M.A. in Teaching
Show education what it’s been missing: You.
When people ask you why do you want to be a teacher, you explain that it’s one of the best ways to make an impact in young people’s lives. Saint Mary’s M.A. in Teaching program is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree who want to start making a difference in the classroom. Both initial Minnesota licensing* pathways and classroom teaching experience are offered through this graduate teaching program. Earn your master’s degree in as little as one year at the Winona Campus, or in two to three years online.
Minnesota Teacher Licensure Areas*
Choose one:
- Elementary Education (K-6) – Online** only
- Elementary Education (K-6) with a Middle School (5–8) Endorsement – Online** only
- Secondary Education (5-12)\
- Specialty Subject Areas (K-12)
- **Online classes meet via Zoom at scheduled times. Students are expected to attend during these class hours.
Specialty Subject Areas
As you pursue your M.A. in Teaching degree, choose from these Minnesota teaching endorsements, certificates, licensures, or content specialties:
- Elementary Education
- Communication Arts and Literature
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science (General Science, Life Science, Chemistry)
- World Languages and Cultures – Spanish: K-12
- Visual Art: K-12
- Music: K-12
WINONA CAMPUS PROGRAM (ONE YEAR)
Complete Minnesota licensure preparation requirements (secondary education and specialty subject areas only) and your master’s degree in one year (subject courses may extend timeframe). Live on or near campus and take full-time courses with the opportunity to complete some student teaching abroad. Small class sizes and a cohort model are perfect for those looking for a supportive community of learners and an accelerated route to pursuing Minnesota teaching licensure.
ONLINE PROGRAM (TWO TO THREE YEARS)
Balance work and family while completing Minnesota licensure preparation coursework in one to two evenings per week. Courses meet via Zoom at scheduled times, and you are expected to attend during these class hours, meaning you will meet with instructors and peers live online in real time. The timeline for program completion varies depending on licensure/subject area and subject knowledge. A flexible model allows you to take courses that fit your schedule, so you can meet life’s demands up until the semester you complete your student teaching.
Teaching courses begin in the spring and fall semesters, but you can get started with subject courses any time.
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Program Highlights
It’s never too late to make a difference. Start your teaching career and pursue initial Minnesota licensure in less than one year on our Winona Campus – or balance work and family with our online option, completing Minnesota licensure preparation in two to three years. Education is our pillar. And now it’s yours.
Minnesota Licensure Preparation + Master’s Completion
*Saint Mary’s M.A in Teaching program is designed to prepare students to seek a Minnesota teaching license. The M.A. in Teaching program is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) of the Minnesota Department of Education and meets educational requirements for Elementary Education (K–6) with a Middle School (5–8) Endorsement; Secondary Education (5–12); and Specialty Subject Areas (K–12) licensure in Minnesota. For more information about Saint Mary’s K-12 teaching programs and professional licensure, visit our Professional Licensure page.
- In-Person
- Winona Campus (secondary education and speciality subject areas only)
- Complete in one year or less
OR
- Online
- Flexible and Convenient
- Classes meet via Zoom at scheduled times. Students are expected to attend during these class hours.
- Evening Courses
- Complete in two to three years
- Flexible and Convenient
ISTEP Program
Saint Mary’s University now offers the Inclusive STEM Teacher Education Pipeline (ISTEP) program. This program offers grants to help increase the number of secondary STEM teachers from historically underrepresented groups committed to teaching in high-need schools. Find out if a Saint Mary’s ISTEP Noyce Grant is for you.
ISTEP-Noyce Scholars are students who have STEM degrees (Math, Biology and other Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics) pursuing their Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree in order to become a secondary education teacher in a STEM related field. Applicants must have an education background in the STEM area, are pursuing a license in a STEM content area, and commit to teaching in “high need” schools for two years. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If you have questions contact istep-noyce@smumn.edu or Dr. Jack McClure, ISTEP-NOYCE Primary Investigator, at 612-728-5216 or jmcclure@smumn.edu.
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Learn MoreWhat You'll Learn
What You’ll Learn
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Learning experiences that are meaningful for students -
Learning opportunities that support a student’s personal development
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Instructional opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds
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Student development through instructional strategies
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Active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom
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Evaluate, synthesize, and disseminate research related to educational practice
Hear their stories.
Create your own.
Course Catalog
Career Outlook
A surge in student enrollment over the next several years is creating an urgent need for licensed teachers in preschool, elementary and secondary schools across the country. Careers are projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030 with about 920,500 new job openings.1
High School teacher
$61,820 per year*Instructional designer
$63,740 per year*Academic Advisor
$96,910 per year*Instructional designer job growth 2020-2030
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Education, Training, and Library Occupations at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm (visited April 12, 2022).