Master of Arts in Teaching
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Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at a Glance
Take the next step in your teaching journey. Tulane SoPA's Master of Arts in Teaching provides online coursework and in-classroom residency with ample financial support opportunities.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
In our Jefferson Parish Schools Tuition Reimbursement Program, Jefferson Parish Schools will pay up to $1,500 for 3 credit hours and up to $3,000 for 6 credit hours to help offset the cost of tuition and selected fees.
TEACHER DISCOUNT
20% discount on tuition for all teachers and paraprofessionals.
FACULTY
Nationally recognized faculty who practice what they teach and help you succeed beyond the classroom.
WRAP AROUND SUPPORT
All students receive support from Tulane faculty and classroom teachers, including mentorship and guidance during clinical experiences to connect theory to practice.
ADMISSIONS
Rolling admissions. No test scores. No recommendations. We make the application process easy.
What You Will Learn While Earning Your Degree in Teaching
- Learn how to design and deliver effective, culturally responsive instruction that supports all learners, including diverse learners. Establish a deep understanding of educational theory and its application in real-world teaching scenarios
- Strengthen your knowledge about social and emotional learning to cultivate student success
- Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in instructional design, assessment, and evaluation to improve student learning outcomes
- Develop expertise in using technology and other innovative teaching tools to enhance the learning experience for students
- Historical and Philosophical Underpinnings of American Education
- Methods of Educational Research
- The Craft of Teaching
- Effective Reading Instruction for Developing Young/Adolescent Readers
- Student or Practitioner Teacher Residency I & II
The MAT program is based on four foundational competencies that are aligned with the Council of Chief State School Officers’ InTASC standards (2013). These areas are:
- The Learner and the Learning
- Content
- Instructional Practice
- Professional Responsibility
Students pursuing the Early Childhood (PreK-3) Education and Elementary (1-5) Education specializations pathways must complete a total of 36 credit hours. Students in the Secondary (6-12) Education specialization must complete 33 credit hours. Six credit hours of the MAT are reserved for residency placement and coursework.
Review Tulane SoPA's MAT courses:
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Secondary Education Education
Supporting Educators through Impactful Financial Partnerships
Jefferson Parish Schools Tuition Reimbursement Program
Non-certified teachers are also eligible to take part in our partnership with Jefferson Parish Schools. In our Jefferson Parish Schools Tuition Reimbursement Program, Jefferson Parish Schools will pay up to $1,500 for 3 credit hours and up to $3,000 for 6 credit hours to help offset the cost of tuition and selected fees.
Supporting Educators through Impactful Financial Partnerships
SEED Grant Program
Tulane SoPA students have an incredible opportunity to receive waived tuition and possibly receive a $5,000 stipend to participate in our induction program that provides additional coaching and support during the residency year in a New Orleans public school.
Tulane SoPA is a lead recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's (USDOE) Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Grant Program, which aims to recruit and develop the next generation of certified educators in New Orleans public schools. This $10 million grant was awarded to Tulane SoPA and the following partners: Xavier University of Louisiana’s Norman C. Francis Teacher Residency, TNTP, New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO), and Reach University.
The "NOLA SEED" program partners will recruit and develop 552 knowledgeable, culturally aware, and socially and emotionally competent educators to work in public schools across New Orleans.
Field Experience & Mentor Support
The SoPA program offers a high quality MAT option to aspiring and current teachers that is also accessible, affordable, flexible, and attainable for working adults. Two key components are field experience and mentor support.
Field Experience
The MAT offers a wide variety of field experiences. Field experience in one or more of Tulane SoPA’s partner schools is a program requirement, ensuring candidates experience diverse clinical experiences in classrooms before the residency practicum.
These experiences begin as observations and one-on-one interactions and culminate in the program’s final clinical experience: a one-year residency either as teacher of record or as student teacher. During these field experiences, candidates have the chance to work with an array of communities across Greater New Orleans, one of the most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse areas in the country. Students experience first-hand both the promise and perils of school reform efforts currently underway in schools across our region.
Mentor Support
A committed network of cooperating and mentor teachers, and faculty mentors, ensure overall success while candidates complete their field experiences.
The highly-qualified university-based and classroom-based educators provide observation, feedback, space for reflection, and planning to support MAT graduates. Research shows that instructional coaching and mentorship are crucial levers for improving teachers’ pedagogical skills and that mentor support given to first and second-year teachers has a positive effect on students’ achievement in English/language arts and mathematics.*
Our Faculty Practice What They Teach
Our instructors bring extensive backgrounds in education, teaching, and leadership. With small class sizes and collaborative learning opportunities, students are able to build close relationships with both professors and peers, helping to support our candidates’ success in the classroom and beyond.
SoPA Faculty Feature
“The teaching and learning environment we create can be one of the most valuable and memorable experiences we model for our students.”
Hazel Woods, Ph. D.
Associate Director,
Professor of Practice
Education Program
Career Outlook for Master of Arts in Teaching Graduates
The demand for well-trained, highly effective, and certified teachers is on the rise, with a 7% growth in education jobs projected from 2021 to 2031. By completing Tulane SoPA's MAT program, you're gearing up with the necessary knowledge, and skills to make your mark on this growing field and impact the minds of young learners.
Graduates of the Tulane SoPA MAT program go on to fulfill rewarding, in-demand roles teaching Early Childhood Education or Secondary Education in:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Foreign Language
If you're already working in a school while completing your MAT, becoming certified with a graduate degree is your way of advancing professionally and increasing your earning potential at the same time. According to U.S. News, MAT holders see salary increases of about $12,000 compared to those with just a bachelor's degree, offering a significant opportunity to increase your competitive edge and your pay.
Tulane SoPA's Master in Teaching program is designed to prepare forward-thinking students to become certified, licensed teachers in Louisiana. For those interested in working outside of Louisiana after graduation, we also offer a reciprocity agreement in place with 42 other states across the U.S. to help you obtain certification in the area you plan to work. Find more information about state certification reciprocity here.
A Hybrid Degree Program with Three Concentrations
The MAT is designed as a hybrid program with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous elements. For the first phase of the program, Foundations, courses are designed for largely independent, asynchronous learning experiences. The synchronous portion of each course requires students to attend evening classes virtually with the presence of an instructor for three hours approximately once per month.
For the second phase of the program, Methods, all courses require students to attend evening classes for three hours each week. Approximately half of these classes will take place in the virtual setting while the other half will occur in-person. For the in-person work, candidates participate in field experiences in a classroom at a partner school, allowing them to practice pedagogical techniques in true-to-life classroom settings.
For the third phase of the program, Residency, the greater portion of the experience is spent full time at a partner school in the field teaching PreK-12th grade students with an assigned mentor teacher to provide guidance and feedback on lesson delivery and classroom management.
SoPA Student Spotlight
“I am so grateful for all that the education program at Tulane SoPA has taught me.”
Sarah Gauthier
Tulane SoPA class of 2022
Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online
Partnerships that translate into industry certifications, credit for experience, & career advancement opportunities.
Never watch a boring PowerPoint. We’ve developed the most interactive courses around.
Our courses are constantly refreshed and informed by what leaders in education fields expect from graduates.
Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with help from our academic advisors and career counselor.
Tuition and Aid
Tulane SoPA is more affordable than traditional private university tuition. With limited fees and a 20% tuition discount (if qualified), cost is on par with many state schools.
All tuition is charged by the credit hour and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.
Many of our students qualify for 20% tuition discounts to help offset the cost of their studies. Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help fund your Master of Arts in Teaching.
Already teaching in Jefferson Parish? Discover our tuition reimbursement for teachers in Jefferson Parish. Additionally, explore the GEAUX Teach Grant from the state of Louisiana, which offers students up to $5,000 per year to help cover tuition and fees.
Admissions
Apply anytime—no test scores are required.
Whether you're just stepping foot in the classroom or you've been teaching full-time for years, Tulane SoPA welcomes you to join our online MAT program and work towards your certification. We encourage newcomers, career changers, and already-practicing teachers to apply and enhance their teaching skills with a degree that makes a difference in the educational landscape of today and tomorrow.
To be eligible for entry into the MAT program, you must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution prior to the first semester of the proposed graduate study
- Have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in undergraduate coursework; students with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission, provided that they demonstrate significant professional experience in a relevant field and a professional letter of reference.
- Provide official college transcripts from each college attended
- Provide a personal statement of 500-1,000 words discussing your career interest and how the program will assist you in achieving your personal or professional goals.
If you're interested in applying for tuition waivers or other forms of financial support, you may also be required to submit additional materials to determine your eligibility.
You may transfer up to 9 credits to our graduate programs. Learn how to apply to Tulane SoPA's master's in teaching as a transfer student.
Admissions Deadlines
SPRING
SEMESTER
JAN 1
SUMMER
SESSION 1
MAY 1
SUMMER
SESSION 2
JUN 1
FALL
SEMESTER
AUG 1
FAQs
Still have questions? Visit our MAT FAQ page!
Earn Your Degree in Teaching at Tulane SoPA
Interested in putting your skills to work for your future? Start your application today to earn your degree in Teaching from a world-renowned university.
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By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
