Master of Arts in Teaching

Earning a degree while working full time or raising a family has never been more possible. Here’s why adult students are thriving and reaching their goals at SNU:

• Classes take place Wednesday nights face to face, or fully online
• Students focus on one class at a time before moving on to the next.
• Students study alongside other adults in similar stages of life.
• Instructors with vast amounts of experience guide students through courses.
• Textbooks can be delivered directly to your door at the beginning of each class.

Pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at SNU equips you with advanced skills and strategies essential for effective teaching. This degree enhances your ability to create inclusive learning environments and integrate innovative educational technologies. Additionally, it prepares you for diverse classrooms by fostering critical thinking and adaptive instruction techniques. Ultimately, earning this degree opens doors to greater career opportunities and positions you as a leader in education.

Graduates with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from SNU are well-positioned for roles in K-12 education. Typical employers include public and private school districts looking for qualified teachers, particularly given the nationwide teacher shortage. 

The average salary depends on the district and the job, but it is usually $45,000-$50,000.

SNU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is unique due to its flexibility, offering both online and in-person courses designed for working adults. The program emphasizes practical application, preparing students to transition into teaching quickly. SNU also integrates a strong Christian perspective into the curriculum, aiming to develop compassionate, service-oriented educators. Additionally, the cohort model fosters collaboration and support among peers throughout the program.

You can expect to move up to the master's level pay scale at your school district, have your own school leaders as professors, 8-15 hours per week of work, and qualify for the standard teaching certificate.

The MAT program costs approximately $15,750 ($525 per credit hour).

The MAT provides networking opportunities with local school district leaders. SNU also has a monthly Business and Leadership Network event.

You should complete your MAT degree for a variety of reasons. First, if you need teacher certification, this degree can help you achieve that. Second, this degree prepares you to take on classroom leadership roles in your school district. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and equips you for quick entry into teaching. 

Credit hours: 3

An introductory course exploring the historical and practical aspects of American education. Students evaluate current educational trends, issues, and practices. They also explore teaching as an art and what it takes to become a truly outstanding teacher.

Credit hours: 3

This course focuses on three approaches to classroom management: proactive, responsive, and supportive. The candidate will complete and submit the assignments online through Performance Learning systems (PLS). 

Credit hours: 3

This course provides an examination of the characteristics of teaching and learning with technology. Students will become proficient in using a variety of computer application tools and in integrating those tools across the curriculum. Students will explore questions related to the sociological, psychological, developmental, and ethical implications of technology use and the appropriate use of advanced computer applications in classrooms. The goal of the course is to not only create a comfort level with the use of instructional technology but also to simply expose students to different possibilities as they expand their knowledge and form their own processes of utilizing technology in their teaching practice. 

Credit hours: 3

This course will cover the intermediate application of educational psychology theories and integrated understandings that can be used to develop more effective instruction.  Students will practice using student interviews and existing information to develop a comprehensive understanding of a student from a wide variety of perspectives (i.e., multicultural, motivational, behavioral, etc.)

Credit hours: 3

The focus of this course is on the necessity of using assessment as part of the teaching/learning process. Emphasis is placed on authentic classroom assessment as well as on standardized assessment and the relationship of assessment to standards and learning. Students will develop four types of authentic assessment.

*Elementary (PreK-5) Education Majors only 

Credit hours: 3

This course will provide teachers with information and experiences that will help them develop and deliver effective instructional programs across four curricular areas in secondary grades (6-12). Major areas of content focus are the nature of the teaching/learning process, including research-based models of instruction, planning, classroom management, learning environments, motivation, and student engagement. Teachers will become familiar with and demonstrate evidence of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective teaching.

*Secondary Education Majors only 

Credit hours: 3

Candidates will develop an understanding of the diversity that exists in the local community and how the school should respond. Discussion will also center on promoting the value of local school/community cultures.

Credit hours: 3

This course is intended to familiarize students with case and statutory law which help students develop the skills to effectively identify legal issues within the educational environment. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of education law to the development of school practices which inform those practices and decision making.

Credit hours: 3

This course will address the theoretical frameworks and assessments for consultation and collaboration including paraprofessionals and student families. Professional relationships with teaching faculty will be targeted as academic and behavioral support are needed to ensure student success.

Credit hours: 3

The Professional Focus Capstone is a field-based course that provides students background knowledge of child and adolescent development principles as well as principles of effective teaching and training practices. Students in the course work under the joint direction and supervision of both a teacher with knowledge of early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence education and exemplary educators in direct instructional roles with elementary-, middle school-, and high school-aged students. 

Credit hours: 3

The Internship represents the culminating experience for MAT Degree in the preparation of prospective teachers as knowledgeable, reflective practitioners and emerging leaders who conduct themselves ethically and professionally. The semester-long internship provides students many opportunities within diverse classroom settings to refine the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they have developed as active participants in the MAT Program.