Master of Arts in Teaching Online Degree Program
The top-ranked1 University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education offers a Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) degree program designed for aspiring teachers interested in becoming effective K–12 instructors and improving student outcomes. This program also prepares candidates to be recommended for a teaching credential.
Start Your Teaching Career
USC Rossier gives you the opportunity to earn a teaching degree from its top education school from wherever you live. The Master of Arts in Teaching online program combines weekly face-to-face online classes, dynamic self-paced coursework and immersive field experiences in your community to prepare you with the skills and experience needed to become a teacher.
MAT online students will be able to fill a number of roles both inside and outside of the classroom, including:
- Lead teacher
- Athletic coach
- Tutor
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor
- Online instructor
- Substitute teacher
Through the MAT online experience, you will have the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with classmates and a worldwide community of educators as you begin your career.
Program Specifications
Master of Arts in Teaching online with Teaching Credential2
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 improve student outcomes and be effective and confident educators in any learning environment.
Coursework is structured to introduce, reinforce and master different types of learning and approaches to learning. Students will blend theory with hands-on, field-based teaching experiences to learn how to build positive classroom environments in today's schools.
Theory
Gain in-depth knowledge of sociological, psychological, language, literacy, learning assessment and curriculum design theories and their application to teaching diverse learners in K–12 classrooms. Learn frameworks for differentiating instruction for all learners, especially those with learning disabilities.
Application
Understand the role of school, classroom and community social context in teaching ethnically and linguistically diverse students. Learn to blend instructional technology into powerful learning experiences for K–12 learners and incorporate state content standards into curricula (including Common Core Standards if applicable in your state).
Mastery
Master applications of theories, instructional methods and subject-matter-specific pedagogies in collaboration with experienced, guiding teachers in real classrooms. Use a video-based practice model and receive feedback from peers and mentors. Read more about fieldwork.
Concentrations
Concentrations in the MAT online program are designed to allow students to further differentiate themselves and focus their study on a content area of their choice.
Multiple Subject Teaching (Elementary) Concentration: Specialize in elementary school education with foundational coursework across a range of subject areas.
Single Subject Teaching (Secondary) Concentration: Explore strategies for teaching individual subjects in the middle or high school classroom.
Students may also choose to enhance their degree with a Special Education Credential or a Gifted Education Certificate.
Prepare for Your Teaching Credential Online
The USC Rossier MAT online program prepares you to earn your teaching credential in California; however, students may also be eligible to obtain their teaching credentials in other states. Credential requirements differ from state to state, therefore a student enrolling in this program should research the requirements in the state in which they reside or intend to practice.