Degrees
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Pathways
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is commonly designed for candidates seeking an initial teaching license while earning a master's degree. Many MAT students already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and use the program as a career-change route.
Reviewed by Brittnie Vargas, School principal, M.Ed.Editorial processKey takeaways
- A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is commonly designed for candidates seeking an initial teaching license while earning a master's degree. Many MAT students already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and use the program as a career-change route.
- Some states issue intern, resident, or provisional certificates that allow employment as teacher of record during an approved program. Eligibility is state-specific, see the alternative certification page for your state.
- No. An MAT is usually oriented to initial teacher preparation. An M.Ed. more often serves already-licensed educators advancing in leadership or specialization. Read the program's published licensure statement.
- No. Principal certification is a separate state administrative credential. Use the principal hub and the how-to-become-a-principal guide.
MAT curricula typically combine pedagogy, content methods, and supervised student teaching or residency. Admission often requires a bachelor's degree, minimum GPA, and sometimes subject-matter coursework or exams.
Because MAT programs are frequently licensure-leading, verify state approval and the exact certificate the program recommends. Alternative certificates, intern credentials, and residency models differ by state, start with the state's alternative certification page on this site.
Online MAT options may still require in-person clinical hours in approved schools. Confirm placement support in the state where you intend to teach.
An MAT is usually the wrong product if you already hold a classroom license and want a principal credential. That query belongs on the educational leadership specialization, the M.Ed. hub, and the principal checklist. Do not enroll in initial-licensure MAT coursework expecting it to satisfy administrator internship rules.
Some states let MAT candidates teach as teacher of record on an intern, resident, or provisional certificate. That employment authorization is a state permit, not a professional license, and it expires if the program or the job ends. Read the alternative certification page for the permit name before you sign a contract.
Online Master of Arts in Teaching options →
Principal credentials by state
The ranking page for “how to become a principal in {state}” is the credential checklist. Degree and leadership × state URLs stay live for assistants and are not Google ranking targets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I teach while completing an MAT?
Some states issue intern, resident, or provisional certificates that allow employment as teacher of record during an approved program. Eligibility is state-specific, see the alternative certification page for your state.
Is an MAT the same as an M.Ed.?
No. An MAT is usually oriented to initial teacher preparation. An M.Ed. more often serves already-licensed educators advancing in leadership or specialization. Read the program's published licensure statement.
Will an MAT make me a principal?
No. Principal certification is a separate state administrative credential. Use the principal hub and the how-to-become-a-principal guide.