Language Arts
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree
This 30-unit program is a unique, summer-only (2 summers) Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Language Arts for teachers in grades K-12 with a focus on current knowledge in Reading and Language Arts.
Program Highlights
Complete in 2 Summers
Designed for schedules of traditional and year-round teachers
Completely Online
Mostly asynchronous with synchronous class meetings in the evenings
Focused Coursework
3 courses in literacy theory, research and practice each summer
Annual Conference
Attend virtual conference of international literacy experts each summer
Decades of Experience
We have 40 years of experience
Affordable Tuition
The tuition for California residents is much lower than the pricetag for private universities.
47th SDSU Reading and Language Arts Virtual Conference
MAT students may choose to attend a week-long virtual conference each summer to earn 3 units. For more than 40 years, this conference has drawn national speakers to discuss current issues in children's and adolescent literacy and state-of-the-art instructional strategies. The conference is a course and other courses do not meet during this week.
Upcoming Info Session
January 2026 TBD
Course Sequence
To receive the Master of Arts in Education degree, students must complete 30 units in 2 summers. Receive up to 6 units of credit for credential course work completed in the past 4 years.
Summer 2026 Course Dates: May 26–July 2 (most summers classes run from last week of May, when SDSU starts summer session, for 6 weeks)
Summer 1
This recommended elective focuses on a variety of instructional sequences (mini-courses), each focusing on a single topic or competency dealing with reading instruction. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master’s degree
Advanced study of the research in curriculum development, construction and evaluation
Research-based pedagogy for diverse learners. Instructional strategies applicable across disciplines.
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.
Summer 2
This recommended elective focuses on a variety of instructional sequences (mini-courses), each focusing on a single topic or competency dealing with reading instruction. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master’s degree.
Trends in reading instruction to include developmental sequences in reading skills and abilities, reading in the content fields, individual differences and interests.
Capstone course for Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Action research conducted in students’ own teaching environments.
Important Dates
Cal State Apply Application Deadline
February 1, 2025
Summer 2026 Course Dates
May 26–July 2
Summer 2026 Conference Dates
June 8-12, 2026
How to Apply
Everything you need to know about the Cal State Apply, required program materials and transcripts can be found on our How to Apply page:
Contact Us
Program Questions
Cal State Apply Help
Program Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in completing a Master’s degree but can’t imagine how you can do this while teaching full time, this is the program for you. The Masters of Arts in Teaching K- 12 Language Arts Concentration which can be completed fully online in two summers is designed to accommodate busy elementary, middle, and secondary teachers wanting to spend a few weeks each summer learning new ideas to take back to the classroom.
This two summer, 30 unit degree program includes attending the weeklong SDSU Reading and Language Arts each summer. The speakers at the conference are international experts in literacy who discuss state of the art instructional strategies in literacy. Each summer you will take 3 additional courses in literacy theory, research and practice that result in effective instruction. This summer program is designed to meet the schedules of traditional and year round teachers because the courses meet in the afternoon from late May to early July.
Yes, the courses in this program address instructional issues that occur in grades K-12.
This MAT program focuses on instructional issues in all of the curriculum areas. A special emphasis relates to literacy issues in each of the disciplines.
Yes! While many participants are elementary school teachers, the degree is for either elementary or secondary curriculum and instruction. Each year, your instructors make sure that your needs as an adolescent educator are addressed.
If you have completed a post-baccalaureate credential program within the past 4 years (at the time you plan to start the Summer-only MAT) then we may be able to use up to 6 units of your credential work towards your Master’s. If you completed your credential program at an undergraduate level or more than 4 years ago then you will have to take 6 additional graduate level units to complete the MAT. These courses are not scheduled into the two summers.
Students in the Summer MAT attend classes for a 6-week period, usually from the end of May to early July each summer. Courses are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays with an occasional Tuesday night class (for Reading Conference meetings). All courses are online and include both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
Courses are fully online with 4-5 asynchronous meetings scheduled from 4-6:30 p.m. and from 7-9:30 p.m. Your professors coordinate these meetings for a smooth delivery.
The optional Reading Conference meets for one week (M-F) from 9-3.
Yes, because the only course that meets during the school day is the Literacy Conference. Year-round teachers are welcome! We record all the sessions for you, and you simply watch them at home or on your computer. It's the next best thing to being there.
Yes, there is a comprehensive exam taken at the completion of the 2nd year. The questions are based totally on the instruction you receive during the three-year program. The pass rate is 99% on the first try.
No, you only need a teaching credential. Students who have successfully completed their credential program are welcome.
No.
Starting summer 2021 all course are online and include both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
While it is recommended that you complete the program in 2 summers, it is not mandatory.
No thesis is required for this program.
For general program questions, contact advisor Eric Ginsberg ([email protected]).
For help with the application, contact Stephanie Kearney ([email protected]).
Everything you need to know can be found at our How to Apply page.
1.Submit the Cal State Apply application
-personal statement
-letter of recommendation
2. Request official transcripts from your bachelor's degree and all credential coursework.