Teachers recognize the value of a good education, and completing the requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching can help a talented educator improve his or her skills in the classroom. A n MAT degree is also often designed for candidates who possess baccalaureate degrees and who are seeking initial licensure as teachers. Students can enter these types of programs with a strong academic background in the subject which they wish to teach, for example an English or biology degree, but without any teaching experience. There are many quality Master of Arts in Teaching programs available, both through traditional classroom settings and through online schools.
Ranking the Top 10 Online Master of Arts in Teaching Programs
The programs listed here on this list of Online Master of Arts in Teaching offer students the flexibility to complete their degree from anywhere they can get an Internet connection.
#1 Liberty University
Executive Summary
Liberty University has the distinction of being the largest Christian school in the world. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching at Liberty is $505.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MA in Teaching – Secondary Schools program includes courses in behavior management and curriculum development. Students must complete a student teaching internship to graduate.
#2 Western Governors University
Executive Summary
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit online school. It is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities.
Tuition
This school charges $2,890.00 for a six-month term.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the MA in Teaching – Science program should plan to devote 15-20 hours per week to their education.
#3 Grand Canyon University
Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is a Christian school. It is accredited by the North Central Association.
Tuition
Graduate students at GCU pay $510.00 per credit hour toward the Online Master of Arts in Teaching degree program.
Unique Features
GCU’s MA in Teaching – Professional Learning Communities program does not prepare students for professional licensure. It is for certified teachers who are interested in advanced studies. All applicants to this program must have a current teaching certificate or at least one year of teaching experience to be considered.
#4 Nova Southeastern University
Executive Summary
Nova Southeastern University is a not-for-profit institution. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
The cost to enroll in the Online Master of Arts in Teaching is $505.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The 30-credit MA in Teaching and Learning in Elementary Reading can be completed in less than one year. Students complete classes in eight-week blocks, and each part of the program builds into the next.
#5 University of Southern California
Executive Summary
The University of Southern California’s online teaching programs were developed by a world-class faculty that includes former principals, teachers, and school administrators.
Tuition
The cost of this degree ranges from $46,023.00-$49,145.00.
Unique Features
Coursework for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching program is identical to the school’s on-campus program. Students work through it in a self-paced mode, and get help from their instructors during live, face-to-face office hours.
#6 University of North Carolina
Executive Summary
The University of North Carolina offers distance education programs from 16 campuses. Students admitted to online programs study the same material online as if they were enrolled in on-campus programs.
Tuition
In-state students pay $3,870.00 per semester, and out-of-state students pay $8662.50 per semester for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Unique Features
The MA in Teaching – Special Education is for students who hold a degree in a field other than education. It can be completed entirely online.
#7 Southern Arkansas University
Executive Summary
Southern Arkansas University is a liberal arts school that was established in 1909. The school is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
The cost of attending SAU for one year is $17,000.
Unique Features
SAU’s MA in Teaching is for students who hold a BA in subjects which are taught at the secondary school level. Students are required to complete an internship as part of this program. During this part of the program, the student is hired as a teacher in a public school.
Concentrations
• Agriculture
• Art
• Business Education
• Drama/Speech
• English
• Physical Education
• Family and Consumer Science
• Spanish
• Life/Earth Science
• Mathematics
• Music, Vocal and Instrumental
• Physical/Earth Science
• Physical Education
• Social Studies (AR History Course Required)
• French
#8 University of Maryland
Executive Summary
The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition
Maryland residents pay $458.00 per credit hour, and non-resident students pay $659.00 per credit hour for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in this program must complete an on-site internship and seminar to graduate. This part of the program is 15 weeks in length and is available only in the Fall and Spring semesters.
#9 Columbia College
Executive Summary
Columbia College was founded in 1851. Originally named Christian Female College, it changed its name to Columbia College in 1970 when it became a coed school. The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Students at Columbia College pay $325.00 per credit hour toward the Online Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in this program take classes in research design, curriculum design and evaluations, psychological and philosophical foundations, curriculum and instruction, and measurement and evaluation.
#10 Willamette University
Executive Summary
Willamette University is a private liberal arts school. It has the distinction of being the first school established in the western United States. Willamette is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition
The annual cost of tuition for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching degree program is $28,350.00.
Unique Features
The Master’s degree program can be completed in as few as 18 months. Students complete a practicum in a classroom environment.
