Teaching Progressive Degree

If your future plans include changing lives as a teacher, get started now to equip yourself with the theories, principles and skills you need to make a meaningful difference.

Master’s level courses begin in the summer between your junior and senior year. Cost varies based on your individual course plan.

Program Overview

Through the MAT progressive degree, you can fast track the completion of both your undergraduate degree and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will allow you to complete the requirements to be recommended for a California preliminary teaching credential. 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

Familiarize yourself with the Master of Arts in Teaching program, including the curriculum, cost of attendance, credential tracks and credential requirements, prior to applying to the progressive degree. Progressive degree students are not able to enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) program through the progressive degree. 

USC Rossier Minor Pathway

You can waive one course in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program with coursework completed in the Education and Society minor. 

Minor in Education and Society 

Courses completed in the Minor in Education and Society	Waived courses in the MAT program
EDUC 423: Unrealized Promise and Hope for Education in the 21st Century in the Education and Society minor (4 units)	EDUC 679: Blended Learning Experiences for Students in Urban Schools (2 units)

Traditional Pathway 

If you apply to a progressive degree program without prior coursework in minor, you will need to complete all required coursework for the MAT degree. However, as a progressive degree student, you will begin MAT program coursework prior to completing your undergraduate degree.

Financial Aid

Progressive degree students are classified as undergraduate students until their undergraduate degree is conferred or they complete 144 units, whichever comes first. Review the USC Financial Aid webpage about progressive degree programs and contact USC Financial Aid with questions about progressive degree programs and your unique financial situation.

Scholarships

Use USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify external 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 program application deadline.

Admission Information

Note regarding felonies and misdemeanors: To obtain a teaching credential, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires credential applicants to disclose convictions of a felony or misdemeanor. While a felony or misdemeanor will not necessarily prevent you from being admitted to the program, you may not be eligible to participate in student teaching, which is a requirement of the program.

Note regarding international students: To complete teaching credential requirements, you must obtain a Social Security number (SSN) from the United States Social Security Administration. Contact the Office of International Services for assistance. 

Application Process

To enroll in a Progressive Degree Program, you must:

• Be a current, full-time USC undergraduate student who has completed 64 units.
• Possess a 3.2 GPA or higher.
• Schedule an initial advising appointment with a USC Rossier undergraduate program advisor. This appointment establishes eligibility, reviews application requirements, and ensures the program aligns with your professional and educational goals. Please complete the form below and your USC Rossier undergraduate program advisor will reach out to schedule your initial advising appointment.

• After your advising appointment, if you are eligible to apply, you will need to submit the following application requirements:
  • USC Progressive Degree Program application which includes:
    • A proposed course plan with the assistance of your undergraduate major advisor and the USC Rossier undergraduate program lead.
    • Two recommendation letters from USC faculty (USC Rossier faculty, if possible).
    • Optional third recommendation letter from someone who can speak to your ability or experience as a future educator.
    • Signatures from your undergraduate school program chair and dean, and the USC Rossier program chair and dean.
    • Updated STARS report.
  • Write the required essay(s). Depending on your program of interest, you may be required to write a personal essay explaining why you are interested in the program. Additional essays may be required depending on program of interest. 
  • Update your résumé. Your résumé should be detailed enough to help the admission committee understand the various experiences – extracurricular, leadership or volunteer – that have shaped your interest in the program. Outline your roles and responsibilities within each organization and highlight any special achievements and/or accomplishments.

Sample Course Schedule

The course schedule below should be used as an example. Contact your USC Rossier undergraduate program advisor to discuss your specific course schedule. Graduate courses cannot be taken out of sequence.

During your undergraduate junior year:

1. Take your education minor courses (if applicable).
2. Apply to MAT Progressive Degree (you should have between 64-96 units completed at USC).
3. Satisfy the basic skill requirement by one of the qualifying methods.
4. Complete your certificate of clearance.

Year	Summer	Fall	Spring
Senior Year	EDUC 670 (4) EDUC 671 (3) EDUC 672 (3) Total Units: 10	Undergraduate Course (4) Undergraduate Course (4) Undergraduate Course (4) Undergraduate Course (4) Total Units: 16	Undergraduate Course (4) Undergraduate Course (4) Undergraduate Course (4) Undergraduate Course (4) Total Units: 16
Graduate Year	Complete TB Test	EDUC 673 (4) EDUC 674 (3) EDUC 675 Multiple Subject (3) OR EDUC 676 Single Subject (3) Total Units: 10	EDUC 677 (4) EDUC 678 (2) EDUC 679 (2) Total Units: 6 or 8 If you complete EDUC 423 as part of the Education and Society undergraduate minor, you can waive out of EDUC 679