A MAT student writes on the whiteboard while teaching a fourth grade class in Los Angeles.

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.

Single Subject Social Science Teaching Credential 

Most individuals with a single subject social science credential teach social science 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, 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)

Estimated cost of attendance

Modality

  • On Campus

Next Deadline

April 1st, 2024

See all deadlines

Start Date

Late June, 2024

Class Times

Various times during the week (mostly evenings classes during student teaching).

Take the Next Step

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

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Contact

Estevan Hernandez

Estevan R. Hernandez

Senior Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships

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