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Online Master's in Teaching
If Teaching is Your Calling, This Should Speak to You.
You can get started on your teaching career sooner than you think. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can be hired to teach elementary or secondary school in Minnesota. You can work as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 teacher while taking online coursework to prepare you for your Tier 3 teaching license through this graduate program. You can earn your Tier 3 license in as little as two years, leaving only six additional credits to earn your master’s degree. And you can do it while shaping young learners.
You can earn your first teaching license in one of 12 licensure areas. You’ll attend virtual, synchronous evening courses three times per course, taught by experienced K-12 teachers with real-world insights
Our MAT program offers two main pathways: The Path to Licensure, which includes the coursework and practical experience required to earn your teaching license, and the Master’s Degree option with only two additional classes, where you will obtain your teaching license and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching.
If teaching is your dream, it’s the perfect opportunity to start your teaching degree journey at Saint Mary’s. Apply today!
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Online Master’s in Teaching Program Highlights
- PELSB-approved teacher preparation program
- Participate in the ISTEP project to become a STEM teacher, while receiving financial support, training, and mentoring. Learn more.
- Hands-on experience through 100 field experience hours and student teaching.
- See if your district is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with numerous school districts. Learn more.
Learn & Earn: Teaching Licensure Options
As you earn your teaching license, you’ll also earn your master’s in teaching — so you’ll be prepared to hit the ground running. Choose from one of these 12 initial licensure areas for specialization:
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- Teachers of Music: Instrumental (K-12)
- Teachers of Music: Voice: (K-12)
- Visual Arts (K-12)
- World Language and Cultures: Spanish (K-12)
- Science: General Science (5-8)
- Communications Arts and Literature (5-12)
- Mathematics (5-12)
- Social Studies (5-12)
- Science: Chemistry (9-12)
- Science: Life Science (9-12)
- Science: Physics (9-12)
The exact number of credits and completion times may vary depending on the specific licensure area selected.
What You’ll Learn in Our M.A. in Teaching Program
- Meaningful learning experiences for students
- Opportunities for personal development
- Instructional support for diverse learners
- Student growth through instructional strategies
- Creating a positive learning environment
- Active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive classroom interactions
- Creative use of educational technology
- Evaluation and synthesis of educational research
- Curriculum development
Information Session
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs at any time during the year.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.
Applicants must complete an interview with a program director.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
No prior experience is necessary beyond an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
GMAT and GRE Exam Scores
GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with approval of the dean.
All transfer credits are also subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form.An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
Application Materials should be directed to the Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall semester – August 1
Spring semester – December 1
Summer semester – April 1The priority application deadlines are listed but these are general as not all of our programs have a start every semester
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Explore options to finance your online education.
We’re committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your education degree.
Course Catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Assessing Student Learning
- Educational Foundations and Technology
- Critical Issues in Education
- Philosophy of Education
See all the courses you’ll take and requirements in the catalog.
Career Outlook
The M.A. in Teaching at Saint Mary’s is designed for career changers and aspiring educators seeking initial teacher licensure. Common job titles for graduates of this education program include:
Elementary or High School Teacher
-STEM Teacher
-Alternative Education Instructor
-Discover articles on career outcomes and see how Saint Mary’s programs can help you reach your goals.
Visit the BlogRelated Programs
Discover the power to empower with Saint Mary’s advanced degree programs in education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support services are available? Writing Centers, libraries, career help?
At Saint Mary’s, we want you to succeed, and we help you do so, inside and outside of the classroom:
Student Central: Your one stop for student services.
Library: Resources and services are available 24/7 to all students.
Writing Center: Offers virtual and face-to-face services to support students.
Career Services: Can help you develop your career-readiness skills at any point in your education
This online degree program is for initial licensure. Is there a master's degree program for already licensed teachers?
Yes, our M.A. in Education program is designed for current teachers and educators to grow in the field and elevate their careers.
Are there financial aid or scholarships available?
Yes, there is the ISTEP program as well as other federal and state programs.
Is the licensure program fully online?
Courses meet in a remote format (synchronously, virtually) during weekday evenings.
How long is the student teaching experience?
Student teaching is a semester-long, full-time experience in a K-12 school under the guidance of a supervisor from Saint Mary’s and a cooperating teacher licensed by the State of Minnesota.
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Sources and Disclaimer
- O*NET Online, Minnesota Wages, Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary at https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/11-9032.00?st=MN (Visited Oct. 24, 2024
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#:~:text=Median%20wage%20data%20are%20from,for%20all%20workers%20was%20%2445%2C760. (Visited Oct. 24, 2024
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (Visited Oct. 24, 2024
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (Visited Oct. 24, 2024