Master of Arts in Teaching online

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 preliminary teaching credential.

MAT online Overview

28 Units

With the option to add
additional competencies

2 Paths

Full-time or part-time
paths available1

1–3 Years

You can earn your MAT in
as few as 12 months.

In the MAT online program at USC, you will:

  • Earn a teaching degree from a top-ranked education school2
  • Attend weekly live online classes, complemented by dynamic self-paced coursework
  • Hone your teaching skills through field experiences in or near your community
  • Prepare to earn your preliminary teaching credential online wherever you live

Curriculum

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. Learn more about fieldwork.

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.

Preliminary Teacher Credentialing

Earning an MAT degree from USC Rossier prepares you to earn your preliminary teaching credential in California.3

You may also be eligible to obtain your preliminary 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.

Customize Your MAT

Preliminary California Education Specialist Credential

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.

California Bilingual Authorization in Spanish

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.

USC Gifted Education Certificate

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.

English Learner Authorization

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.

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives

Concentrations

Choose your concentration based on the career path you’d like to pursue:

Two Program Paths

Become a Primary School Teacher

Multiple-Subject Teaching Concentration

The Multiple-Subject Teaching Concentration allows you to prepare for your multiple-subject teaching credential so you can teach a range of primary school subjects to students in grades K–5.

In this track, you may also pursue a Preliminary California Education Specialist credential.

Become a Middle or High School Teacher

Single-Subject Teaching Concentration

The Single-Subject Teaching (Secondary) Concentration allows you to prepare for your single-subject teaching credential and teach secondary education subjects to students in middle and high schools.

In this track, you may also pursue a Preliminary California Education Specialist credential.

Courses

Below is a sample full-time course schedule, not including fieldwork.

YEAR 1

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)

YEAR 2

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

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Teacher

Fieldwork

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.

Your Teaching Career Begins Here

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.

Student Experience

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.

Your Future Students Are Waiting

Complete the form below to get in touch with an MAT online Admissions Counselor.

1 Full-time students can take 8–10 units per term. Part-time students can take 4–5 units per term. Return to footnote reference
2 Best Education Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2019). Return to footnote reference
3 The MAT online degree is an academic credential and does not in itself constitute a teaching license. Graduates of the MAT online program are eligible to take the California teacher licensing examination and will receive a California Level I Preliminary Credential upon passing the examination. Regardless of the state in which students are seeking their credential, students are required to satisfy the California-based program requirements of the USC MAT online program by successfully passing the EdTPA during the student teaching course. Return to footnote reference