Program Overview
This program offers undergraduate students a path to a Master of Arts in Teaching in five years. Start a bachelor's degree in a major from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences or the School of Science and Engineering that corresponds to the content area you would like to teach and declare a minor in education, which fulfills prerequisite coursework. Then apply to the master's degree program to begin taking graduate coursework while completing your bachelor’s degree.
About this Program
Students complete field experiences with district and charter partners in both Missouri and Kansas.
Careers
Graduates are prepared to earn certification as middle school, high school or K-12 teachers in specific content areas:
- Middle school (fifth-ninth grades): English, mathematics, science or social science
- High school (ninth-twelfth grades): English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, earth science, physics) or social sciences
- K-12 certifications: art, French, German or Spanish
Our graduates work in public, private and charter schools in the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.
Visit the Academic Catalog for full program details, including course listings.
Program Structure
Format
Hybrid: in-person evening courses with an online option
Typical program length
Four years to complete a bachelor's degree with a minor in education, plus one year in the master's program.
Typical course load
Thirty-five to 38 graduate credit hours across two years; seven hours from the undergraduate program are applied to the master's program.
Find Your Major
Through our School of Humanities and Social Sciences and School of Science and Engineering, UMKC offers several majors that correlate to middle school, high school or K-12 content areas.
Apply to UMKC
Ready to Apply to the 4+1?
Contact the program advisor for information on how to apply. Program representatives also host online information sessions regularly to talk with you about our MAT program and the 4+1 pathway, the application process, and answer any questions you have.
What This Program Offers
One-year master's degree
Earn a master's degree while still taking courses for your bachelor's degree.
Experience and mentoring
Gain teaching experience in the field alongside experienced educators
Higher salary
Start your teaching career at the master’s-level salary schedule.
Scholarship Opportunity
In exchange for a commitment to teach in a Kansas City-area partner district for at least four years following graduation, undergraduate students who are on the pre-teaching pathway in the 4 + 1 combined degree program are eligible for a scholarship.
Institute of Urban Education
The Institute of Urban Education (IUE) prepares new teachers for success in urban classrooms by exploring issues of social justice and multicultural education. The IUE scholarship is given in exchange for teaching in a Kansas City-area partner district for at least four years after graduation.
Still Have Questions?
Contact the program advisor for more information
Gina Paese-Margiela
Director of Teacher Education
Assistant Teaching Professor
Phone:
816-235-6681
Email:
paeseg@umkc.edu