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.
With Summer program start, during the second semester, 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 Pathways
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, 2025.
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
$2,267 per unit (estimated)
Modality
- On Campus
Next Deadline
The Summer 2026 application will open August 1.
Start Date
Late June, 2025
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.
Nooshan Ashtari
Expertise
- Technology and Education, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Heritage Language Development, Teacher Training, Reading in Second Language Acquisition, Accents and Multilingualism, Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics
Melanie Brady
- Master Lecturer of Education
- Educational Psychology
Expertise
- • Educational psychology • Instrumentation design and development • Metacognition, health, and education • Organizational leadership and change • Metacognition to improve clnical practice in acute care settings
Yasemin Copur-Gencturk
- Associate Professor of Education
- Katzman/Ernst Chair for Educational Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation
- Co-Director of USC STEM Center
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- knowledge for teaching mathematics, teacher knowledge, mathematics education, mathematics teacher education, professional development, teacher learning.
Nasser Cortez
- Associate Professor of Clinical Education
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Teacher Education • Special Education
Angela "Laila" Hasan
- Professor of Clinical Education
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- School Policy • K-12 Geospatial Information Science - Immersive Storytelling K-12 Mathematics and Sciences
Akilah Lyons-Moore
- Associate 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
- Teacher Education
Expertise
- Amplifying Student Agency and STEAM • Identity-Based Radical Self-Care • Self-Care Professional Learning for Educators
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.
Eight factors that affect your California teacher salary
Predicting your California teacher salary can be challenging. There are a surprising number of factors that determine your compensation—factors you should consider to maximize your earnings potential.
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
Behind the commencement curtain
Kenae Danley turns months of chaos into one perfect day for USC Rossier graduates with precision, humor and a little logistical wizardry.
From research to real-world impact, USC Rossier commencement honors the Class of 2025
Doctoral and master’s graduates crossed the stage with a shared mission to reimagine education, lead with purpose, and make a positive impact in their communities.
‘I want students to leave my class as better humans’
Leonor Luis, the 2025 USC Rossier master’s commencement ceremony student speaker, emphasizes teaching with purpose and leading with heart.
Over her 25 years at USC Rossier, Mary Andres helped to establish the school’s esteemed MFT program that has prepared nearly 1,000 therapists for service
As Andres teaches her final courses, she reflects on co-leading the Marriage and Family Therapy program, the challenges the next generation of therapists will face and the new scholarship created in her honor.
USC’s Mary Helen Immordino-Yang elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
The professor of education, psychology and neuroscience joins an illustrious membership that includes leaders across disciplines working to advance knowledge and the public good.
Contact
Estevan R. Hernandez
Senior Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships
Request More Information
Connect with us to receive more information about this program and reminders about upcoming events and application deadlines.
Privacy Policy: USC Rossier School of Education will never share or sell your personal information.
Loading...