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  • Modalities On Campus or Online
  • Length 11 Months | 28 Units
  • Scholarships Up to $30,000 in Merit-Based Scholarship
  • Start Date Spring Term 2027: January
    Summer Term 2027: June

Become a Classroom-Ready Teacher in 11 Months

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:

  • Earn a teaching degree from a prestigious school with a strong reputation among employers.
  • Take classes online from any location or in person at our LA campus.
  • Be mentored by a guiding teacher.
  • Have the option to complete the requirements for an Education Specialist credential or other authorizations and certificates.

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:

  • Gradual student teaching responsibility
  • Mentoring relationships with experienced teachers
  • A placement site aligned with your career goals
  • Collaborative feedback and support from your peers and professors

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships of up to $30,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. The admission committee selects recipients based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. With the exception of the Leo F. Buscaglia Endowed Fellowship, all USC Rossier scholarships are awarded 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

Outcomes

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 your path.

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.

Coursework

See the courses you’ll need to take to get this degree. Course requirements are the same for online and in-person options.

Course Schedule

How to Apply

To apply for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university.

Application Instructions
Teach Elementary School

The 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.

Teach Middle or High School

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.

Teach Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities

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.

Teach Students Whose Primary Language Is Spanish

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.

Teach Advanced and Gifted Students

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.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MAT program are prepared to fill roles as classroom teachers. Less traditional career paths may include:

  • Substitute teacher
  • Correctional center teacher
  • Online instructor
  • Tutor
  • Athletic coach
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor

Inside the MAT Program

Program Director Shanta Smith on how the MAT helps you build the skills that matter most in the classroom.

Man smiling on a bench in front of a colorful library mural with storybook characters

Every semester, I’ve had at least one professor who went above and beyond, making sure I was taken care of. I wasn’t sure what the community would look like here, because it is such a big school, but they really care about their students.

Brenden Scott

MAT ’22

Start Your Application

Applicants are automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $30,000.

Apply Now

Questions about the program?

Headshot portrait of Estevan Hernandez smiling in a black suit and red tie near a campus archway

Contact:

Estevan R. Hernandez

Senior Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships