Elementary or Secondary Education
Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
This one-year, 30-unit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program - 10 courses - is completely online and is ranked #3 in online education master's programs in the nation. For many students with recent post-undergraduate credentials from accredited institutes in the last 5 years, the course load drops to just 24 units, or 8 courses.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education or Secondary Education program is designed for those who are inspired to be responsive and innovative K-12 master teachers. Our program foundation rests on social justice and equity in education.
The program offers the same high-quality instruction as our face-to-face program. However, it offers you the added flexibility to complete instruction at your convenience, rather than having to arrive at a particular time on campus during the work week.
This program is a real value, especially for California residents, and is a substantial savings compared to many other universities. For more information about cost, visit SDSU Cost of Attendance.
We are seeking the most committed educators who want to make a difference in the lives of students.
Flexible Online Format
Complete your MAT entirely online, with the flexibility to study when it fits your schedule—perfect for working professionals.
Exceptional Value
Enjoy the same high-quality instruction as our face-to-face programs at a competitive cost, with significant savings for California residents compared to other universities.
Short Program Length
Earn your MAT in just one year with 30 units (10 courses)—or only 24 units (8 courses) if you have recent credential work from an accredited institution.
Nationally Ranked Program
Our online MAT program is ranked #3 in the nation for online education master’s programs.
Admissions
Applications for the MAT program open annually on October 1, and we strongly recommend applying early due to limited space and high competition. SDSU applications close in the first week of March. The supplementary program application closes in the first week of April.
Priority admission is given to current credential candidates and recent SDSU credential graduates; however, submitting your application early increases your chances of admission.
Learn more about deadlines and required application materials:
Program Structure
We present the most up-to-date research on teaching and learning. The degree focuses on inquiry-based education, which includes hands-on instruction with problem-based learning and issues-centered curriculum, with a focus on reflection during the teaching process.
In addition, the coursework links theory and classroom practice to assist teachers in learning how to teach with an inquiry-based focus in elementary and secondary classrooms. This degree is offered so that teachers can earn their MAT in one year, beginning the summer semester and continuing over fall and spring.
- Summer: 4 courses
- Fall: 2 courses
- Spring: 2 courses
- 2nd Summer: 2 courses if needed
This is not a credential program. Most students already hold a valid teaching credential. To earn the 6 units of credit as part of the MAT, a student must have earned a post-undergrad credential from an accredited program not more than 5 years of completion of the MAT. If your credential was earned as an undergraduate, you will need to take 2-additional classes. Credit can only be given to classes from a graduate credential program.
Coursework
Courses vary but are situated in a broader theme of technology and virtual learning, critical thinking, diversity, and research-based pedagogy. Students engage in coursework around assessment, research methods, evidence-based practice, and modern technologies and their application to classroom-based teaching. Emphasis is placed on teaching students from diverse backgrounds.
Courses will be selected in collaboration with the graduate advisor.
Development of assessments and tests common in instructional and research contexts. Uses and interpretation of assessment data in given differential social/political contexts. Implications for research and instruction.
Instructional strategies applicable across disciplines.
Development of curriculum using evidence and research supported pedagogy toward producing high quality online instruction in an educational setting.
Research, theory, and practice of inclusive education to include examination of the politics of disability in the public schools and American society.
An examination of pedagogy and practices of equity and access in 21st Century K-12 learning communities.
Advanced study of the research in curriculum development, construction and evaluation.
Capstone course for Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Action research conducted in students’ own teaching environments.
Foundations
First teachers will have the opportunity to take foundational courses which cover innovative curriculum development, measuring student achievement, inclusion in the classroom, and research-based pedagogy.
Pedagogy
Courses on pedagogy will present cutting-edge research to enhance the professional skills of teachers working with culturally and linguistically diverse students. Exceptional teaching starts with a strong foundation of theory and best practice, in which educators learn to incorporate instruction in critical thinking, high-quality curriculum, effective assessment, discipline-based knowledge, and research into inquiry-based education.
Research and Capstone
The program presents classes on research in learning and teaching for teachers of students who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Teachers will have the opportunity to examine and develop curriculum for use in their own classrooms, which is grounded in the values of social justice. They will also create a high-quality capstone project that emanates from their research in the MAT program.
Standards
Our program is founded on the belief that teachers must have the opportunity to examine and think critically about the curriculum and delivery methods they use in the classroom. We will discuss Common Core Standards and their impact on learners.
Learning Outcomes
Students discover, recognize, and evaluate research-based teaching methods as they relate to teaching students from diverse backgrounds
Courses aligned with Outcome 1: TE 600, TE 615, TE 677, TE 693, TE 709, TE 779
Students demonstrate an understanding of measurement, assessment, and data analysis in education
Courses aligned with Outcome 2: TE 615, TE 693, TE 709, TE 779
Students discover, recognize, and evaluate research-based teaching methods as they relate to the integration of technology in teaching and learning
Courses aligned with Outcome 3: TE 615, TE 620, TE 625, TE 779
Students develop and articulate a teaching and learning philosophy
Courses aligned with Outcome 4: TE 600, TE 615, TE 625, TE 677
Students discover, recognize, and evaluate research-based teaching methods as they relate to inclusion
Courses aligned with Outcome 5: TE 615, TE 620, TE 625, TE 693, TE 779
Students demonstrate their knowledge of curriculum foundations such as goals, aims, objectives, and standards
Courses aligned with Outcome 6: TE 600, TE 615, TE 625
Students master methods that promote critical and inquiry-oriented teaching and learning
Courses aligned with Outcome 7: TE 600, TE 615, TE 779
Students create and implement an action research capstone project to explore best practice in their own setting
Course aligned with Outcome 8: TE 779
Our Faculty
The faculty are internationally and nationally known professors who have published in journals such as Curriculum Studies, Harvard Educational Review, Science and Children, The Social Studies, The Kappan, and many other highly respected academic publications. They have extensive experience in urban, rural, and suburban schools. They have expertise in areas such as Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Philosophy, Disability Studies, Mathematics Education, Language Acquisition, and Multicultural Education. The faculty include Luke Duesbery, Eric Ginsberg and Valerie Ooka Pang.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is designed for educators who are interested in learning about inquiry education. The focus is on how to create educational programs in which teachers and students become independent learners and examine educational issues. The degree is for those interested in elementary or secondary education.
This degree program is designed for busy professionals. This fully online course of study requires that students be independent learners and organized.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is, for most teachers, a 24-unit program comprising 8 courses. Though the MAT is technically a 30-unit program, six units of credit are given to educators who have earned graduate credits through their credential program. Teachers who may need to take 2 additional classes include those whose credential units are over 7 years old when they finish the MAT, or those who do not have a credential or have not earned graduate credit in their credential program.
This is NOT a credential program; this is a Master's/graduate program only.
The program is geared toward full-time teachers looking for a high-quality experience. The flexibility of the learning environment, pace of the courses, and length of the program are all constructed to optimize your time to completion.
This is a high-quality program and takes 3 semesters to finish; therefore, the MAT takes a year to complete. Four courses are offered in the summer when teachers have more time. Two courses are taught in the fall, and another two classes are given in the spring. In 3 semesters, most teachers will have completed the MAT. We believe that quality takes time.
The MAT is an applied degree and so does not require the creation of a thesis or large project.
Tuition and fees fluctuate from year to year. For the most up-to-date information on costs, visit SDSU Cost of Attendance.
There are a few scholarships for graduate education. We suggest that you contact the SDSU Financial Aid office to inquire about opportunities.
Students must have access to a computer. They must also complete all assignments. Students must also complete the Comprehensive Examination which is usually given during the winter break.
Visit How to Apply.
