Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Graduate & Professional

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a Massachusetts teacher licensure program with over 25 licensure areas. We offer both one- and two-year program options.

Program Overview

online | 38-42 credits | 1-2 years

With specializations in critical need areas like teaching English language learners and moderate disabilities, candidates in the program can pursue either one or two licenses, in addition to getting a Masters degree.

Our innovative and high engagement program connects students with alums and professional learning networks. The curriculum has a strong commitment to social justice and equity, along with a unique collaboration with EL Education.

What can you do with a M.A.T.?

Many work as teachers in public school settings, while others work in independent schools, higher education and education administration. Some of our graduates have gone on to further study for more advanced degrees. Though the requirements for teacher licensure can vary tremendously from one state to another, the Massachusetts teaching licenses obtained through this program are recognized in a number of other states, U.S. territories and Canadian provinces through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.

Community Voices

Spotlight on M.A.T. students and alums

Academic Excellence

“When I talked to people at Mount Holyoke, it was very inviting, very supportive. They valued my perspective and what I brought to the table. I talked about being Black [and] being in education, and they valued that perspective.”

Dominic Copeland ’24

Academic Excellence

“They teach us with their actions, and that makes me want to be the best of me.”

Shan-Hsuan King, MAT’23

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What we offer

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) at Mount Holyoke College is a co-ed gender-inclusive teacher education program with 25 licensure areas for aspiring educators with both one and two-year program options. Our high engagement program connects students with opportunities to develop personally and professionally, with mentorship from practicing teachers throughout their experience in the program. The M.A.T. curriculum has a strong commitment to social justice and equity. The program collaborates with EL Education, which uses research-backed approaches to reimagine student achievement in a way that supports student potential and promotes educational equity. With specializations in critical need areas like English Language Learners and Moderate Disabilities, candidates in the program can pursue an initial license in addition to getting a masters degree. Our licensure areas include:

  • Biology (8-12)
  • Chemistry (8-12)
  • Dance (All)
  • Early Childhood (PreK-2)
  • Earth and Space Science (8-12)
  • Elementary (1-6)
  • English (5-12)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)/ English Language Learners (ELL) (PreK-6; 5-12)
  • General Science (5-8)
  • History (5-12)
  • Humanities (5-8)
  • Latin and Classical Humanities (5-12)
  • Mathematics (5-8; 8-12)
  • Mathematics/Science (5-8)
  • Moderate Disabilities/Special Education (PreK-2; PreK-8, 5-12)
  • Music (All)
  • Physics (8-12)
  • Social Science (5-12)
  • Theatre (All)
  • Visual Arts (PreK-8; 5-12)
  • World Languages: Chinese, French, Spanish (5-12)

Through the M.A.T. program, we also offer additional licensure options for those who are working toward or already have an initial license. Options for additional licensure include:

  • English as second language/English language learners (PreK-6, 5-12)
  • Special education/moderate disabilities (PreK-2: PreK-8; 5-12)
  • Different level/subject area

Mount Holyoke College is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer teacher education programs leading towards an initial teacher license at the masters degree level.

The teaching licenses obtained through this program are recognized in a number of other states, U.S. territories and Canadian provinces through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.

To become eligible for licensure in the state of Massachusetts while at Mount Holyoke, students must successfully complete the requirements of a teacher licensure program, pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) [fees apply], and submit licensure application materials and fees to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Partnership with EL Education

EL Education Logo - a white "E" on a red background and a red "L" on a white background

EL Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program partners with EL Education to prepare teachers who create educational experiences where students are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous, and meaningful. The goal is for students not just to develop knowledge mastery, but for them to achieve more than they think possible, develop the mindsets and skills for success, and become active contributors to building a better world.

Learn more about EL Education

Professional and Graduate students working on a project together

How we are different

The Master of Arts in Teaching program starts every year with an immersive and interdisciplinary learning experience and provides students with frequent, highly personalized advising throughout their learning. Mount Holyoke College partners with EL Education and our pedagogy is deeply rooted in social justice and transformational education.

Grow as both an educator and a student
Professional and Graduate students listening attentively to a presentation

Advising

All students in the Master of Arts in Teaching program receive personalized advising to help them reach their academic and career goals. Students work closely with a network of professionals including faculty advisors, supervising teachers, EL Education mentors, and a variety of content area experts.
Make an appointment

Current M.A.T. students: If you are in need of advising, please contact your advisor directly to schedule an appointment. Catherine Swift, director and Ruth Hornsby, associate director serve as academic advisors to students in the program.

Professional and Graduate students in a classroom with a large screen for online students, showing an example of hybrid learning environment.

Funding your education

Funding your education is a concern for many students, and yet there are a range of resources available to help make it affordable. In addition to our scholarships and fellowships, Mount Holyoke's Office of Student Financial Services works closely with students to talk about what can meet your needs.

Funding resources for graduate students

Happening at Mount Holyoke

News from Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Master of Arts in Teaching student Justin Griffin ’25 paints an inspiring and empowering mural at a middle school in Holyoke to celebrate women of color.

After state approval, Mount Holyoke’s graduate teaching licensure program will offer all classes online at times designed to maximize accessibility for all.

Mount Holyoke College’s Master of Arts in Teaching program has received a $125,000 state grant to develop a new program to support teachers on emergency licenses in the Holyoke Public Schools district as they pursue initial licensure and their master’s degrees.

Mount Holyoke Experiences

What our students are saying

Jessica Terry, First Grade Teacher, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School, Shelburne Falls, MA

“Nearly everything in my classroom was inspired by my graduate school experience at Mount Holyoke College, including what I learned about cultural sensitivity, social and emotional learning, literacy development and integrative units.”

Jessica Terry, First Grade Teacher, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School, Shelburne Falls, MA

Courses and Requirements

Learning Goals

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Teaching at Mount Holyoke College will develop the ability to do the following:

  • Write and adapt well-developed lesson/unit plans to reach a range of learners in the PK12 classroom.
  • Design and administer a variety of student assessments, analyze student performance and growth, and use data to improve instruction and learning.
  • Integrate and apply research, theory, and pedagogy to inform instruction and interactions with students.
  • Have and apply insights on their teaching and learning, both individually and with colleagues, to improve practice and student learning.

Professional Standards for Teachers

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Teaching at Mount Holyoke College will demonstrate a range of professional skills that respond to a deep understanding and application of the knowledge, skills and dispositions found in the Guidelines for the Professional Standards for Teachers:

  • Curriculum, Planning and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an on-going basis and continuously refining learning objectives.
  • Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment and demonstrate cultural proficiency.
  • Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members and organizations.
  • Professional Culture standard: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled and collaborative practice.

Contact Us

Mount Holyoke College has been on the forefront of providing a rigorous education to passionate changemakers who have gone on to break new ground in education, the sciences, the arts, public service and social justice movements for over 180 years.

Next Steps

Apply

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of education and are driven by a love of learning. As a college that is gender diverse, the graduate programs are coed and we welcome applications from female, male, trans and non-binary students.

Financing your education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we offer scholarships, fellowships and partnership programs to help make an exceptional education accessible for everyone.