Master of Arts in Teaching
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to teach in California K-12 classrooms and have not obtained a teaching credential.
If you’re ready to change lives as a teacher, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will equip you with the theories, principles and skills you need to make a meaningful difference. 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.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will allow you to earn your master’s degree and complete the requirements to be recommended for a California preliminary teaching credential.
Through this program, you will:
- Earn a teaching degree from a school with a strong reputation among employers.
- Be mentored by a guiding teacher.
- Have the option to complete the requirements for an Education Specialist credential or other authorizations and certificates.
Curriculum
The MAT program meets credential program standards and teacher performance expectations set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The program also includes preparation for the English Language Learner Authorization and Education Specialist Credential,* which includes the additional autism authorization.
*Additional exams and student teaching are required to obtain the Education Specialist credential.
Student Teaching
As a student, you will complete student teaching that is integrated with your coursework, allowing you to immediately apply the strategies learned in your courses. 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.
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.
Primary Credential Track
Apply to one primary credential track based on what you would like to teach:
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Most individuals with a multiple subject credential teach all subjects in an elementary classroom, but you can also teach in other settings. Learn more about a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Single Subject English Teaching Credential
Most individuals with a single subject English credential teach English in middle or high school classrooms, but you can also teach in other educational settings. Learn more about a California Single Subject Teaching Credential.
Single Subject Math Teaching Credential
Most individuals with a single subject math credential teach mathematics in a middle or high school classroom, but you can also teach in other educational settings. Learn more about a California Single Subject Teaching Credential.
California Preliminary Single Subject Science Teaching Credential
Most individuals with a single subject science credential teach science (biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences or physics) in a middle or high school classroom, but you can also teach in other educational settings. Learn more about a California Single Subject Teaching Credential.
Additional Options
You can increase your competitiveness in the job market by completing the requirements for additional credentials, authorizations and certificates. You will declare Additional Pathways when you apply to the program.
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.
Teaching Credential Requirements
To be recommended for a preliminary teaching credential, you must satisfy a series of requirements established by the CTC. These requirements must be completed before and during your time in the program.
To apply to USC Rossier, you must submit official documentation that you have satisfied the basic skills requirement by way of an approved option. To be eligible to register for classes at USC Rossier, you must submit official documentation that you have satisfied the subject matter requirement by way of an approved option no later than May 1, 2024.
After you have completed the program and all credential requirements, USC Rossier will formally recommend qualified candidates to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for a preliminary credential. If you plan to work in another state, contact the state directly to identify any alternate requirements.
Scholarships
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 characteristics. With the exception of the Leo F. Buscaglia Endowed Fellowship, all 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.
Financial Aid
The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.
To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.
Review Process
Your application to USC Rossier will be evaluated using a holistic review process. Academic preparation, professional work experience, personal achievement and commitment to the USC Rossier mission are each considered. No single attribute or characteristic guarantees admission to USC Rossier.
We seek applicants who will add to our vibrant learning community and whose goals, values and experiences align with the USC Rossier mission and program goals. We adhere to the university’s non-discrimination policy, and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all students.
As an applicant for this program, you will be automatically considered for limited USC Rossier scholarships, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply by the priority and regular deadlines. There is no need to submit a separate application. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. All USC Rossier scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.
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
Program Details
Degree Awarded
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Estimated Length
11 months
Units
28
Program Cost
$2,201 per unit (estimated)
Modality
- On Campus
Next Deadline
December 1st, 2023
Start Date
Late June, 2024
Class Times
Various times during the week (mostly evenings classes during student teaching).
Take the Next Step
Faculty
Many of our professors are former teachers who can share practical experience from years in the classroom.
Nasser Cortez
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Education
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Teacher Education • Special Education
Akilah Lyons-Moore
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Education
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Teacher Education, Culturally Responsive, Inclusive, Critical Pedagogies, Secondary History-Social Science Pedagogy & Curriculum
Anthony B. Maddox
- Professor of Clinical Education and Engineering
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Science • Technology • Engineering Education • Math Education
Eugenia Mora-Flores
- Professor of Clinical Education, Assistant Dean of Teacher Education
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Multilingual Learners • Bilingual Education • Language and Literacy Development TK-12 • Educational Rights for English Learners • Latino Culture in Schools • English Language Development and Instruction • Adolescent Literacy • writing Instruction and Learning
John Pascarella, III
- Professor of Clinical Education
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Teacher Education • Racial Equity • Digital Media Literacies • Instructional Leadership • Critical Pedagogy • Arts-Based Methods to HIV/AIDS Education
Kalim T'neal Rayburn
- Adjunct Professor
- K-12 Education Policy
Expertise
- Organizational Change Leadership, Educational Leadership, data analysis, curriculum & instruction, English language learners.
Shanta M. Smith
- Associate Professor of Clinical Education
- K-12 Education Policy
Expertise
- Amplifying Student Agency, Equity and STEAM • Culturally Responsive Radical Self-Care • Culturally Sustaining Professional Learning for Black Women Educational Leaders
Themistocles Sparangis
- Adjunct Associate Professor
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Teaching • IT Infrastructure and Application Design, Implementation and Support • Project Management • Strategic Planning • Resource Management • Financial Analysis/Budgeting • Legislative Review/Analysis • Customer Relations • Community Relations and IT Partnerships • Grant Development and Implementation • Diplomacy/Facilitation/Mediation • Evaluative Educational Research
Program 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
18%
Less than 18% of MAT alumni took more than six months to find a job after graduating
How to become a high school teacher
If you’re wondering how to become a high school teacher, you may be curious where to start. The answer depends in part on your state’s requirements and educational background. However, most aspiring secondary teachers typically follow the same path.
Here’s an outline of ten essential steps you should take to becoming a high school teacher.
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MAT degree vs. MEd degree: What's right for you?
If you’re an aspiring teacher or education professional, earning a master’s degree may be a smart choice. As you make up your mind about graduate school, you’ll have to decide which degree to pursue: a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (MEd). These are not the only master degrees for education professionals, but they tend to be the most popular.
News and Insights
USC Rossier Professor Brendesha Tynes receives $4.6 million NIH grant to build the nation’s first digital literacy and mental health platform for K–12 students
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USC Rossier Professor Erika Patall secures $3 million grant to study classroom agency
Grant will study effectiveness of promoting student agency to bolster diversity in STEM classes.
Rigorous math classes in high school lead students to more college math and STEM courses
Pullias Center’s Tatiana Melguizo partnered with UCLA’s LAERI on new report.
USC Rossier Professor Emeritus John Brooks Slaughter honored at naming ceremony
New John Brooks Slaughter Center for Engineering Diversity honors a trailblazer in education.
Contact
Estevan R. Hernandez, ME
Senior Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships
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