Teaching, MA
Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching online in as little as 7 months!
Now with an optional emphasis for Catholic Educators.
Summer 2026 Applications Now Open!
7 to 11 - Month Program Duration
- Applicants with prior graduate-level education may be eligible for transfer credit. MA in Teaching candidates with transfer credits often complete the master's coursework in as few as seven months, but the program typically takes 11 months.
- The program begins in the Summer or January Term.
Virtual Environment
- This program is held fully online. States have varying rules, requirements, and regulations that govern online (distance) education offered by out-of-state postsecondary institutions. Click here to see a list of eligible states.
Small Class Sizes
- Small class sizes.
- Cohort members in the program form a learning community.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAIT) from the Kalmanovitz School of Education is an individualized, project-based graduate program for teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of how to teach their subject, as well as enhance their pedagogical content knowledge. The add on Catholic Educator Emphasis allows participants planning to work in catholic schools to delve into the intersections of faith and education, as well as the ways in which catholic education serves as a tool for social change in marginalized communities.
As an educator, you understand the challenges and rewards of the classroom. The Master of Arts in Teaching offers you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of student learning, as well as to deepen your understanding of contemporary issues in education.
Our inquiry-based program is open to elementary, secondary, and special education teachers. Applicants with a preliminary or clear credential may be able to apply some of their coursework to the MAIT. We encourage in-service teachers currently working in accredited private/independent schools to apply.
With a Master of Arts in Teaching, you can not only increase your salary, but also, contribute more intensively to the education profession. In short, you can become a more effective teacher. What can you do with a Master's degree in teaching?
+ Become a teacher-leader in your classroom and school
+ Develop new educational products, like innovative curricula, multimedia resources, or web-based materials
+ Create and deliver professional development to your peers
+ Become a coach in your subject area
+ Go on to doctoral studies in education or train as a school administrator
Benefits of our Master of Arts in Teaching program:
+ A professional degree that culminates with a Capstone Project
+ Can be completed in as few as seven months
+ Courses are held online
+ Faculty members are highly qualified professors and educational leaders
+ Includes individualized learning based on your choice of topics
+ Technology is fully integrated throughout program
+ Project-based program
+ Small class sizes
+ Admission every summer term
+ Summer classes start in late May and end by early August
Questions? Contact admissions at ksoe@stmarys-ca.edu
For credentialed Catholic Education Emphasis applicants
MAIT is 30 units total: Up to 12 units of post-baccalaureate credits accepted from the credential program you completed. The remaining 18 units will be 12 units of required SMC graduate level MAIT courses, plus two 500 level TRS courses (6 units) for the emphasis in Catholic Education. Your capstone project will also center on a topic related to Catholic Education.
For non-credentialed Catholic Education Emphasis applicants
MAIT is 30 units total: Up to 12 units of post-baccalaureate credits may be accepted. Students will complete 12 units of required SMC graduate level MAIT courses, plus electives, plus two 500 level TRS courses (6 units) for the emphasis in Catholic Education. The capstone project will also center on a topic related to Catholic Education.
18 units of core courses:
Required MAIT Coursework
MAIT 601 Introduction to Inquiry (1 unit)
MAIT 602 Content Knowledge (3 units)
MAIT 603 Pedagogical Knowledge (3 units)
MAIT 604 Capstone Project (2 units*; may be repeated)
MAIT 610 Special Topics in Education or other approved elective (3 units) MAIT Course Descriptions.pdf
TRS Courses:
TRS 520: The Vocation and Spirituality of the Catholic Educator (3 units)
TRS 524: Liturgy, Sacraments, and Faith Formation in Catholic Education (3 units)
States have varying rules, requirements, and regulations that govern online (distance) education offered by out-of-state postsecondary institutions. Click here to see a list of eligible states.
Program Details
Learn about admissions, costs, the MA Teaching curriculum, and more.
School and Department Information
We believe that education can transform lives and make a positive impact on our future and in our communities — particularly those that are underserved. Our curriculum prepares leaders who understand the causes of inequities within society and how these affect our communities, including students, parents and teachers.