Become a Master Elementary or Secondary Educator
Accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), USF’s MAT degree strengthens your ability to teach and train both inside and outside of formal educational settings.
- If you seek a teaching license, this program prepares you for initial Indiana licensure as a middle school, high school, or elementary school teacher.
- If you’re already licensed, this program can refresh your proficiencies and prepare you for career advancement.
- If you don’t seek a teaching license, this program can help you excel as a teacher and trainer in non-school settings. You may also want to consider the M.S.Ed. in Special Education non-licensure program.
Plus, an MAT from the University of Saint Francis puts a premium on quality and affordability. For less than $18,000, you can earn an MAT accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE).
Jump to the program you’re interested in:
MAT Elementary Education
Become a better mentor with refined expertise in meeting the needs of each child’s unique learning style. Learn advanced skills that will help ignite student potential and maximize long-lasting student success.
Student Grade Level: K–6 Total Credit Hours Required: 33
Courses:
- Diagnosis and Differentiation
- Diverse Learners in Today’s Classrooms
- ELA and Social Studies Methods for Elem. Ed.
- Elementary Clinical Internship*
- Elementary Clinical Practicum*
- Inclusive Content Assessment
- Integrated Classroom Technology
- Literacy for All Learners
- Math and Science Methods for Elem. Ed.
- Reading Methods
- Two Advisor Approved Elective Courses
*Students on a non-licensure track will take electives in place of these courses.
MAT Secondary Education
Provide more meaningful learning opportunities for middle school and high school students. Demonstrate enhanced ability to create a safe space for students to acknowledge and maximize their creativity and ability to solve problems.
Student Grade Level: 5–12
Courses:
- Collaborative Classrooms & Schools
- Diagnosis and Differentiation
- Diverse Learners in Today’s Classrooms
- Inclusive Content Assessment
- Integrated Classroom Technology
- Literacy in the Content Areas
- Methods for Secondary Instruction
- Responsive Classroom Management
- Transitional Clinical Internship*
- Transitional Clinical Practicum*
- One Advisor-Approved Elective Course
*Students on a non-licensure track will take electives in place of these courses.
Combining Convenience and Quality
Taught by experienced online instructors, the MAT program is structured to help you balance life and school obligations. USF’s Virtual Campus has up to six start dates during the year. Most courses are offered in short eight-week sessions, with some in 16-week sessions, such as a 16-week practicum and 16-week clinical internship, to cement your learnings.
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Graduates of the MAT program will master the 10 Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards:
- Learner Development
- Learning Differences
- Learning Environments
- Content Knowledge
- Application of Content
- Instructional Practice
- Planning for Instruction
- Instructional Strategies
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
- Leadership and Collaboration
Clinical Practicum and Internship
If you’re seeking initial licensure, you’ll finish your program by gaining on-site, real-world experience in a school setting. By applying the knowledge you’ve gained during your coursework, you’ll show that you’re ready for every classroom responsibility asked of you.
Licensure Disclosures
- All education and special education licensure programs at USF meet requirements for Indiana state licensure.
- If you desire a license from a state other than Indiana, please contact the State Department of Education for that state for clarification on obtaining licensure.
- Relocating to another state during the course of a program could impact whether or not you meet that state’s requirements. Please contact the appropriate licensing agency for professional licensure eligibility requirements.
- USF students enrolled in teacher education programs are being prepared to test for the Indiana teaching licensure exam. However, students are not required to sit for the Indiana licensure exam to earn the degree.
For more information on professional licensure disclosures, please click here.
Next start date:
Apply Today or call 888-880-6893
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Accredited by the Indiana Department of Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
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Top 50 Online Master’s in Secondary Education and Best Catholic University
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2019 Best Online Master’s Degree Programs
$535 per credit
(2022–2023 academic year)
Save time—and money—through transfer credits and financial aid.
Find out what you're eligible for.
Call 888-880-6893
Potential Careers
- Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teacher
- Career and technical education teacher
- Elementary school teacher
- High school teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Literacy/Reading instructor
- Middle school teacher
National Median Salary
Middle School Teacher Occupations
$59,660
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Projected New Jobs
Education, Training, and Library Occupations
512,900
Projected growth 2018–2028
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Meet Your Program Directors
Brittany Straub
Director of MAT - Secondary Education and Assistant Professor
“Teaching is more than a responsibility to teach content; rather, it is an opportunity to mentor young minds as they learn about themselves and continuously grow into contributing members of society. It is an important calling and a blessing to serve others, society, and God through education. At USF, teacher candidates learn the necessary skills to educate and empower students.”
Cayla Wise, M.A.
Director of MAT - Elementary Education and Assistant Professor
“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” —Robert Frost
Elementary Education is more than a career, it is a path for those who are passionate about working with children. Seeing the lightbulb in a child’s mind ignite is unmeasurable. USF education programs provide our candidates with the necessary tools, skills, and experiences to become successful, life-long educators. At USF we champion our learners; those we teach and our candidate’s future students.
Support Services at the University of Saint Francis Help Online Students Like You
Dedicated Success Coach
Each online student at the University of Saint Francis is assigned an experienced success coach. Your coach can assist you with resources to complete class projects, help you get in touch with instructors and staff, and connect you with career services.
Smarthinking Tutoring Service
Need a little extra help? Smarthinking is accessible online and offers video tutorials 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live tutoring or writing sessions are available for any degree program every Sunday through Thursday.
USF Mentoring Program
Find and connect with USF alumni and receive one-on-one mentoring in your career or program. Create your profile, get matched, schedule meeting times, and attend training workshops. The program is free and completely online.
“USF allowed me to live and teach in Taiwan while I took courses, and I was able to complete my internship there as well. I didn’t have to fly back to the States for anything.”
—Rachel McCullough, USF MAT Student
