Master of Arts in Teaching
Graduate Degree
School of Education
3–4 Semesters
Overview
Our Master of Arts in Teaching program is for those who want to go beyond teaching and become a highly qualified, sought-after, and impactful teacher. Our students are certified to teach the moment they graduate, and can specialize to focus on elementary education, secondary education, and/or special education. You will learn from faculty who have spent years in the classroom and gain hands-on skills in a student-teaching environment. When you step into your new career, you’ll already be a step ahead of the competition.
Who It's For
This program is designed for students who have recently graduated or those who have completed their undergraduate degrees and may have spent a few years in the workforce already. It’s designed for those who are passionate about teaching, shaping young lives, and ultimately changing the world.
Key Benefits
- See the whole picture. There's no program quite like this in the state of Utah: you'll gain a holistic, liberal arts-influenced education that has a focus on student learning.
- Be hands-on. We offer small class sizes, experienced professors, student-teaching assignments in the community, and interactive learning activities. It all adds up to better-prepared educators.
How Long It Takes
Students can complete this program in 3–4 semesters, depending on their course load.
"I was able to start teaching—and get paid for it—while studying teaching. I have been extremely successful thus far in my teaching career. My evaluations have all been superior and I feel like I owe that success to the education I received at Westminster."
About the Program
Set yourself up for a meaningful and successful teaching career through an active learning environment that includes discussions, group activities, presentations, and projects.
What You'll Learn
- Gain teaching strategies from practitioners who intimately know the classroom environment.
- Emerge equipped with the skills and knowledge to have a profound impact on our community's future through our children.
Plan of Study
You may pursue a plan of study in accordance with your educational goals. Program requirements and course descriptions are available in the academic catalog.
Licensing
Graduates can obtain 1 of 3 licenses: elementary education, secondary education, or special education. An additional offering unique to the MAT program is the opportunity to earn dual licensure in general and special education or a TESOL endorsement.
Licensing and endorsement requirements vary by state. Utah students must apply with the Utah State Board of Education.
Master of Arts in Teaching to Master of Education Opportunity
Students who complete Westminster's Master of Arts in Teaching program can complete the Master of Education program through a streamlined process to earn a second master's degree. Ten of your Master of Arts in Teaching program credits will count towards the requirements of the Master of Education program. Completing the Master of Arts in Teaching to Master of Education opportunity allows you to deepen your expertise as a teacher by following the TESOL endorsement, Special Education license or endorsement, or Trauma, Resilience, Restorative Justice emphasis within the Master of Education program.
Want to learn more about the Master of Arts in Teaching program?
A dedicated admissions counselor will reach out to you with personalized information to help with your search for the right program.
Request More InfoCareer Opportunities
All Master of Arts in Teaching program graduates who have pursued a teaching job have been hired ever since the program's inception. Graduates are well respected and highly sought after in Utah and around the country. You will be able to choose the setting and students you'd like most to work with, whether it's young children in an elementary school setting, teens in their secondary education years, special education students, or English language learners.
Potential Careers
Special Education
Inside the Classroom
- Elementary or secondary special education teacher for mild/moderate disabilities
- Self-contained classroom teacher
- Co-teacher in general education classrooms (English, math, science, etc.)
- Teacher/specialist in learning disabilities or emotional or behavioral disorders
Outside the Classroom
- Assistive technology specialist
- Inclusion specialist
- Learning disabilities specialist
- Director/administrator for exceptional student programs
- Post-high school transition services specialist
Elementary and Secondary Education
- Classroom teacher
- District coach (math coach, science coach)
- Curriculum developer
- Director of after school programs and/or youth organizations
- School librarian
- School counselor
- Administrator
There's No Better Investment Than You
Tuition and Fees
At Westminster, we are committed to making your education affordable.
Financial Aid
Westminster works with all students to determine the financial aid opportunities available to them. Federal financial aid is available and will be awarded on an individual basis to students who have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some federal financial aid programs require students to maintain the equivalent of full- or part-time enrollment. Westminster also offers scholarships for graduate students.
Scholarships
Students who completed an undergraduate degree at Westminster are eligible to receive the Westminster Alumni Scholarship.
Loans
Graduate students are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct (grad) PLUS loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program.
Grants
Students in education programs may be eligible for the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. Grants are generally need-based and do not need to be repaid. Some grants have requirements upon graduation to ensure repayment is not necessary.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study is a federally funded program that provides job opportunities for students to earn money to help pay for college. Westminster employs hundreds of students each year in different areas.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.