What you will study
Our Teaching master’s degree offers Missouri teaching certification in coordination
with the Alternative Pathways Certification program. This program takes a practical approach to preparing you for jobs with a master’s
in Education. It also lets your passions guide your interests in choosing a concentration
for your graduate degree in education:
- Secondary Education Master’s Degree: Master the foundations of teaching and learning, advance your knowledge and skills
in general classroom management and obtain the most recent research on instructional
theory and practices.
- Middle School Education: Learn the philosophy, organization, curriculum, instruction and classroom management
strategies appropriate to middle-level learners, as well as integrative and interdisciplinary
middle school curriculum development.
- Elementary Education: Learn how to assess and evaluate student learning and design units of instruction
that meet each child's individual needs.
- K–12 Education: Dive into the psychological principles, processes, theories and research on a range
of topics such as learning, development, motivation and measurements to be a more
effective teacher.
- Educational Theory: Focus on the legal issues, school funding, educational delivery systems, societal
influences, philosophy and history of education. You’ll also examine curriculum development
and assessment issues from school, district, state and federal points of view.
- Science Education [Accelerated Program]: Gain the skills and resources for teaching in the science content area, as well as
the strategies for both laboratory and classroom instruction. You’ll also learn to
recognize science learning problems and how to find ways to solve those problems.
This program, exclusive to UCM students, provides a fast track that combines an undergraduate
science degree in biology or chemistry with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree.
Excellence in Teaching
- Longest Missouri public institution continuously accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP works to
enhance excellence in educator preparation via evidence-based accreditation. The seal
assures quality and supports continuous improvement in P-12 student learning.
- Among the Top Online Master's in Secondary Education Degree Programs (Intelligent, 2022)
- One of the Best Online Master's In K-12 Education Degree Programs (Intelligent, 2022)
- One of the Best Master's in Online Teaching Degree Programs (Intelligent, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in our Teaching master’s degree
As an MA in Teaching graduate student, you'll complete a student teaching experience.
This provides a full semester in a K–12 classroom to practice and refine your instructional
strategies and classroom management skills. You'll be on your own, but you won't be
alone as you earn your graduate degree in Education. Our mentor-teachers and university
supervisor will be here to support you and provide feedback.
Our program faculty have experience in classroom teaching, administration, educational
finance and discipline leadership. They know the challenges you face and are available
to provide you with individual assistance. You’ll also have access to faculty and
other support resources via email and Blackboard and virtual and in-person office
hours.
What can you do with a Teaching master’s degree?
86% of our Teaching MAT program graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
Whether your Teaching master’s concentration is a Secondary Education master’s degree,
a K–12 Education master’s degree or another concentration in our graduate degree in
Education, you’ll be prepared for a range of teaching jobs.
Administrators hire MAT graduates from the University of Central Missouri as educators
in a variety of disciplines. Teaching MAT graduates also have experience in distance
learning and often bring knowledge and skills from outside of education. Our students
occasionally seek master’s of Education jobs outside of the United States, as well.
Explore your teaching options
Use our interactive tool to explore your career options with a graduate degree in
Education. Learn about the potential for jobs with a master’s in education, salaries,
outlooks and more.
Financial assistance options for your Teaching master’s degree
Our Teaching master’s degree is designed for working adults who are changing careers
or who will be pursuing jobs in which a master’s in education is required or desired.
Opportunities for financial assistance for the MA in Teaching may be different from
those available to traditional students. You may be able to finance your college education using industry scholarships, assistantships, grants or awards.
Meet Kacy D.
MA Teaching ’18
“UCM provided a great atmosphere, a great environment for working toward my Teaching
MAT.”
Meet Our Faculty
Experienced and engaged educators
Study and research with leaders in the field of education. Your professors and instructors
have decades of combined experience in classroom teaching, administration, educational
finance and discipline leadership.
Faculty Profiles
Meet Dr. Yuankun Yao, Professor
Part of our award-winning faculty
Dr. Yao, an MAT faculty member, received the Governor’s Excellence in Education Award
in 2019. He was recognized for effective teaching and advising, service to the university
community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student
achievement.
Faculty Profiles
Meet Dr. Alex Pagnani, Associate Professor
MAT faculty member Dr. Pagnani was awarded the College of Education Excellence in
Teaching award in 2019. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Gifted
Association of Missouri and is editor of the GAMbit, the group’s quarterly publication.
Faculty Profiles
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Program information and admission requirements
For more information about this program and admission requiements click here.
