By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
September 2019
If you’re a teacher, at a certain point in your career, you know you need to get more value out of your professional experience. If you’re a happy teacher, perhaps you need a new focus. If you are just out of undergrad and see what is available without the degree, you are probably ready for more training. That would be the master of arts in teaching degree. However, this can be easier said than done, especially if you’re a busy parent, or you’re already burdened with full-time responsibilities. Or you could be both. You will need a program flexible enough to meet your needs, professional enough to train you precisely, and affordable enough to make it possible right now. The following list of online master of teaching degrees is here to help.
No two programs are exactly alike–the options below range in credit hours from 24 to 42, range a point and a half in GPA expectations, and each has a different path to licensure. You will of course need to know precisely how your location and academic strengths and weaknesses bear upon your likely path of study and certification.
The following list of affordable online master of arts degrees is ranked primarily on tuition,
Payscale Salary Report Ranking:
- 200th and below – 5 points
- 400th and below – 4 points
- 600th and below – 3 points
- 800th and below – 2 points
- 801st and above – 1 points
US News and World Report Ranking:
- Top 25 and under – 5 points
- Top 50 and under – 4 points
- Top 125 and under – 3 points
- Top 200 and under – 2 points
- Top 225 and under – 1 point
Hourly Tuition Rate:
- $400 and below – 5 points
- $500 and below – 4 points
- $600 and below – 3 points
- $900 and below – 2 points
- Above $900 – 1 point
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
#1 – Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: 149th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 25
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $346
Points: 20
School Profile
Pittsburg State University has a master of arts in teaching online that is open to currently licensed teachers and individuals wanting to learn more about the instruction of children in this age range. It does not lead to Kansas licensure. The Pittsburg State University online MAT (Elementary Education K-6) is looking for applicants who can provide a writing sample, two completed recommendation forms, and a letter of support from a local district superintendent of education showing that the student is a promising candidate for the degree and has been assigned a mentor.
#2 – University of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: 144th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 205
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $400
Points: 16
School Profile
The GRE is a requirement for admission to the University of Louisiana Monroe online master of arts in teaching. The program has a reciprocity agreement, where the teacher licensure they award is recognized in 41 other states. The University of Louisiana Monroe MAT online is a 45 credit hour program intended for individuals from other backgrounds who intend to become educators. The program is looking for applicants with at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA.
#3 – Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: 232nd
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 46
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $574.20
Points: 16
School Profile
Scholarship opportunities are available for students in the Kansas State University online master of arts in teaching (elementary emphasis). This degree results in Kansas teacher licensing, but this license will transfer to other states. Students will need an iPad to participate in this program. There is no GRE requirement for admission to the Kansas State University MAT online. This program reports a 97.5 percent passing rate for graduates on the teacher licensure exams. The degree path includes summer and January sessions.
#4 – Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
MAT in Elementary Education Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: 687th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 89
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $385
Points: 15
School Profile
The Georgia Southern University online master of arts in teaching in elementary education (P-5) is a 45 credit hour program open to applicants with an awarded, accredited bachelor’s degree. This degree leads to initial teacher licensure for those without a previous background in education, but is open to those already employed teaching full time. Georgia Southern University’s MAT in elementary education (P-5) online does not require a GRE score, but there are admissions assessments involved in the process for acceptance. An on-campus meeting for orientation purposes is required as part of the registration process.
#5 – University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 115
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $315
Points: 13
School Profile
Open to current and aspiring teacher, the University of the Cumberlands master of arts in teaching online is a 42 instructional unit program that results in teacher licensure. The program allows a maximum of nine graduate credits to be transferred from another institution of higher learning. Applicants to the University of the Cumberlands online MAT should be prepared to supply evidence of a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on an accredited bachelor’s degree or and an acceptable GRE score (specifics on the website above).
#6 – Valley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 115
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $317
Points: 13
School Profile
Valley City State University’s master of arts in teaching online runs on a six semester cycles, assuming three semesters per year (spring, fall and summer). It is 33 units in length, including a six unit internship and a two unit Integrative Capstone Project. This project is comprised of a report and a comprehensive portfolio. The Valley City State University online MATis designed to qualify individuals to be certified teachers in the state of North Dakota, which currently has a teacher shortage.
#7 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online MAT Elementary Education, Grades 1-5
Payscale Salary Ranking: 316th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $475
Points: 13
School Profile
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s master of arts in teaching elementary education, grades 1-5 online will, over the course of 39 academic hours, turn qualified individuals without an education background into “highly qualified” teachers. With three start dates a year, the program is looking for applicants with an awarded and accredited bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and passing scores on PRAXIS tests relevant to elementary education. The Northwestern State University of Louisiana online MAT in Elementary Education, Grades 1-5 leads to a Louisiana teaching license.
#8 – San Diego State University
San Diego, California
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 25
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $594.40 (see note)
Points: 13
School Profile
The San Diego State University master of arts in teaching online is founded on the principles of equity in education and social justice. The program is 24 units and starts in the summer. It is intended to be finished in one calendar year. San Diego State University lists out of state master’s level part time study in education at a tuition of $8,916 annually, so we divided this figure by 15 to arrive at the tuition listed above as we could not locate an official hourly figure for the online MAT.
#9 – American University
Washington, District of Columbia
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: 156th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 200
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,759
Points: 13
School Profile
The 33 hour American University master of arts in teaching online can be completed in just twenty months at a rate of two courses per semester. This degree program is open to those without an education-related bachelor’s. The online MAT at American University offers the opportunity for more than 600 hours in a classroom setting. Application to this program requires a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation geared toward your academic capacity, and a current resume highlighting relevant work experience.
#10 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: 595th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $432 (see note)
Points: 12
School Profile
Western Governors University features a master of arts in teaching online that is 24 courses in length. The school operates on the basis of “competency units,” whereby a student completes a course, takes a test and passes it, and completes a competency unit. A student can complete as many competency units per term as they are able, allowing particularly focused students to finish ahead of time, at a cost savings. Western Governors University’s Online MAT charges $3,240 per six-month term. We assumed an average graduate academic progress rate of 15 hours per year and divided this figure by 7.5 to achieve our number listed above.
#11 – North Carolina A&T University
Greensboro, North Carolina
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: 506th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 194
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $860
Points: 12
School Profile
North Carolina A&T University’s master of arts in teaching – elementary education online consists of 30 units of coursework and two semesters of clinical experiences. The first clinical is 60 hours in an instructional setting and the second is for the full educational day lasting the entire semester. The North Carolina A&T University online MAT – elementary education does not require a GRE score for admission, but students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in coursework for the program.
#12 – Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking:1179th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $312
Points: 11
School Profile
The 35 hour online master of arts in teaching elementary content at Emporia State University leads to the job title of instructional specialist with a focus on strengthening skills in the key subject areas of: reading and English language arts; social studies; math; and science. The program is designed to improve the skills of current educators. Emporia State University’s MAT in elementary content online is looking for applicants who can complete the content within seven calendar years. The program accepts up to nine hours of graduate credit from previous institutions.
#13 – Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: 712th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $432.15
Points: 11
School Profile
Bemidji State University’s online master of arts in teaching is a 35 unit of instruction degree. There is a final paper/project to be completed prior to graduation. The program also results in an Online Teaching Certificate. The Bemidji State University MAT online operates on a rolling admissions basis and seeks applicants with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA who can provide two employer letters of recommendation and a one-page letter of intent with their application packet.
#14 – California Baptist University
Riverside, California
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: 1111th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 77
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $634
Points: 11
School Profile
In just 30 credit hours, the California Baptist University online master of arts in teaching can equip individuals with the skills necessary to be better teachers. A 2.5 GPA is eligible for conditional admission, while a 2.75 GPA makes individuals eligible for unconditional admission. A 500-word personal statement is part of the admissions process. California Baptist University’s MAT online covers topics like curriculum theory and development; educational research; and international and comparative education.
#15 – Mayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $335.60
Points: 10
School Profile
Mayville State University’s online master of arts in teaching is constructed for people outside of the education field who wish to move into that realm in a professional fashion. The program fulfills requirements for a North Dakota teacher’s license and is a participant in the National Association of Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, where many other states recognize this qualification. The Mayville State University MAT online is looking for individuals with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
#16 – Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $340.77
Points: 10
School Profile
Western New Mexico University features a 43 credit online master of arts in teaching elementary education that results in initial licensure for qualified individuals. The final semester of the program is devoted to a practice teaching experience and a practice teaching seminar. The NES Essential Components of Reading Instruction – Test 104 must be passed to become a licensed New Mexico teacher as a graduate of the Western New Mexico University MAT in elementary education online.
#17 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online MAT Elementary Education
Payscale Salary Ranking: 1010th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: 189
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $615
Points: 10
School Profile
Liberty University has a master of arts in teaching elementary education online that can be completed in just 36 credit hours over eighteen months. Applicants with a 3.0 GPA in undergrad preferred. Admission “on caution” for other candidates is a possibility. The Liberty University online MAT elementary education is meant for students seeking initial licensure in the teaching field. This program will allow students to become certified K-12 teachers by the Association of Christian Schools International, which qualifies them to teach at an ACSI accredited institution.
#18 – Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
MAT Online
Payscale Salary Ranking: 548th
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $750
Points: 10
School Profile
The master of arts in teaching elementary education online at Saint Xavier University is open to residents of Illinois who are ready to pursue teacher licensing. It is a seven semester program, 46 hours in length, that includes a directed teaching experience the final semester. Saint Xavier University’s MAT in elementary education online runs at a rate of two eight week courses per sixteen week semester, except for the final term, which is the full sixteen weeks in length.
#19 – Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $440
Points: 9
School Profile
The master of arts in teaching online at Southern Arkansas University is a 33 credit, two-year affair. Six hours of internship or student teaching are part of that total. Applying for the master of arts in teaching online offered by Southern Arkansas University requires a background check, proof of a GPA of 3.0 or better over the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, and passing the basic skills test and the Praxis II exam for the content area. The basic skills test can be the GRE, the MAT, the ACT, or the SAT.
#20 – Marian University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Online MAT
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $495
Points: 9
School Profile
Marian University features a 36 credit master of arts in teaching online as well as an 18-24 hour licensure only program. No education background is required. The program is looking for applicants with a cumulative 3.00 undergraduate GPA, though students with a 2.50 undergraduate GPA will be considered with five years of professional experience. The Marian University online MAT can be completed in 18-24 months, including at least one term of student teaching at a full-time pace.
