Master of Arts in Teaching

Marylhurst University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) prepares adults to make a difference in the lives of children and teens by becoming licensed teachers.

A master's degree in teaching is ideal for individuals seeking a career change, recent graduates from a bachelor's program or those who work in K-12 education in a non-licensed capacity.

The Marylhurst Difference

Commitment to Principles of Social Justice

The Marylhurst master's in teaching degree program is committed to developing educators who have the skills to make a positive impact on the most pressing educational issue facing our state – the glaring gap in children's achievement levels caused by complex social, economic and historical factors. Marylhurst equips MAT graduates with skills to help all children reach their full potential.

Elementary & Secondary Cohorts

The Marylhurst master's degree in teaching provides a broad perspective of K-12 education during introductory courses. Later, teaching licensure candidates concentrate in content appropriate to their elementary or secondary teaching assignment. While candidates gain specific skills in their area of specialization, they learn how the application of theory applies in all classroom environments.

Field Experience

Field experience in an elementary or secondary classroom begins the first term and continues for the following three terms. This provides a 12-month perspective of how teachers prepare for the start of school in the fall and maintain educational momentum throughout the school year. After a year of field experience, candidates are ready for two terms of full-time student teaching that starts in the fall of the second year.

Student Teaching

Student teaching takes place in elementary and secondary schools that collaborate with Marylhurst's unique master's in teaching degree program. Outstanding teachers in these schools become Clinical Faculty members who partner with Marylhurst. By providing guidance in the classroom and in the school community, Marylhurst's Clinical Faculty facilitate a student teaching experience that prepares each candidate for their first year of teaching.

Early Entry into the Profession

Candidates finish their degree and licensure requirements with the completion of student teaching prior to the end of March. This provides the opportunity to develop a work history during spring term through substitute teaching assignments, which can help secure employment for the next school year.

Mentor Support During the First Year of Teaching

In recognition of the challenge facing new teachers, each graduate is matched with a Marylhurst MAT mentor who will provide support during the first year of employment. Marylhurst's mentors provide meaningful professional development after graduation to ensure that the first year of teaching is a successful and rewarding experience.

Reading Emphasis

The master's in teaching degree program also prepares candidates with advanced skills in reading instruction and the ability to work successfully with students whose first language is not English. Foundational literacy is stressed in the elementary cohort to provide all students with skills for successful learning. The secondary cohort blends content knowledge expertise with essential skills in reading and language development relevant to older students.

The Program

Marylhurst's tradition of high expectations for learning with intensive faculty support creates an environment that facilitates success for each candidate. Rigorous coursework is enhanced by supportive advising relationships that continue after graduation.

Full Time

Candidates attend classes for six consecutive terms, taking nine credits each term. Field experience starts immediately and lasts for four terms. The final two terms include full-time student teaching and development of two work samples as required by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).

Part Time

Part-time studies last approximately 10 terms. Candidates can maintain their work and family commitments by scheduling classes and field experience on a part-time basis. A full-time commitment is required for the final two terms to complete student teaching and develop two work samples as required by the TSPC.

Evening, Weekend and Online Courses

Courses are taught primarily in evening and weekend seminars. Some courses may be delivered in a blended on campus and online format. Through online classes, teacher candidates demonstrate the technology proficiency desired by districts for service in K-12 classroom environments.

Practitioner Faculty

Marylhurst MAT faculty are drawn from the ranks of master practitioners, teachers and principals who are known for their classroom expertise and leadership. They bring relevance, practicality and authentic experience to coursework and classroom discussions.

Accreditation

Marylhurst University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Master of Arts in Teaching is approved by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).