Why choose USC Rossier for your MAT? Because our alumni overwhelmingly endorse the program. Because you’ll learn by doing—integrating student teaching with coursework from day one. And because wherever your career takes you, the Trojan Network opens doors across California and beyond.
Develop tools and strategies to challenge norms, build stronger communities, and positively impact students of various backgrounds and learning abilities in any educational setting.
Our emphasis on high-needs schools will prepare you to leave either program ready to challenge norms and build inclusive communities in any educational setting. Through the program, you will:
Questions about the program? Schedule an appointment with one of our Admission counselors to learn more about the program.
MAT online and on campus programs integrate student teaching with your coursework, allowing you to immediately apply the strategies learned in your courses. Beginning in the second semester of the program, you will complete student teaching four full days a week (minimum of 28 hours per week) at a placement site near your home. Those pursuing a MAT – Multiple Subject (Elementary) degree will be placed in an elementary school, and students in the MAT – Single Subject (Middle or High School) track will be placed in a local middle or high school.
USC Rossier’s unique approach to student teaching provides:
Scholarship funding is limited. All applicants are reviewed for merit-based scholarship consideration as part of the admissions process—no separate scholarship application is required. While admission to the program does not guarantee a scholarship, applying earlier may increase your opportunity for scholarship consideration. For the Master of Arts in Teaching program, merit-based scholarships may be worth up to $30,000. Eligible applicants are awarded based on academic achievement, alignment with the USC Rossier mission, and other selection criteria. Scholarship recipients are notified at the time of admission.
View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline
89% of MAT alums said their USC Rossier education prepared them to be more effective in their career.
85% of MAT alums said their studies at USC Rossier prepared them well for future employment.
82% of MAT alumni found a job within six months of graduating.
What kind of teacher do you want to be?
Choose from two distinct paths: teaching K-6 or teaching middle school and above. Increase your competitiveness in the job market by completing the requirements for additional credentials, authorizations and certificates.
See the courses you’ll need to take to get this degree. Course requirements are the same for online and in-person options.
Course ScheduleTo apply for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university.
Application InstructionsThe Master of Arts in Teaching – Multiple Subject (Elementary) program will allow you to earn your master’s degree and complete the requirements to be recommended for California’s Multiple Subject Credential. Our emphasis on high-needs schools will prepare you to leave the program ready to challenge norms and build inclusive communities in any educational setting.
The Master of Arts in Teaching – Single Subject (Middle or High School) online program will allow you to earn your master’s degree and complete the requirements to be recommended for California’s Single Subject Preliminary Credential. Individuals with a single subject credential can teach English, math, science, social sciences, or world languages in a middle or high school classroom, but this credential also prepares you to teach in other educational settings.
Education Specialist Credential
Prepare to work with students with mild to moderate learning disabilities in K-12 grade settings. The coursework requirements for this credential are integrated with the curriculum, but you must complete additional exams and student teaching to be recommended for this credential.
Bilingual Authorization in Spanish
Prepare to teach K-12 grade language learners whose primary language is Spanish. This authorization provides the option to teach in either bilingual settings or in English dominant settings with learners whose primary language is Spanish. You must demonstrate fluency in Spanish and complete additional student teaching to pursue this authorization. Learn more about California Bilingual Authorization.
USC Gifted Education Certificate
Prepare to recognize and respond to the potential, interests and abilities of gifted and advanced PreK-12 grade learners from diverse backgrounds. Learn to design and provide an appropriate curriculum for each learner. Requires the addition of a four-unit course during the summer session.
Graduates of the MAT program are prepared to fill roles as classroom teachers. Less traditional career paths may include:
Yes. You can add an Education Specialist Credential (mild to moderate disabilities), a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish or the USC Gifted Education Certificate. Each takes extra work: the Education Specialist path needs more exams and student teaching, the Bilingual Authorization needs Spanish fluency and more student teaching, and the Gifted certificate is one extra 4 unit summer course. You choose your add-ons when you apply.
Most graduates teach in elementary, middle or high school classrooms, and others work as ESL instructors, online instructors, tutors or coaches. 82% of MAT alumni found a job within six months of graduating. You can widen your options by adding an Education Specialist Credential, a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish or the USC Gifted Education Certificate.
The MAT leads to a recommendation for a California Multiple Subject or Single Subject Preliminary Credential. Starting in your second semester, you student teach four full days a week (at least 28 hours) at a school near where you live. Elementary candidates teach in K-6 schools and secondary candidates teach in middle or high schools.
You need a bachelor’s degree, which can also meet the Basic Skills Requirement, plus the Subject Matter Requirement for what you want to teach. You must meet Subject Matter before you register for MAT classes. Then you complete an accredited program with student teaching, like the MAT, to earn your preliminary credential.
It’s the state license you need to teach in California public schools. The main types are Multiple Subject (elementary, all subjects), Single Subject (one subject in middle or high school) and Education Specialist (special education). Most teachers start with a preliminary credential, then clear it through an induction program during their first years of teaching.
Co-Program Lead Shanta Smith on how the MAT helps you build the skills that matter most in the classroom.
Brenden Scott
MAT ’22
Scholarship funding is limited. All applicants are reviewed for merit-based scholarship consideration as part of the admissions process—no separate scholarship application is required. While admission to the program does not guarantee a scholarship, applying earlier may increase your opportunity for scholarship consideration. For the Master of Arts in Teaching program, merit-based scholarships may be worth up to $30,000. Eligible applicants are awarded based on academic achievement, alignment with the USC Rossier mission, and other selection criteria. Scholarship recipients are notified at the time of admission.
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Contact:
Senior Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships
