What’s an MAT Degree?
All you need to know and more.
MAT Degrees Explained
An MAT degree, also known as a Master of Arts in Teaching, is a graduate degree designed to equip those with bachelor’s degrees with the practical knowledge and skills needed to be a teacher. These programs are often offered by level – elementary and secondary – and while they don’t result in teacher licensure, you’ll be ready to pursue it. If you want to learn more about how to obtain a teacher license from start to finish, you can consult this guide.
Earn an MAT Online
At American College of Education (ACE), we offer career-oriented, quality online MAT degree programs that don’t break the bank. This means advancing your career can fit within your schedule and budget.
ACE’s foundation is rooted in education — it’s right there in our name.
When educators become students at ACE, we know we’ve got high expectations to meet. Regardless of the field, our coursework addresses the evolving needs of education by integrating the latest technology and evidence-based research. ACE understands the unique needs of educators, principals and administrators, especially because many of our faculty and staff have held these jobs themselves.
In the nation for most master’s degrees conferred in education*
*All Education Master’s Degrees (CIP 13.00) Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data
Choose the Right Path for Your Career Goals
Sometimes MAT programs are confused with master of education (M.Ed.) programs because they’re both graduate degrees that focus on education and teaching. We’ve compiled a comparison table to highlight key differences between our MATs and M.Ed.s.
| MAT Programs | M.Ed. Programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Career Goal | Become an educator | Advance education career |
| Completion Time | 20 months1 | 12 to 16 months1 |
| Cost | $10,9762 | Under $10,0002 |
| Licensure Preparation | Yes | No |
FAQs About MAT Degrees
At ACE, our MAT degrees cost $10,976.2
No, MAT degrees don’t lead to teacher licensure. They’re designed for those with a bachelor’s degree to prepare for licensure, so you’ll have additional steps to follow upon graduation. There are also certificate options for those who do not have a bachelor’s degree.
Yes, many institutions offer online MAT programs. At ACE, we take flexibility to the next level with predictable course formats, asynchronous coursework and no live lecture requirements.
No, it’s not required to have a bachelor’s degree in education to enroll in an MAT program.
1This is an estimated time to completion. Actual completion time may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied, availability of courses, a satisfactory pace, successful course completion and meeting program milestones as required.
2All values shown are an estimated value of the cost of tuition and fees. Actual amounts may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, the receipt of scholarship or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
A Note About Licensure:
Graduates of online degree programs which are approved to lead to licensure, endorsement or certification may be subject to additional requirements for the receipt of initial licensure, endorsement or certification in the state in which they intend to teach or administrate.
Students are strongly encouraged to check licensure requirements in the state in which they intend to teach or administrate to determine whether they are eligible for licensure, endorsement or certification.
It is vitally important that students know and be continually aware of the requirements for licensure in their state. State licensing requirements and licensing agency information may be found here.
Apply Today
Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.