Cost & earnings at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Education graduates earn a median $49,058 Across 466 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a graduate credential focused on preparing candidates for classroom teaching and initial licensure or professional development in K–12 settings. It suits recent graduates seeking certification and career changers who want a practice‑based route into teaching.
The M.A.T. is a practice‑oriented master's degree that combines coursework in pedagogy, content area methods, and supervised clinical experiences in schools. Students develop lesson design, classroom management, assessment literacy, and strategies for teaching diverse learners, with pathways that typically align to elementary, middle, or secondary grade bands and specific subject areas.
Coursework emphasizes instructional planning, educational psychology, curriculum and assessment, and subject‑specific teaching methods. In addition to seminar and lecture courses, the programme includes structured field placements or student teaching where candidates apply instructional techniques under mentor supervision and receive feedback. Topics commonly covered include differentiated instruction, classroom assessment, literacy across the curriculum, and strategies for inclusive practice.
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and must meet the school's graduate admissions standards. Program admissions often require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and may require evidence of content‑area preparation. Because many M.A.T. tracks prepare candidates for licensure, there can be additional state requirements such as background checks, prerequisite coursework, or standardized tests; prospective students should consult the programme admissions office for exact requirements.
Graduates typically pursue classroom teaching positions in public and private K–12 schools, often moving into roles that require or benefit from a master’s credential such as literacy specialist, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, or leader of professional development. The degree also supports career changers entering teaching and experienced educators seeking to strengthen pedagogy or move toward leadership roles in schools.
Funding options for M.A.T. students commonly include university graduate assistantships, institution‑level scholarships, state and federal grants, and employer tuition assistance for current educators. Candidates entering high‑need subject areas or committing to teach in underserved schools may qualify for loan forgiveness or service‑linked scholarships; check federal, state, and institutional resources and speak with the programme’s financial aid office to explore applicable opportunities.
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