Online master of arts in teaching

Online master of arts in teaching (MAT) programs can help you develop advanced teaching skills to bring to the classroom. Discover what career and pay outcomes to expect with this degree.

Understand the difference between MAT and M.Ed. programs

(MAT) programs have some overlap with other master's degrees in education, like a (M.Ed.), master of science in education (M.S.Ed.), and a master of arts in education (M.A.Ed.). However, their focuses differ narrowly.

MAT, M.S.Ed., and M.A.Ed. programs are generally for current or prospective teachers. These degrees emphasize teaching strategies and practical skills, with slight nuances in their curriculums:

• Master of science in education (M.S. Ed.): An M.S.Ed. often incorporates practical skills, like designing a STEM curriculum.
• Master of arts in education (M.A. Ed.): An M.A.Ed. may include some coursework on educational theory.
• Master of arts in teaching (MAT): MAT programs typically offer content area specializations, which allow teachers to fine-tune their skills in a specific subject.
• Master of education (M.Ed.): M.Ed. programs prepare you for educational leadership roles, like a curriculum developer or principal, and often explores topics like change management and education for diverse learners.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in teaching?

Online MAT programs can prepare you to teach elementary, middle, and high school students. Some community colleges may also accept experienced teachers with MAT degrees.

Teachers who graduate from an MAT program and have several years of classroom experience may transition into roles as instructional coordinators. Pursuing licensure and additional coursework or an internship in school counseling could also lead to school counseling roles. Check with your state to determine its requirements for school counselor licensure.

Salary expectations for MAT graduates

Explore the following potential careers for MAT graduates:

• Teacher: An MAT can prepare you for or advance your current teaching career. Per Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2023, elementary, middle, and high school teachers earn a median annual salary of $63,670, $64,290, and $65,220, respectively.
• Instructional coordinator: Instructional coordinators develop curriculums, oversee curriculum compliance within schools, and train teachers to implement and adhere to curriculums. According to the BLS, instructional coordinators earned a median salary of $74,620 in May 2023.
• School Counselor: School counselors provide students with social, academic, and career support. Some school counselors have several years of teaching experience before transitioning into their roles. BLS data reports an annual median salary of $61,710 in May 2023 for these professionals.

Career outlook for teachers

The BLS projects a 1% increase in employment for elementary, middle, and high school teachers from 2022-32. While this change is seemingly small, thousands of openings should be available yearly at all grade levels due to educator retirement or career changes.

Instructional coordinators may see a 2% increase in jobs during the same period, which is about as much as the 3% increase that the BLS projects for all occupations. School districts will likely continue to prioritize these positions to ensure that curriculums adhere to state academic standards.

School counselors have the fastest BLS-projected growth rate of 5%, which may result from increasing school enrollment numbers.

What to expect from an online MAT program?

Online MAT programs help current and prospective teachers deepen their classroom management and teaching skills. These programs usually consist of 30-36 credits and take one to two years to complete.

In addition to covering foundational knowledge for educators, like teaching reading and balancing diverse learning needs, you may also have the option to specialize in a teaching content area, like math, STEM, history, or language arts.

While you can typically complete all coursework for an online MAT program virtually, you may need to fulfill student teaching requirements in person at a nearby school for one to two semesters. Non-licensure programs may not require student teaching.

Admissions requirements for online MAT programs

Admissions requirements for MAT programs vary by school. Many accredited master's programs request the following:

• A from an accredited college or university
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0
• A statement of purpose

How much does an online master's degree in teaching cost?

The average graduate tuition for the 2021-22 academic year was $20,513, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, earning an MAT could be an investment in your future, helping you stand out for high-paying roles inside and outside the classroom, including a high school teacher, instructional coordinator, or school counselor.

You may also be eligible for the following financial aid options to reduce out-of-pocket costs or finance your degree.

• Grants: The federal government provides financial need-based grants that you don't need to repay. If you attend an eligible online MAT program, you could also qualify for the TEACH Grant. This award offers up to $4,000 annually if you plan to teach full-time at a school serving low-income students in a high-need field, like math or foreign language. Private organizations and foundations may also provide grants through colleges and universities.
• Scholarships: Like grants, you don't need to repay scholarships. Scholarships typically come from private organizations and foundations, and you can apply for them directly through the funding organization or your school.
• Loans: Student loans allow you to finance your tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses over time, but you'll need to repay them. You can borrow student loans through the federal government or private lenders. Federal student loans have flexible income-based repayment options that help keep costs affordable while you grow your career and income.
• Fellowships: A fellowship financially supports graduate students, sometimes covering full tuition. While MAT fellowship requirements vary, you may need to teach in area schools for a minimum period after graduating or instruct a class on campus while working toward your degree.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA®, to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Contact your school's financial aid department to learn how to apply for school-based financial aid.

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.