UVM alumnus Thomas Payeur works with a student at Winooski High School.

In just one year, you can earn a master's degree and gain licensure to teach. Graduate tuition scholarships are available for qualified candidates.

Prepare to launch a meaningful career in high demand where you can change lives and make a difference in the world every day.

Our nationally recognized, CAEP-accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Secondary Education is for individuals with a bachelor's degree in an academic discipline who want to earn a master's degree and become licensed to teach grades 7-12 in one or more of the following academic areas: English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, World Languages, and Computer Science.

Have a bachelor’s degree?  Our MAT program prepares you to become a licensed educator in one or more of the following academic areas: English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Computer Science, and World Languages.

Currently a UVM undergraduate student?  Choose the Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) to start as early as your junior year earning up to 9 credits double-counted toward both the bachelor's and master’s degrees, saving time and money.  A master’s degree can also mean starting higher on the salary scale.

"The MAT program offered me a rigorous and rich experience that prepared me for my teaching career. I'm grateful for all I've learned in this program, and for the lasting relationships I've developed with my colleagues in the cohort."  Steven Ushakov (G'17), Randolph Union High School

Tuition Scholarships

Funding opportunities are available to qualified applicants in all licensure areas. Visit our graduate tuiton scholarships page to learn more.

Our National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Scholarship available to applicants with a degree in a STEM field. In-state students from Vermont are eligible for $20,000.00 per academic year, and out-of-state students are eligible for $32,000.00 per academic year.

Full-Year Internship

Our internships are full-year, hands-on practical experiences.  We place you in schools working under the mentorship of experienced teachers.  Together, you and the other members of your cohort will each spend 1,000 hours with students in school learning the profession and sharpening your skills as an educator.

Join a Small Cohort and Learn from Accomplished Faculty

Our distinct approach focuses on social justice, social-cultural models of teaching and learning, proficiency-based learning, and case study methodology. 

Your cohort will experience the sequence of courses and internships together learning from nationally acclaimed professors who are top scholars and researchers in the field. The support and dynamics of your cohort are an essential part of your success. The small cohort size also results in seminar-style classes where we model what you will practice with students in your internship. Expect to participate in collaborative, hands-on learning and co-teaching experiences in your classes.

100% Job Placement Rate and Mobility to Teach Almost Anywhere

Employers recognize and value the quality of our graduates’ preparation.  As a result, 100% of our graduates get hired for teaching positions within a year after they graduate.  And because our nationally accredited program enjoys reciprocity with most other states, you will be qualified to teach almost anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tuition scholarships are available, and how do I apply?

  • Learn about our National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Scholarship and how to apply.
  • Visit our graduate tuiton scholarships page for information about other funding opportunities available.

What is a typical program plan?

Below is a typical course plan for full-time enrollment in the Secondary Education MAT program:

Summer (3-6 credits)

EDSC 207: Adolescent Development, 3 credits

EDSP 201: Foundations of Special Education, 3 credits (can be taken in the fall)

Fall (9-13 credits)

EDSP 201: Foundations of Special Education, 3 credits (if not taken in the summer)

EDSC 215: Reading in the Secondary School, 3 credits

EDSC 216: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Secondary School Teachers, 3 credits

EDSC 209: Practicum in Teaching (on site), 4 credits

Spring (15 credits)

EDSC XXX: Subject Methods, 3 credits

EDSC 226: Teaching Internship (on-site), 9 credits

EDSC 230: Teaching for Results, 3 credits

Praxis Core and Praxis II in your content area are required for Vermont licensure.

What does it mean to earn a teaching license for grades 7-12?

Most states require a license in order to be a public school teacher of any age group.  In the Secondary MAT program, students complete coursework that aligns with Vermont’s Agency of Education requirements for a secondary, or high school, teaching license, which allows you to teach your subject in any grade from 7th-12th.  Not interested in teaching high school?  We also have a Middle Level MAT program (grades 5-8) as well as a non-licensure Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. program.

What are the available content areas for which I can earn a license?

The content areas of licensure are English, foreign language, mathematics, computer science, science, and social studies.  If you have an undergraduate degree in one of these areas, chances are you’ve completed most of the content coursework required by the state.  When you apply to the program, faculty will do a transcript review to check for any outstanding content coursework.

What's the difference between the M.A.T and the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction?

Upon completion of the M.A.T program you are recommended for teacher licensure, which you need to be eligible to teach in your own classroom. The M.Ed. program offers a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction without the license, and is useful for already-licensed teachers or those wishing to enter a more specialized field such as educational technology, library/media science, or reading and literacy.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

The program is designed to begin in the summer and be competed the following spring; so one academic year plus a summer course.

Is it possible to complete the program on a part-time basis?

Students are strongly encouraged to enroll on a full-time basis (12-15 credits per semester).  Part-time attendance is an option, however, all candidates must attend full-time during their final semester in order to complete the student teaching internship. Some required courses are usually offered in the late afternoon or evening, but it is not possible to complete the program taking only evening courses.  Part-time slots are limited and students must make a formal request to the program faculty for consideration.

Is the GRE or other standardized test required?

The MAT program does not require the GRE, ACT, or other test for admission purposes.  However, while in the program, students must pass the Praxis Core exam, and the Praxis II exam is required for state licensure.  The Praxis Core can be waived if a student has an eligible score on the GRE, SAT, or ACT.

How much does it cost to attend the M.A.T. program?

Please see the Student Financial Services website for detailed and current tuition information.

Scholarships are available for qualified in-state and out-of-state students in all disciplines. 

 

Join Us at an Upcoming Virtual Open House

Meet and ask questions with program faculty and staff! Please email teachuvm@uvm.edu if you are interested in attending one of the following virtual open houses. We'll respond to share the Zoom link with you.

  • November 30, 2021 (6:00 - 7:00 PM)

  • January 31,  2022 (7:00 - 8:00 PM)

UVM graduate Elizabeth Payeur talking with student in her class.

Questions?

Please email: Teachuvm@uvm.edu

Noyce Scholarship Opportunities

Other Graduate Tuition Scholarships

Apply Now

How to Apply

To be qualified, candidates must have the following:

  • Degree major or equivalent in a State-approved licensing area (see "Program Information and Application Instructions," below).
  • Minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework as well as a 3.0 in the State-approved licensing area (major).
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with young people.

Application Instructions:

On page 3 of the UVM Graduate College online application:

  • Go to “Curriculum & Instruction”
  • Select “Degrees Name - MAT”
  • Select the term
  • Choose Specialty Concentration (i.e., "Secondary Education")

Questions and Additional Information

Please contact Secondary.MAT@uvm.edu for more information and application instructions.

Attending the Graduate College at UVM

For more information about attending the Graduate College at UVM, including funding opportunities and academic policies, please see the Graduate College website.