Master of Arts in Teaching
Program Overview
This program is tailored to those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a certified middle school or high school teacher. It's a developmentally sequenced program designed to help students gain foundational knowledge, understand a content area and classroom practices, plan instruction and assessment and demonstrate effective teaching.
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
Two years (three, 16-week semesters plus one Summer Session)
Typical course load
Thirty-five to 38 credit hours, plus 10 hours of prerequisite coursework if not taken as part of previous academic work
How to Apply
Program representatives host online information sessions regularly to talk with you about our MAT program, the application process, and answer any questions you have.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission process
- Create an account, complete your application and pay the nonrefundable application fee through the UMKC general application
- Submit your application materials through your online application:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- One-page statement of interest or purpose
- Contact information for two references
- Copy of Missouri substitute teacher certification
- Complete the state-required content assessment
What This Program Offers
Flexible schedule
We can help you schedule your courses to accommodate your work schedule.
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, graduate students enrolling in the MAT program could be 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
Director of Teacher Education
Associate Teaching Professor
Phone:
816-235-6027
Email:
paeseg@umkc.edu