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Full-time MAT Program

The Willamette University School of Education offers an outstanding Master of Arts in Teaching program to prepare teachers not only for the classroom, but for educational leadership. Our field-based program develops reflective professionals who are student-centered, collaborative and sensitive to issues of diversity and culture.

Program Structure

  • 10 Months

    The program runs from mid-August to mid-June.

  • Fall Semester

    Sixty percent of time is spent in public schools, 40 percent is spent in graduate-level classes.

  • Spring Semester

    Ninety percent of time is spent in student-teaching experience, 10 percent of time is spent in student-teaching seminars, professional seminars and methods courses scheduled after the school day.

  • Between Semesters

    From late November through early January, students work on an action research project to present during the spring semester.

Program Size

  • Students

    80 students enroll in the full-time MAT program each fall.

  • Strands

    Students are divided into three strands. Strand I is Early Childhood/Elementary, Strand II is Middle Level (elem/mid and mid/HS), and Strand III is High School.

What Are Some Specific Advantages of Willamette University's MAT Program?

  • All Willamette MAT graduates meet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements as highly qualified teachers.
  • In addition to earning the MAT degree, all graduates earn the Oregon Initial Teaching License. Because of the high standards associated with Oregon's testing requirements, the Oregon teaching license has a strong reputation, resulting in reciprocity with 43 states.
  • Willamette MAT students spend more than 1,000 hours working with students and mentor teachers in public school classrooms - more than the state requires for licensure.
  • Our high standards for incoming students mean you must prove your content knowledge and ability by passing all of the appropriate licensure exams before entering the program.
  • Our MAT program is keenly focused on developing great teachers as well as educational researchers. Our students participate in an Action Research Symposium each spring during which they present a research project in an area of interest.
  • Your guide group (8-12 other students and a faculty member) provide an academic, social and professional support group insuring your success throughout the year.