for each credit hour for their MA with an emphasis in secondary education.
