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The USC Rossier School of Education Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) degree program is designed for aspiring K–12 teachers who want to improve student outcomes in their communities.
This program also prepares candidates to be recommended for a California preliminary teaching credential.
28 Units
With the option to add
additional areas
1 Path
Full-Time Path1
1–3 Years
You can earn your MAT in
as few as 12 months.
In the MAT online program at USC, you will:
The MAT online program offers the same academically rigorous curriculum as our on-campus program. The curriculum equips students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on field experience and teaching strategies to effectively improve student outcomes and build positive classroom environments. The curriculum also includes preparation for the English Learner Authorization.
Theory
Develop foundational knowledge about core theories, concepts and critical issues in the field.
Practice
Apply theory through practice teaching, observations and action research in classrooms.
Mastery
Master instructional strategies in collaboration with guiding teachers, faculty and peers.
Earning an MAT degree from USC Rossier prepares you to earn your preliminary teaching credential in California.2
You may also be eligible to obtain your teaching credential in other states; credential requirements differ from state to state. Make sure to research the requirements in the state in which you reside or intend to practice. Learn more about credentialing requirements by state.
The Preliminary California Education Specialist Credential in the USC Rossier MAT online program prepares you to work specifically with students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Preliminary California Education Specialist credential holders are certified to provide regular classroom instruction at either the elementary or secondary level. This credential also includes preparation for the Additional Autism Authorization. While there are no additional units required to add the Preliminary California Education Specialist credential to your MAT program of study, you must complete additional exams and fieldwork.
The California Bilingual Authorization in Spanish prepares students to teach language learners whose primary language is Spanish. With this authorization, you’ll have the option to teach in either bilingual settings or in English dominant settings with Spanish language learners. Students pursuing this authorization must be fluent in Spanish. While there are no additional units required to add the California Bilingual Authorization in Spanish to your MAT program of study, you must complete additional exams and fieldwork.
The USC Gifted Education Certificate prepares educators with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond to individual differences among gifted and talented students and to address the varying needs, interests and abilities of all students. This certificate requires 4 units of additional coursework.
The English Learner Authorization prepares students to support students’ English language acquisition as well as access to academic content across the curriculum. Coursework requirements for this authorization are fully integrated into the MAT curriculum.
The final deadline for the January 2024 cohort is October 23, 2023.
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Choose your concentration based on the career path you’d like to pursue:
Most individuals with a multiple subject credential teach all subjects in an elementary classroom, but you can also teach in other settings. Learn more about a California Multiple Subject teaching credential.
Most individuals with a single subject credential teach their credentialed subject in middle or high school classrooms, but you can also teach in other educational settings. Learn more about a California Single Subject teaching credential.3
USC Rossier offers single subject credential preparation for:
Below is a sample full-time course schedule, not including fieldwork.
Fall Semester
Introduction to Curriculum and Pedagogy in Urban Schools | 4 units
Contexts for Educational Equity, Access and Agency | 3 units
Integrated Language Development Across the Curriculum | 3 units
Spring Semester
Applications of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Part A | 4 units
Identifying and Teaching to Student Differences | 3 units
Literacy Development and Instruction in Elementary Education | 3 units (Elementary Multiple-Subject students)
Literacy Development and Instruction in Secondary Education | 3 units (Secondary Single-Subject students)
Fall Semester
Applications of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Part B | 4 units
Applying Knowledge and Strategies for Teaching All Students | 2 units
Blended Learning Experiences for Students in Urban Schools | 2 units
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Student teaching is a powerful part of your USC Rossier experience. You’ll observe and co-teach, plan lessons and work closely with a guiding teacher to hone your skills and build your confidence in the classroom. Our dedicated team of Placement Specialists will work with you to identify a site to complete your fieldwork near where you live. Learn more about fieldwork.
The USC Rossier MAT online program will prepare you with the practical skills, experience, understanding and confidence to have a positive impact on students of diverse backgrounds and learning abilities.
Graduates of the MAT online program are prepared to fill a number of roles both inside and outside of the classroom, including:
Explore what you can do with a Master of Arts in Teaching and how USC Rossier can support your goals.
We’re serious about teaching teachers. Our MAT online program is rigorous, hands-on and collaborative. You’ll form meaningful relationships with classmates and a worldwide community of educators — and you’ll see what it means to be part of the legendary #TrojanFamily. Learn more about what it’s like to learn online.
Complete the form below to get in touch with an MAT online Admission Counselor.
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1Full-time students can take 8–10 units per term.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2Regardless of the state in which students are seeking their credential, students are required to satisfy all of California’s credential requirements with the exception of applying for the California credential. This includes (but is not limited to) earning a passing score, by California standards, on the Educator Teaching Performance Assessment (EdTPA). Completion of these requirements is necessary for graduation from the Program and for designation as an education preparation program completer.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3You may also be eligible to obtain your teaching credential in other states; credential requirements differ from state to state. Make sure to research the requirements in the state in which you reside or intend to practice. Learn more about credentialing requirements by state.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
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