Online Master’s in Teacher Education

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Be part of 160 years of teacher education

Enhance your skills as a passionate and effective teacher in the Master's in Teacher Education.

Are you ready to share your professional expertise through teaching, or switch fields to embark on a new career? PennWest’s online Master’s in Teacher Education (MAT) can get you there in as little as five semesters.

This two-track professional development degree program includes Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification if you already have a background in one of 10 subject areas or if you want to make a career change into elementary or secondary education.

Rigorous coursework will prepare you to become a passionate and effective teacher. You’ll gain a greater understanding of best practices, and develop top strategies for classroom management, instruction, assessments and interventions. You will enhance your knowledge of your specific subject area, and learn to master the latest classroom technology.

Hands-on fieldwork, plus 15 full weeks of student teaching will prepare you to graduate ready to excel as a teacher and stand out in the secondary education job market.

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Full Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.

160 years

The PennWest legacy of teacher education spans more than 160 years.

Flexible and Accessible

Finish your degree in as little as five semesters, or longer if you choose to work while you complete this program.

Fast Facts

12

Disciplines where you can earn a Level 1 teacher certification and Master's Degree at the same time:

  • Art Education (PK-12) 
  • Elementary Education (PreK-grade 4)
  • Health and Physical Education (PK-12)
  • Middle-Level Education (Grades 4-8) 
  • Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) 
    (Biology, Chemistry, Earth-Space Science, English, Math, Physics, or Social Studies)
  • Technology Education (PK-12) 

Credits:

45

Format:

100% online

Contact:

Graduate Admissions
gradadmissions@pennwest.edu
724-938-4187

Start Terms:

Varies by discipline area

Careers and Salaries

What’s the difference between an M.Ed. and an MAT degree?

Both are graduate level degrees that can prepare you for teacher certification and advance your career in the field of education. An M.Ed. degree may delve into more theoretical coursework that could eventually lead to careers in curriculum development, administration and leadership. On the other hand, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) provides more practical hands-on experience in classroom teaching and working more directly with students. It is ideal if you do not have an undergraduate degree in teaching but would like to make a career change or become licensed to teach.

Graduate Outcomes

  1. Develop, implement, assess and modify curriculum and lessons that integrate research-based pedagogy and are developmentally appropriate to their content area, the PA PreK-12 Academic Standards, and concentration level: elementary (Grades PreK–4), middle school, secondary, technical education and art
  2. Plan, adapt and implement developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate evidence-based instructional practices and strategies that integrate appropriate and effective classroom management in various educational settings
  3. Communicate deep content knowledge to plan and implement lessons and instructional practices that use active student engagement and formal and/or informal assessment to measure student responsiveness to instruction
  4. Develop professional dispositions with respect to students, parents and families, and demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior and professional conduct as stated in Pennsylvania’s Code of Professional Practice & Conduct for Educators
  5. Identify, administer and interpret multiple assessments (formative, summative, benchmark, behavioral, diagnostic, cognitive and/or affective and psychomotor) that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with content area standards and learning objectives to inform planning and instruction for groups and individual students

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater

Conditional Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be reviewed for a decision

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

Flexible. Affordable.
Designed to Meet Your needs.
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