Secondary education
Master of Arts in Teaching
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Advance your teaching
Already have a bachelor's degree and want to become a middle or high school teacher? University of Idaho's Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in secondary education provides an accelerated pathway to teacher certification for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a subject commonly taught in grades 6-12.
Designed for career changers, recent graduates and professionals pursuing a career in education, the program combines graduate coursework, classroom experience and individualized faculty mentorship to prepare confident, effective secondary educators. You'll develop the instructional knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to create engaging learning environments, manage classrooms, assess student learning and support the academic success of adolescent learners.
Throughout the program, you'll study curriculum design, learning theory, content-area teaching, inclusive instructional practices and educational assessment while completing supervised field experiences in secondary schools. These hands-on experiences allow you to apply research-informed teaching strategies, build confidence in the classroom and prepare for your first year as a teacher.
Upon successful completion of the 32-credit program, you’ll be prepared to pursue Idaho teacher certification in grades 6-12 in your approved endorsement area. If you plan to teach outside Idaho, review certification requirements for the state where you intend to teach.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Already hold a bachelor's degree in a subject commonly taught in middle or high school
- Want to become a certified teacher without earning a second bachelor's degree
- Are interested in teaching adolescents in grades 6-12
- Enjoy mentoring young people and helping them achieve their potential
- Want an accelerated pathway that combines graduate coursework, classroom experience and teacher certification
Grow as an educator
Curriculum
The M.A.T. in secondary education is a 32-credit program that combines graduate coursework, content-area preparation and applied classroom experience. Students complete coursework in teaching methods, adolescent learning, classroom management and assessment while preparing for the endorsement and certification requirements associated with secondary teaching.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Internships and mentorship
Students complete supervised field experiences and an internship in secondary classroom settings. These experiences give students opportunities to observe instruction, plan lessons, work with mentor teachers and apply graduate coursework in real school environments.
Certification exam
Students must meet Idaho certification requirements, including passing the appropriate Praxis II exam in their chosen content area. Students also complete endorsement requirements, which may include either one 45-credit teaching endorsement or a combination of one 30-credit endorsement and one 20-credit teaching endorsement.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
5,316 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Secondary School Teachers
$82,338 - Postsecondary Education Teachers
$87,482
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs, funding and research
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Program contact:
Janine Darragh
janined@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the M.A.T. in secondary education must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Concentration: Non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall and spring
- Not eligible for international applicants who require an F-1 visa status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing sample: Provide one professional sample (thesis, journal article, term paper or handbook, etc.) previously completed by you.
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Janine Darragh
Why earn your M.A.T. in secondary education at University of Idaho?
Transition into teaching through an accelerated graduate program that combines coursework, classroom experience and mentorship to prepare you for success in grades 6-12.
Program highlights:
- Accelerated pathway — Complete a 32-credit graduate program designed for students with a bachelor's degree who want to become licensed teachers.
- Idaho teacher certification — Prepare for certification to teach grades 6-12 in Idaho.
- Classroom-ready skills — Build practical expertise in lesson planning, classroom management, assessment and adolescent learning.
- Hands-on experience — Apply what you learn through classroom-based experiences while receiving guidance from experienced faculty and mentor teachers.
- Support every step of the way — Learn alongside dedicated faculty who provide mentorship throughout your journey to becoming a secondary educator.