Masters in Teaching Program Details
The 100% online Master in Teaching (MAT) is a flexible, project-based graduate program designed for current and aspiring teachers who want to advance their teaching skills and deepen their subject expertise. This online teaching degree combines practical classroom strategies with research-based approaches to help educators engage students and address today’s educational challenges.
Students gain a stronger foundation in pedagogy, curriculum design, and contemporary issues in education while tailoring their projects to their own context.
For those planning to teach in Catholic schools, the optional Catholic Educator Emphasis explores the integration of faith and learning, as well as the role of Catholic education in promoting equity and social change in marginalized communities.
This fully online MA in Teaching program is ideal for educators seeking a convenient pathway to professional growth and career advancement.
How long is the program?
Online MA in Teaching Only
The online Master of Arts in Teaching 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 understanding of contemporary educational issues and pedagogical content knowledge.
The 30-unit online MA in Teaching program is made up of four core courses and at least one elective. Applicants who have completed a credential as a post-baccalaureate student at Saint Mary's College or another accredited program in California can typically complete the program in 11 months. Other options include an accelerated 6-month schedule (recommended for students who can attend full-time during the summer, with no other commitments), or courses can be spread out over multiple years. It is possible to take classes only during summers if that is most convenient for you. The program must be completed within 5 years.
Applicants who do not hold a California teaching credential are still eligible to earn their Master of Arts in Teaching at Saint Mary's College. For more details, contact admissions at ksoe@stmarys-ca.edu.
Credential + Online MA in Teaching
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching credential and their Master of Arts in Teaching in just 18 months.
Multiple Subject: 38 MSTE credential units + 12 MAIT units = 50 units
Single Subject: 34 SSTE credential units + 12 MAIT units = 46 units
Education Specialist: 37 SPED credential units + 12 MAIT units = 49 units
Classes for our one year credential programs meet on campus. Credential completers can opt to continue with the online Master of Arts in Teaching program.
The program culminates in the design of an original Capstone Project, to be used in the classroom or broader school community.
● For students who earned their credential as undergraduates at Saint Mary’s:
Masters in Teaching is 30 units total: Up to 9 units of dual credit accepted from your completed SMC credential program. The remaining 21 units will be 12 units of required SMC graduate level MAIT courses, plus electives.
● For credentialed non-Saint Mary’s College applicants:
Masters in Teaching is 30 units total: Up to 15 units of post-baccalaureate credits accepted from the credential program you completed. The remaining 15 units will be 12 units of required SMC graduate level MAIT courses, plus electives.
● For non-credentialed applicants:
Masters in Teaching is 30 units total: Up to 15 units of post-baccalaureate credits may be accepted. Students will complete 12 units of required SMC graduate level MAIT courses, plus electives.
● For credentialed Catholic Education Emphasis applicants:
Masters in Teaching 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:
Online Master in Teaching 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.
Required Online Masters in Teaching Coursework
- MA in Teaching 601 Introduction to Inquiry (1 unit)
- MA in Teaching 602 Content Knowledge (3 units)
- MA in Teaching 603 Pedagogical Knowledge (3 units)
- MA in Teaching 604 Capstone Project (2 units*; may be repeated)
- Electives as required
Catholic Educator Emphasis Coursework
- TRS 520: The Vocation and Spirituality of the Catholic Educator
- TRS 524: Liturgy, Sacraments, and Faith Formation in Catholic Education
Capstone Project
Your Capstone Project allows you to bring together your experience and new knowledge of content and pedagogy to create an original applied educational product, for example, a curriculum unit, website, professional development experience, etc. This final project is completed with the support of a Project Chair, and on completion is presented to the KSOE and broader community.
For examples of Capstone Projects completed by graduates of the MAIT program, browse: https://sites.google.com/site/smcmatprogram/