Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Get started on your Journey
Our Lady of the Lake University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) designed for aspiring teacher candidates who already have earned a bachelor’s degree and would like to add teacher certification while earning a master’s degree.
MAT candidates will be prepared to meet the educational needs of a growing and diverse student population as OLLU has done for 125 years. If you’re ready to make a difference, then join our legacy and change the world, one student at a time.
Scholarships are offered and a 20% tuition discount is available to school district and Catholic school employees.
MAT Program Highlights:
- NEW Spring Start! -- Classes beginning in Jan. 2024
- Up to $10,000 in scholarships available per academic year
- Additional grant opportunities available depending on certification option
- Prepare for high-demand teaching positions
- Priority application deadline: Dec. 1, 2023
Students in the program:
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Learn pedagogical theories and innovative instructional strategies
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Apply their knowledge in a real-world setting during a full-year internship or clinical teaching experience
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Take advantage of maximum flexibility through a combination face-to-face, synchronous remote and hybrid courses – most class meetings in the fall and spring semesters meet in the evenings and on weekends.
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Students can use facilities on the San Antonio, Houston or Rio Grande Valley campuses of OLLU.
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Take part in an initial summer semester that is academically intensive that includes four courses, 30 hours of field experience and preparation for content certification exams
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Can complete the program in 15 months
Specializations
This specialization is for students seeking to work with elementary children from early childhood through grade 6 (EC-6). The additional certification in Bilingual Education requires proficiency in Spanish as the program builds on the candidate’s comprehensive Spanish language competencies.
Students explore:
- Bilingual language development and acquisition processes
- Language varieties with an emphasis on social and cultural contexts and the successful development of bilingualism and literacies in families, communities and schools
- Theories and research-based practices to promote biliteracy development, particularly in Dual Language Classrooms
Requires a minimum of 12 credit hours (combined) in English Language Arts, Math, History, Science, Fine Arts, Physical Education and Health.
MAT: Elementary with Bilingual Specialization degree plan and course descriptions .
This specialization is for students seeking to work with elementary children from early childhood through grade 6 (EC-6). The additional certification in ESL prepares candidates to work with students whose primary language is not English.
Students learn:
- Current approaches to second-language acquisition and instruction
- Methodologies of teaching and testing English as a second language
- Design, implementation and evaluation of ESL programs and materials
Requires a minimum of 12 credit hours (combined) in English Language Arts, Math, History, Science, Fine Arts, Physical Education and Health.
MAT: Elementary ESL Specialization degree plan and course descriptions .
This specialization is for students seeking to work with elementary children from early childhood through grade 6 (EC-6). The additional certification in Special Education prepares candidates to meet the individual needs of students who receive special education services in schools.
Students learn:
- Assessment theories and practices to identify strengths and needs
- Applied behavioral analysis and interventions
- Special education ethics, law and professional leadership
Requires a minimum of 12 credit hours (combined) in English Language Arts, Math, History, Science, Fine Arts, Physical Education and Health.
MAT: Elementary with Special Education Specialization degree plan and course descriptions .
This specialization is for students seeking to teach content in grades 4-8, 7-12, or Early Childhood-12; the additional certification in ESL prepares candidates to work with students whose primary language is not English.
Certification options are:
- Mathematics (4-8 or 7-12)
- Science (4-8 or 7-12)
- English Language Arts (4-8 or 7-12)
- History (4-8 or 7-12)
- Music (All Level EC-12)
- Art (All Level EC-12)
- Physical Education (All Level EC-12)
- Spanish (All Level EC-12)
MAT: Secondary/All Level Specialization with ESL Certification degree plan and course descriptions.