The Online Masters in Teaching Programs Guide

What is an Online Masters in Teaching?

The Masters in Teaching, sometimes referred to as a master of arts in teaching (MAT), is a degree designed for both current and prospective K–12 teachers who are looking to either obtain their initial teaching license or who are looking for additional certification as a means of career advancement inside the classroom. An online MAT is the same degree delivered through a blend of Internet technologies and real-world experiences.

Online teaching degree programs focus on blending learning theory with hands-on, field-based teaching experiences. Prominent themes can include:

• Role of diversity in learning
• Incorporation of technology in the classroom
• Integration of Common Core standards

Broadly speaking, learning goals focus on enabling students to build positive classroom environments to meet the challenges of today’s schools.

Adaptations in educational technology have enabled online programs to be better suited than ever for 21st-century learning. Built-in cameras and microphones in our computers, the ability to quickly and easily watch video, “Web 2.0” structures that allow for discussions and exams – these are all basic technologies that most people have access to, and the best online teaching degree programs put these technologies to good use.

Strong online master's in teaching programs should have the following:

• Live virtual classes
• Learning management systems
• Interactive course content
• Technical support
• Mobile access

Jump to our list of 50 online teaching and education masters programs.

Online Masters in Teaching Concentration Areas

Secondary Education

Earning your MAT in secondary education (also referred to as adolescent education) prepares students to become a middle school teacher or a high school teacher in a grade 7–12 classroom and provides foundational coursework in teaching methods, student learning styles and education issues such as linguistic and cultural diversity.

Secondary education online MAT programs primarily lead to professional certification in the areas of English, social studies, science or mathematics.

• English concentration: Coursework includes classes on writing, studies in criticism and theory, American and British literature, literacy development and English Language Learners (ELL).
• Social studies concentration: Coursework includes classes on economics, western civilization, American government, sociology, foundations of education and teaching social studies. Schools may offer additional areas of specialization such as economics, marketing or business education.
• Science concentration: Curriculum may focus on general science studies or may be broken into specific content areas such as biology, earth science or physics. Coursework includes classes on literacy across content areas, adolescent development and courses focusing on specific content areas.
• Mathematics concentration: Coursework includes classes on the history of mathematics, calculus, probability, differential equations, foundations of education and educational technology.

Online MAT Curriculum

The curriculum of an online MAT is nearly identical to that of a traditional MAT program pursued on campus. Coursework in an online teaching degree program focuses on grade level and subject area, including multiple subject certification for elementary education degrees and/or subject-specific certification (like the concentration areas listed above)

A Master of Arts in Teaching degree equips students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on field experience and teaching strategies to integrate the Common Core standards, improve student outcomes and be an effective and confident educator in any learning environment. Core classes explore:

• Learning theories
• Classroom technology
• Teaching methods
• Language
• Literacy

The curriculum typically culminates with a capstone, which can take the form of a dissertation or research project.

Student teaching is a requirement for all students who are looking to obtain their initial teaching license or for those who are gaining additional certification in a new grade and/or subject area, so fieldwork is incorporated in all MAT programs. This practical experience is gained through student teaching in a school environment related to the particular area of study. Online MAT programs should have offline components for students to gain practical experience, such as fieldwork and student teaching in a K-12 classroom. In addition, some programs offer on-campus immersions and networking opportunities to support the online curriculum.

Disclaimer: Each online MAT program is unique, with the governing institution stipulating its own prerequisites, courses, hours, credit requirements, and other particulars. For information regarding a specific program, be sure to contact the administering school.

Online MAT Requirements

As mentioned above, while working educators can pursue their online masters in teaching degree, the program itself is designed to accommodate students who do not have any previous teaching experience. Therefore, online MAT programs do not require students to have completed prerequisite courses in education. Minimum admissions standards typically only include a bachelor’s degree or greater from an accredited institution of higher education.

Online or Traditional: Which Program is Right for You?

The answer to that question depends on a number of other questions: What are your current responsibilities and obligations? Are you able to quit your job to attend school or do you need to keep it? Do you have children or other family members whom you must be near? Do you have your heart set on a certain school or program? Are you comfortable using technology?

These are all questions to ask yourself when determining whether you should pursue your Master of Arts in Teaching online or on-campus, because neither can be the perfect answer for everyone.

Who Should Get an Online Masters in Teaching?

The benefits of an online teaching degree program include flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. Therefore, an online MAT is the best fit for those students who are pressed for time, who want to access a program from a far-away campus or who can’t (or simply don’t want to) leave their professional or personal obligations to relocate for school. You can take online classes at home – or from your desk after work or your hotel on vacation – and the time commitment is limited to lives classes, homework, and studying. No commuting to class is required. That makes online MAT programs a great fit for:

• Full-time workers;
• Parents who work or stay at home;
• Those who can’t relocate or commute to school;
• Those who live far from a desired program with an online component.

An online MAT may also allow students to obtain their degrees faster than otherwise possible at a traditional on-campus program. The logistics of commuting could force an on-campus student to pursue his or her degree part-time, while the flexibility and convenience of an online program could allow that same student to take a full-time course load. The difference between pursuing an MAT full-time and a part-time could be the difference of earning your degree in one year or three!

But again, that's not to say an online MAT program is right for everyone - there are a variety of factors that might lead to a traditional format making more sense for your education.

Online MAT vs. Traditional MAT Coursework

A key difference between traditional and online MAT programs is the coursework experience. Depending on the program you enroll in, your experience will vary, but the best programs shouldn’t differ drastically in terms of their coursework. Much like the distinction between in-class assignments and homework in a traditional on-campus program, online programs have synchronous and asynchronous elements.

• Synchronous elements require real-time interaction through tools like text chat, voice chat and video conferencing.
• Asynchronous elements can be addressed at your leisure, like reading documents, viewing presentations, listening to audio files or watching videos.

E-mails, discussion boards, social networks, collaborative documents and e-portfolios are also asynchronous elements. Like homework in a regular classroom, these offline components support the online curriculum. You’ll be expected to have watched lectures and completed homework assignments prior to attending live class sessions so you’re ready to participate in discussions and other in-class activities.

Masters in Teaching Job Outlook and Salaries

While most states do not require educational professionals to hold an advanced degree, there are a number of benefits to having earned your online masters in teaching. Having an advanced degree, both inside and outside the classroom, provides you with greater career options and the opportunity to earn a higher salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2015, common job titles and employment figures for MAT-related occupations include:

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Finding the Best Online Masters in Teaching Program For You

In searching for the best online MAT program for you, it’s important to take into account the degree type, the classroom setting, and the credit requirements necessary to complete the program.