Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
About
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a state and nationally accredited teacher licensure program leading to initial teacher certification in a designated content area and a master’s degree. Our traditional MAT program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, and who are interested in teaching in K-12 schools. After completing the program, students are automatically recommended for initial teacher licensure in Maine as either secondary education teachers (grades 6-12) or early childhood classroom teachers (PreK-3).
Students choose from several specialized content areas based on their teaching interests and professional goals:
NOTE: For current undergraduate students at the University of Maine or other University of Maine System campuses, we offer an accelerated 4+1 M.A.T. program, where you can begin taking graduate courses during your senior year and finish your bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years.
Program Highlights
Requirements
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Program Delivery
The traditional MAT program can be completed full-time in just 15 months. Students take 24 credit hours in education, six credit hours in their chosen content area, and six credit hours of student teaching. Most MAT courses are offered online, though some may be offered only in-person or in a hybrid format. Student teaching placements and other in-person field experiences in K-12 schools are required to complete the program.
Advisors will work with students to design an optimal program that meets their teaching interests and career goals.
Advising & Support
The College of Education and Human Development provides students with academic guidance and personal support before they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond. Our graduate students work with faculty advisors, who build genuine relationships and provide timely information to help you navigate your program, your work in schools and communities, and whatever else is on your plate.
Program Learning Outcomes
The MAT program is designed to help our graduates meet certain professional standards. Our student learning outcomes (SLOs) are adapted from the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), a group of state education agencies and national educational organizations dedicated to the preparation, licensing and ongoing professional development of teachers.
Careers
Schools and districts around the United States are in need of highly qualified teachers to address shortages and replace educators who retire or leave the profession for other reasons. Graduates of the MAT program are automatically recommended for initial teacher certification in the State of Maine, and are able to easily obtain certification in other states as well as internationally. Other opportunities include careers in schools outside the traditional classroom role, such as a technology integrator, as well as work in non-school settings, such as research centers, museums and nonprofit agencies. Our students acquire skills they can use in a variety of careers, including the ability to collaborate, work effectively in team environments, and communicate clearly.
For students wishing to continue on to graduate school, an MAT degree is preparation for a variety of programs, including further work in general education, or specialties such as instructional technology, special education, educational leadership or STEM education.
Designated Teacher Shortage Areas
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education designates teacher shortage areas with input from state and local officials. This year, the Maine Department of Education requested input regarding designated teacher shortage areas for federal reporting, and released the following list of K-12 teacher shortage areas for the 2025-2026 school year:
Individuals providing classroom instruction in one of these designated areas may qualify for programs that offer deferment of loan repayments or reductions of teaching obligation. The full article is available from the Maine DOE Newsroom.
The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development offers several undergraduate and graduate programs that lead to certification in many of these areas.
At a Glance
College of Education & Human Development
Degree Level
Master
Degree Earned
Master of Arts in Teaching
Mode of Study
In-Person
time to Complete Degree
24 Credits
Featured Courses
XXX 101
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XXX 101
A really, really, really Long course title goes here
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XXX 101
Research Learning Experience
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Scholarships
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Accreditation
The MAT degree is a Maine Department of Education (MDOE) Pathway 1 approved program. Contact Maine DOE for more information about certification and credentialing.
In addition, the College of Education and Human Development’s teacher preparation programs are nationally accredited by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. CAEP accreditation is a seal of approval that assures quality in educator preparation and that our programs prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students and have the training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) statement
This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
Next Steps
Contact
International
Chadbourne Hall, Room 122
go.umaine.edu/international-undergraduate-admissions/
P
207.581.3437
F
207.581.2920
