Master of Arts in Teaching

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.

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.

Meet the Faculty

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.

Career 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.

View Current Tuition and Fees

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 in the Master of Education and Master of Arts in Teaching programs who are Westminster bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, Bachelor of Business Administration program, or bachelor of fine arts alumni are eligible for 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.

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