Teaching (MAT)
If you have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education and want to become a certified teacher, our online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) can help you get there. Designed for career changers and aspiring educators, choose the concentration that prepares you for teaching field that aligns with your purpose.
Note: This program is approved by the to prepare candidates for initial teaching licensure in Georgia. Applicants who plan to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Georgia should contact the program coordinator and appropriate licensing entity for additional information and guidance.
For Certification only, refer to the Post Baccalaureate Program.
Applicants certified in Georgia should verify with their employer or the GaPSC whether the advanced degree leads to a certificate upgrade or pay increase. The GaPSC provides the to assist with this process. Out-of-state applicants should also verify with their employer or certification body to verify certificate upgrades.
MAT Concentrations
The concentration in Elementary Education is tailormade for individuals who hold a degree in a field other than education. Earn your initial Georgia teaching certification in grades PK–5 in one year over three consecutive semesters (summer, fall, and spring) which finishes with a T-5 certification.
Learn from experienced faculty as you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Through coursework and supervised field experiences, you'll develop expertise in evidence-based instructional strategies, assessment, classroom management, educational technology, and meeting the diverse needs of young learners
- 100% Online: Balance your studies with your busy life.
- Graduate in just 12 months (Summer, Fall, and Spring).
- Complete 30 credit hours to earn your initial PK–5 certification at the T-5 level.
- Cohort start summer session
- Includes initial teaching certification
- Full time internship in spring semester
This concentration is designed for those who already have demonstrated content expertise in one of the teaching areas for middle grades (4-8), secondary (6-12) and all P-12 fields (PE, World Language, Music and Art, Theatre, and Dance) and would now like to become certified to teach that subject.
In just one year, you’ll master the art of teaching, earn your certification, and graduate at the T-5 level. Build the exact framework needed to step into high-impact roles like instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or mentor teacher.
- 100% Online: Balance your studies with your busy life.
- Graduate in just 12 months (Summer, Fall, and Spring).
- Complete 30 credit hours to earn your initial PK–5 certification at the T-5 level.
- Cohort start summer session
- Includes initial teaching certification
- Full time internship in spring semester
The concentration in Elementary Education is tailormade for individuals who hold a degree in a field other than education looking to earn their initial P–12 certification. In just four semesters, you’ll learn from top graduate faculty, gain hands-on classroom experience, and graduate ready to lead at the T-5 pay level.
This collaborative program combines the expertise of 成人B站 and Valdosta State University faculty to prepare you for the classroom through research-based strategies and supportive field mentorship. You'll learn to demonstrate skills in assessment, instructional strategies, use of technology and monitoring/modifying instruction during observed teaching episodes evaluated by a university supervisor and P-12 mentor teacher. Your theoretical and pedagogical knowledge will be deepened as you apply innovative, effective research-based practices in special education
- Finish the program in 4 semesters
- Program length is 36 credit hours
- Cohorts start each semester (summer, spring or fall)
- Includes initial teaching certification
- Coursework completed online asynchronously
- Full-time final internship experience

Deadlines and Support
All application materials must be received prior to the deadline. If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants.
Completing your application earlier is better.
Rolling 成人B站
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 1
Summer: April 15
| MAT Concentration | Program Coordinator |
|---|---|
| Elementary Education |
Chelsea Marelle, Ph.D.
|
| Pedagogy Only |
Lisa Jones-Moore, PhD
|
| Special Education |
Amy R. Williams, Ed.D.
|
Note: For questions about the application process, contact grads@ung.edu
Professional Licensure and Certification
The University of North Georgia offers degree programs that meet the educational requirements students need to apply for professional licensure and certifications in Georgia. However, the programs may not meet education requirements for licensure or certification in other states.
For additional information, please review the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure.