Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Teaching licenses are issued by states, not universities, and that single fact decides whether an MAT is worth the money.

Career changers and new graduates who want a license and a master's in one step face program pages that read almost alike. The programs below span online, hybrid and campus formats, and graduate tuition differs substantially from one to the next. Rankings come first, followed by guidance on cost, licensure and timeline.

A program only helps if its approved licensure track covers the state where you plan to teach. A respected degree can still leave you short of a license where you want to work.

The 10 Top-Scoring MAT Programs, From No. 1 Down

Ten programs made this list, and no two landed here the same way. Some suit career changers who need a license and a classroom quickly, while others fit working teachers adding an endorsement without leaving their jobs. Each card below leads with format, location and graduate tuition so you can compare like with like before you read a single brochure.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Western Governors University	Salt Lake City, UT	~$9,000/yr (est.)	Self-paced learners balancing full-time jobs
Western Governors University is a fully online, competency-based institution based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with graduate tuition of $8,842 billed at a flat rate per six-month term. Its MAT options lead to initial licensure in secondary mathematics, elementary education or special education. Students who already know the material can move faster, and new terms start every month. Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) — Online Rolling admissions 21 courses; NCTM-recognized; leads to initial teacher licensure 75 hours of classroom observation plus full-time student teaching Competency-based pacing lets you accelerate through familiar material About 25 months; 12 start dates a year; 2.5 GPA minimum Graduates report an average salary increase of $10,693 Visit Website Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education — Online Rolling admissionsMilitary benefits 18-month, 28-course online program with 12 start dates a year Science of reading curriculum plus an earned microcredential 75 clinical hours and student teaching; leads to teacher licensure Average salary increase reported at $12,997 Visit Website Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education — Online Rolling admissionsMilitary benefits AAQEP and CAEP accredited; Praxis exam required 30 courses; 64% of graduates finish within 22 months Virtual clinical experiences with Mursion plus 12 to 20 weeks student teaching Average salary increase reported at $10,916 Visit Website
#2	Liberty University	Lynchburg, VA	~$9,000/yr (est.)	Career changers needing multiple endorsement tracks
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, teaches its MAT online in 8-week courses with eight start dates a year, and graduate tuition is $8,026. Tracks run from a 36-credit licensure route to 42, 45 and 48-credit dual endorsement options, and the School of Education holds CAEP accreditation. Median earnings one year after completion were $45,702, and the school's overall graduation rate is 65%. Master of Arts in Teaching — Online No entrance examMilitary benefitsFully online option CAEP accredited; no GRE or entrance exam required 36-credit licensure track; 42, 45 or 48 credits with dual endorsements Endorsements in elementary, middle, secondary subjects and special education 8-week courses, eight start dates a year, fully online $450 per credit; $310 per credit for military students Student teaching semester in a real classroom Visit Website
#3	American College of Education	Indianapolis, IN	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)	Aspiring secondary teachers on a tight budget
American College of Education, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a fully online institution with graduate tuition of $5,640. Its M.A. in Secondary Teaching takes 12 to 20 months, costs $9,976 in total, and is approved in Indiana as an alternative certification pathway with a 400-hour student teaching practicum. The school reports that 87% of its students graduate debt-free. M.A. in Secondary Teaching, Master's — Online Fully online option 34 credits; 12 to 20 months; $9,976 total program tuition Leads to Indiana secondary certification for grades 5 through 12 400-hour, 15-week student teaching practicum plus capstone Approved alternative certification pathway in Indiana 87% of students graduate debt-free; Educator Grant available 2.5 GPA minimum; bachelor's degree outside education required Visit Website
#4	University of the Cumberlands	Williamsburg, KY	~$3,200/yr (est.)
University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, keeps graduate tuition at $3,195, among the lowest figures on this list, for an MAT that runs fully online. Certification paths span elementary, middle school, secondary, all grades and special education, at 33 to 42 credit hours. Median earnings one year after completion were $41,671, and the school's overall graduation rate is 50%. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) — Online Fully online option 33 to 42 credit hours leading to Kentucky certification Options span elementary P-5, middle 5-9, secondary 8-12 and all grades P-12 Special education track in learning and behavior disorders Fully online; choose one or two emphasis areas Out-of-state candidates get reciprocity guidance Visit Website
#5	University of West Georgia	Carrollton, GA	~$6,000/yr (est.)
The University of West Georgia in Carrollton runs its MAT in Secondary Education mostly online with field placements in public schools, and graduate tuition is $4,446 for Georgia residents. Nine specializations include biology, chemistry, economics, English, history, mathematics and political science, and admission uses GACE exams rather than the GRE. Median earnings one year after completion were $58,664. Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education — Hybrid Leads to Georgia certification for grades 6 through 12 Nine specializations including biology, chemistry, English, history, math Primarily online with field experiences in public schools 2.7 GPA minimum; GACE ethics and content exams required GRE not required for admission Visit Website
#6	Georgia Southern University	Statesboro, GA	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Georgia Southern University in Statesboro offers a CAEP-accredited Teaching MAT with online coursework and six concentrations, from elementary education to special education and Spanish P-12. Graduate tuition is $5,112 for Georgia residents. Median earnings one year after completion were $53,884, and the school's overall graduation rate is 55%. Teaching M.A.T., Master's — Hybrid Fully online option CAEP and GaPSC accredited; leads to a level 5 induction certificate Six concentrations from elementary to Spanish and special education 30 to 36 credit hours depending on concentration 2.5 GPA minimum plus the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment Courses online; Spanish track runs online and hybrid Health and PE cohort capped at 15 candidates Visit Website
#7	University of West Alabama	Livingston, AL	$7,000 – $14,000/yr (est.)
The University of West Alabama in Livingston runs its MAT online in 8-week terms, with graduate tuition of $6,678 and a choice between certification and non-certification tracks. Eight concentrations include biology, math, English and history, and each student gets a personal success coach. Median earnings one year after completion were $54,953. Master of Arts in Teaching — Online CAEP and SACSCOC accredited; 8-week online courses Certification and non-certification tracks Eight concentration options including biology, math, English, history $429 per credit; up to 9 transfer credits accepted Personal success coach; one-year completion possible Comprehensive exam required Visit Website Master of Arts in Teaching (Mathematics, 6-12) — Online Alternative certification route with Alabama teaching certification 39 credit hours; 2.8 GPA minimum; Praxis II required Final-semester internship; no campus visits required Project INSPIRE scholarship program Visit Website Master of Arts in Teaching (English Language Arts, 6-12) — Online 45 credit hours; 2.8 GPA minimum; Praxis preparation built in Four online seminars plus an internship in P-12 settings Alabama teaching certification included; fully online Visit Website Master of Arts in Teaching (Physical Education, P-12) — Online 45 credit hours; prerequisite coursework required Field experiences in P-12 settings and a final-semester internship Alabama teaching certification included Visit Website
#8	Texas A&M University-Central Texas	Killeen, TX	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen uses a hybrid MAT built for career changers, pairing six certification courses with a yearlong paid internship in a Central Texas classroom. The 30-credit program includes 50 hours of field experience and prepares candidates for Texas K-12 licensure. Graduate tuition is $5,558 for Texas residents, and median earnings four years after completion were $58,826. Master of Arts in Teaching — Hybrid 30 credit hours; hybrid format in Killeen, Texas Yearlong paid internship plus six certification courses 50 hours of field experience in Central Texas districts Prepares for Texas K-12 licensure Alternative certification pathway for working professionals Tracks: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education Visit Website
#9	National Louis University	Chicago, IL	~$13,000/yr (est.)
National Louis University in Chicago runs a one-year, fully online MAT in Early Childhood Education for educators already working with young children, and student teaching happens in the candidate's own classroom. Graduate tuition is $12,928, and admission requires at least three years of full-time experience with children from birth to age 8. Median earnings one year after completion were $55,506. Master of Arts in Teaching, Early Childhood Education — Online One-year, 35-semester-hour accelerated program, fully online Birth through grade 2 licensure focus in Illinois Student teaching happens in the candidate's own classroom Three years of full-time experience with children 0 to 8 required Gateway ECE Credential Level 4 required for admission ECACE scholarship available for early childhood educators Visit Website
#10	Walden University	Minneapolis, MN	~$11,000/yr (est.)
Walden University, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, delivers its MAT in Elementary Education fully online and reports preparation for licensure in 44 states and Washington, D.C. Graduate tuition is $10,361, and the program is approved by Minnesota's licensing board with no entrance exam required. Median earnings one year after completion were $47,427. Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education — Online No entrance examFully online option CAEP accredited; 70 credit hours over about 21 months Prepares for licensure in 44 states and Washington, D.C. Approved for Minnesota teacher licensure; no entrance exam Field experiences in K through 6 classrooms $340 per credit, about $25,095 total program tuition Visit Website

What a Master of Arts in Teaching Actually Is

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a graduate degree that pairs pedagogy coursework with supervised student teaching in a real classroom. Its purpose is to prepare people to become licensed teachers, so most programs build their curriculum around state licensure requirements.

Who It Fits

The MAT is designed for people who do not hold an education bachelor's degree. That includes career changers from other fields, recent liberal-arts and STEM graduates who decide to teach, and professionals who know their subject but have never run a classroom. You bring the content knowledge, and the program supplies instructional methods, classroom management, assessment, and clinical practice.

How It Differs From the M.Ed.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is typically aimed at teachers who are already licensed and want to deepen their practice or move into leadership, curriculum, or counseling roles. The MAT is the entry route. The two degrees serve different people at different career stages.

Common Specializations

Most programs let you choose a track tied to the license you want:

• Special education
• STEM subjects
• English as a second language (ESL)
• Elementary education
• Secondary education, by subject area

The schools ranked here do not all offer the same tracks, so confirm that your target grade level and subject are available before you compare tuition or format.

The Scoring Behind Our MAT Picks

A strong score tells you how a program compares on cost and outcomes. It does not tell you whether the program can license you in your state. Keep those two questions separate.

What went into the picks

Five inputs shaped the order:

• Graduate tuition: the price of the degree itself, weighed against what graduates later earn.
• Program-level debt: typical borrowing among completers, treated as a counterweight to tuition.
• Early-career earnings: what graduates report shortly after finishing, used as the main outcome signal.
• Completions volume: how many students finish each year, a sign the program runs at scale.
• Format availability: whether online, hybrid or on-campus options exist. This works as supporting context, not a deciding factor.

Limits worth knowing

Scorecard program medians describe a group of graduates, not what you will earn or owe. Institution-wide figures describe the entire school, so they can blur the picture for one teaching program. Net price is an average across students who received aid, and your own bill depends on your aid package.

Verify before you apply

Before you pay an application fee, open the program's own page and confirm two things: CAEP accreditation and approval by your state's education agency for the license you want. Appearing on this list never substitutes for either check.

Tuition, Debt and Early Earnings Side by Side

The grid below pairs each program's graduate tuition with U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard figures for median debt, the estimated monthly payment on a 10-year plan and median graduate earnings. For context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the May 2025 national median wage at $63,970 for elementary teachers and $72,040 for secondary teachers, and the National Education Association reports a 2024-25 average public school teacher salary of $74,495. Five-year earnings for the programs below range from $66,717 to $101,078, so most graduates track at or above those national benchmarks. For career changers weighing whether an MAT is worth it, a simple payback test helps. Monthly payments here run $233 to $371, or roughly $2,800 to $4,450 a year. The National Council on Teacher Quality found that 135 of the 148 large districts it analyzed for 2024-25 pay teachers more for a master's degree. If your target district's salary schedule adds more than your annual payment, the degree covers its own cost during repayment, so check the master's lane before you enroll.

Grants, Loan Forgiveness and State Incentives That Shrink an MAT Bill

An MAT's sticker price and what you actually repay are different numbers, and the gap depends on promises you make about where and how long you teach.

TEACH Grant: $4,000 a Year, Four Years of Service

The TEACH Grant pays up to $4,000 per year to students completing or planning the coursework required to begin teaching. In exchange, you must teach full-time for four years at a low-income school or educational service agency in a high-need field, and finish within eight years of leaving the school where you received the grant. Miss the obligation and the grant converts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest charged from each disbursement. Expect annual counseling and a new Agreement to Serve.

Loan Forgiveness: $17,500 for Five Years

Teacher Loan Forgiveness pays up to $17,500, or $5,000, depending on the subject you teach, after five complete consecutive academic years at a qualifying low-income school. It covers Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans and their Stafford predecessors. Those five years cannot also count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, so pick one path deliberately. PSLF stays available to teachers whose full-time employment qualifies through a public or nonprofit employer.

State Money and Your Next Three Steps

Shortage-area stipends and residency funding vary by state and change from year to year, so treat them as a search, not a promise: read your state education agency's incentive page for current terms and deadlines.

• File the FAFSA before anything else.
• Ask each program about scholarships, assistantships, and tuition discounts.
• Check the state agency last, once you know where you plan to teach.

Related Articles

MAT, M.Ed. or Alternative Certification: Picking Your Route

Alternative certification can put you in a paid classroom faster, sometimes within months, while the MAT gives you a master's degree and a structured, supervised path to your first license. Our MAT vs. M.Ed. comparison article goes deeper on the two degree routes. Decision rule for career changers: choose alternative certification if you need a paycheck and a classroom soon, and choose the MAT if you want the master's and fully supervised preparation before you lead a class.

What to Gather Before You Apply

Most MAT applications ask for the same core documents, plus a few items tied to teacher licensure. Start collecting these early, since transcripts, references and background checks can take weeks.

• Bachelor's degree and transcripts

  Plan to submit official transcripts from every college you attended, showing a completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school.
• Minimum GPA

  Many programs set an undergraduate GPA floor, often near 3.0. Some offer conditional admission below that line.
• Letters of recommendation

  Two or three references are typical, ideally from professors or supervisors who have seen you work with learners.
• Statement of purpose

  Explain why you want to teach, which grade level or subject you are targeting, and what experience you bring.
• Subject prerequisites or content exam

  Secondary-level candidates may need specific coursework in their content area or a passing score on a subject test such as a Praxis Subject Assessment.
• Basic-skills test and background check

  Some states require a basic-skills exam and fingerprint clearance before student teaching. Requirements differ by program and state, so confirm each item on every program's admissions page.

Additional MAT Schools by Specialty and State

The directory below gathers additional teaching master's programs beyond the ranked entries above, organized to help you scan by location, delivery format, and subject niche. Graduate tuition varies widely by state and format, so confirm current rates and admission terms on each program page. Several options here emphasize middle and secondary grades, while others add special education, ESL, bilingual education, or technology-focused tracks.