How does adding a Master of Arts in Teaching benefit me beyond having my bachelor’s degree and teaching credential?

Earning a master’s in teaching has numerous benefits for an educator. Here are a few key benefits: Expertise — You’ll expand your skills as an educator through the additional courses needed to earn your MAT, which all focus on broader issues in education. Increased salary potential — Most school districts offer higher pay tiers depending on the level of education. Career options — Having a master’s degree expands career options into areas such as curriculum coordinator, department head, assessment director, and various administrative roles. Expanded teaching — Should you choose at some point to broaden your teaching from the special education realm, an MAT can allow you to do so, although you may still have to gain subject matter expertise if you move into a completely new area. Still, your MAT would open possibilities teaching at community colleges, doing educational consulting, working at education nonprofits, and other options.

MA in Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Just Three Classes to Your MAT

With just three additional courses, you’ll earn your Master of Arts in Teaching along with your California Teaching Credential.

CTC Approved

UMass Global’s MAT and credentials are recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Free Credential Test Prep

All students enrolled in the program receive complimentary credential test preparation from Teach Us, along with additional support to help you excel in your CalTPA and CSET examinations.

Median Salary²

Job openings (in the last 12 months)

Top Companies Hiring

Median Salary²

Job openings (in the last 12 months)

Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 511

Inclusive Practices for Student Success

3 Credits

EDUU 512

The Art & Craft of Teaching

3 Credits

EDSU 531

Secondary Instructional Strategies for Diverse Classrooms

3 Credits

EDSU 530

Theories, Methods, and Materials for Teaching English Learners

3 Credits

EDSU 532

Effective Literacy Instruction for Single Subject Candidates

3 Credits

EDUU 682

Paradigms, Practices, and Policies in Education

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

All Faculty

Dr. Nicole Schneider, EdD

Associate Dean, School of Education, Associate Professor of Education

Dr. David Sloan, EdD

Professor of Education

Dr. Jessica Bogunovich, EdD

Program Chair, Multiple, Single Subject, and MAT/Associate Professor of Education

Dr. Shari Farris, EdD

Associate Professor of Education

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the teaching credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

Completed application
2.75 grade point average (GPA)
Official transcripts showing a conferred Bachelor's degree from a institutionally accredited institution

California Only

Successful completion of this program leads to state licensure, which is limited to the state of California, and approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Letter of Good Standing

Applicants transferring from another institution's teaching credential program must supply a letter from that institution's Education Department attesting to the applicant's good standing in the program. The letter should be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or someone in a similar position.

Subject Matter Verification

Subject matter competencies must be fulfilled to qualify for enrollment in student teaching or internship. Candidates must sign an intent to satisfy the subject matter competency requirement through one of the following: CSET exam, subject matter preparation program, approved coursework aligned with subject matter domains, or approved academic degree.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC)

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Calculate Time and Cost

Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

How quickly a person can earn their 2042 California Single Subject Teaching Credential depends, of course, on how many courses are taken at a time. Most students can count on earning their credential in 12-14 months, but it can be earned more quickly.

At UMass Global, it is possible for students to earn their credential in 10 months. A total of 33 credits are required — 24 credits (8 courses) of introductory block and content area block courses, along with two 4.5 credit internship or student teaching sections.

Earning a master’s in teaching has numerous benefits for an educator. Here are a few key benefits:

Expertise — You’ll expand your skills as an educator through the additional courses needed to earn your MAT, which all focus on broader issues in education.
Increased salary potential — Most school districts offer higher pay tiers depending on the level of education.
Career options — Having a master’s degree expands career options into areas such as curriculum coordinator, department head, assessment director, and various administrative roles.
Expanded teaching — Should you choose at some point to broaden your teaching from the special education realm, an MAT can allow you to do so, although you may still have to gain subject matter expertise if you move into a completely new area. Still, your MAT would open possibilities teaching at community colleges, doing educational consulting, working at education nonprofits, and other options.

A Single Subject Teaching Credential allows educators to specialize in a subject they're passionate about, offering the opportunity to teach in middle and high schools. This specialization leads to job flexibility, significant impact on students' futures, and personal fulfillment. It opens doors to professional development related to their subject area and can increase marketability, especially in high-demand fields like mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Furthermore, it provides a pathway for career advancement, including roles such as department heads or curriculum developers, making it a rewarding choice for those looking to deeply engage in a specific academic discipline.

Teaching Masters

Yes, you can pursue an online Masters degree plus California teaching credential at UMass Global. While most of the coursework is delivered online, there are in-person requirements such as classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student tutoring. Additionally, you'll need to complete an in-person internship or student teaching. However, the 24 credits leading up to your internship can be completed online, making it possible to balance your studies with your current job.

At UMass Global, we received much more than a degree. We were given a safe space to explore who we are as professionals and be challenged to redefine what we thought we already knew... Our professors pushed us to think past our brain's furthest capacity, directing us through assignments, like our action research proposal.

Justine C.

MA in Teaching, Secondary Education

UMass Global provided the flexibility, the support, and the resources to make success possible on my terms... UMass Global wasn't just a university; it was a bridge between where I was and where I wanted to be.

Cindy M.

MA in Teaching

If I were to give any advice it is this...the teaching credential program can be challenging, but you are not alone in it. You have classmates and professors that want to support you and help you reach your educational goals.

Annie Mae B.

Teaching, MA with Single Subject Physical Education Credential

An Online Education Built For You

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