Applications open October 1st. Limited spaces available, so apply early. SDSU applications close in the first week of March. The secondary department application closes in the first week of April.

Program Highlights

• Take this flexible and fully accredited master’s from anywhere in the country.
• Fantastic value for your career and perfect for working professionals.
• Finish in a year (24-30 unit program).
• Completely online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

MAT Structure

We offer an exceptional program that presents the most up-to-date research on teaching and learning. The degree focuses on inquiry-based education which includes hands-on instruction with problem-based learning and issues-centered curriculum, with a focus on reflection during the teaching process.

In addition, the coursework links theory and classroom practice to assist teachers in learning how to teach with an inquiry-based focus in elementary and secondary classrooms. This degree is offered so that teachers can earn their MAT in one year, beginning summer semester and continuing over fall and spring. Most students already hold a valid teaching credential. This is not a credential program.

Here are important aspects of the program you should consider:

• It is a high-quality program focusing on inquiry-based education taught only by full-time tenured faculty.
• It is flexible and designed for working professionals.
• It is a 24-30 unit program which can be finished in one year (typically 4 courses first summer, 2 courses in the fall, and 2 courses in the spring, and as needed 2 courses second summer). To earn the 6 units of credit as part of the MAT, a student must have earned a post-undergrad credential from an accredited program not more than 5 years of completion of the MAT.
• If your credential was earned as an undergraduate, you will need to take 2-additional classes. Credit can only be given to classes from a graduate credential program.
• This program is highly competitive and unfortunately, we cannot accept all of those who apply. We recommend you apply as early as possible.
• The online MAT in Elementary or Secondary Education no longer require the GRE.
• Priority admission is provided to current credential candidates and recent SDSU credential graduates. Apply early.

Coursework

Courses vary but are situated in a broader theme of technology and virtual learning, critical thinking, diversity, and research-based pedagogy. Students engage in coursework around assessment, research methods, evidence-based practice, and modern technologies and their application to classroom-based teaching. Emphasis is placed on teaching students from diverse backgrounds.

Courses will be selected in collaboration with the graduate advisor.

Foundations

First teachers will have the opportunity to take foundational courses which cover innovative curriculum development, measuring student achievement, inclusion in the classroom, and research-based pedagogy.

Pedagogy

Courses on pedagogy will present cutting-edge research that will enhance the professional skills of teachers who teach students who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Exceptional teaching starts with a strong foundation of theory and best practice in which educators learn how to incorporate the instruction of critical thinking, high-quality curriculum, effective assessment, discipline-based knowledge, and research into inquiry-based education.

Research and Capstone

The program presents classes on research in learning and teaching for teachers of students who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Teachers will have the opportunity to examine and develop curriculum for use in their own classrooms which is grounded in the values of social justice. They will also create a high-quality capstone project which emanates from their research in the MAT program.

Standards

Our program is founded on the belief that teachers must have the opportunity to examine and think critically about the curriculum and delivery methods they use in the classroom. We will discuss Common Core Standards and their impact on learners.

Degree Learning Outcomes (DLOs)

Note: Each X means an assginment in that course addresses the degree learning objective (DLO). For example, two Xs mean two assignments in that class address the DLO.

Our Faculty

The faculty are internationally and nationally known professors who have published in journals such as Curriculum Studies, Harvard Educational Review, Science and Children, The Social Studies, The Kappan, and many other highly respected academic publications. They have extensive experience in urban, rural, and suburban schools. They have expertise in areas such as Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Philosophy, Disability Studies, Mathematics Education, Language Acquisition, and Multicultural Education. The faculty include Valerie Ooka Pang, Luke Duesbery, and Melissa Soto.

Frequently Asked Questions