Master of Arts (MAT) — Teaching Online

Program Overview

Seattle Pacific University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for working professionals and career changers seeking a Washington Residency Teacher Certificate. The program emphasizes teacher certification integration within the graduate degree, enabling graduates to earn higher placement on the salary schedule and become equipped to guide students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence. The program is offered in cohorts that begin each summer and can be completed online, mostly without scheduled meeting times. Graduates of the MAT program enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Seattle Pacific University is designed for working professionals and career changers who seek to earn their Washington Residency Teacher Certificate while pursuing their graduate degree. The program emphasizes teacher certification integration within the graduate degree, enabling graduates to earn higher placement on the salary schedule and become equipped to guide students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence. Graduates of the MAT program enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

Outline:

Program Content and Structure

• The MAT program is a two-year program consisting of 56-62 credits.
• The program is comprised of two major components: the certification component (45-50 credits) and the master's component (15 credits).
• The certification component provides practical training, including a 70-day internship in a local school district.
• The master's component focuses on the theoretical and research-based foundations of education.
• Coursework can be completed online, mostly without scheduled meeting times.

Program Schedule

• The MAT program is offered in cohorts that begin each summer.
• Students are required to complete 40 hours of field-based work during their first year and 20 hours during their second year.
• The 70-day internship takes place during the second year of the program.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods

• The MAT program employs a cohort-based format that fosters collaboration and peer support.
• Coursework is delivered online and is mostly asynchronous, allowing for flexible scheduling.
• The program utilizes a co-teaching model during the internship, where candidates share responsibility for planning, instruction, management, and assessment with their mentor teachers.

Faculty

• The faculty consists of expert and caring educators who are committed to student success.
• Faculty mentor students during and after their educational programs.
• Professors publish frequently and present at professional conferences, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning.

Unique Approaches

• The MAT program is designed for working professionals and career changers, offering a flexible and convenient format.
• The program has a strong emphasis on character education, integrating ethical considerations throughout the curriculum.
• The program offers one-year alternative route teaching programs, including AMAT and AMTMS, for individuals seeking to enter the teaching profession more quickly.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths

• Graduates of the MAT program are qualified to teach in public and private schools in Washington state.
• Graduates can pursue careers as elementary, middle, or high school teachers.
• The program prepares graduates for leadership roles within the education field, such as school administrators, curriculum developers, or educational consultants.

Career Opportunities

• School districts have long sought after SPU-educated teachers for their competence and character.
• Many graduates have gone on to blaze new trails in the education realm, including earning Washington state's Teacher of the Year award.
• Graduates earn higher placement on the salary schedule, enhancing their earning potential.