Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
At a Glance
Format
Evenings/Saturdays (virtual or in person) or daytime (in person) - more
Locations
Virtual, Portland, or Redmond, Oregon (depends on format)
Accelerated Licensure
Accreditation
Cost per Semester Credit Hour
$824*
Tuition Cost for Entire Program
$29,664*
* All stated financial information is subject to change. Financial aid available.
Kindle Kindness. Transform Generations.
Grow as a teacher and a leader with the guidance of professors who model love and care for others. You’ll gain a deep appreciation of educating the whole person, and you’ll emerge as an advocate for justice and a catalyst for positive change for the students and communities you serve.
This isn’t just a degree program. It’s a calling of the heart and spirit – and your chance to create a kinder, more caring world.
Make a Lasting Impact as a Teacher
Join a highly respected program that leads to an Oregon PreK-12 preliminary teaching license in multiple subjects for elementary school or single subjects for middle and high school.
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Accelerated & Career-Focused
Be eligible for licensure after three semesters (or four if you start in the fall). You can get a teaching job before finishing your degree and complete the remaining coursework online.
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Personalized & Specialized
Take advantage of flexible formats and personalized degree plans, and add a specialist endorsement in Reading or ESOL (11 additional credits) or Special Education (19 additional credits).
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Committed to Advocacy & Justice
Join forces with professors and peers who question the status quo and are dedicated to thinking critically, transforming practice and advocating for the needs of every student.
Want to become a special education teacher? Learn about our Masters in Special Education
Discover the Power of Caring Mentorship
Be inspired by professors who invest in your growth as a thoughtful, empathetic teacher and servant leader. The way they nurture you will endure as a model for the relationships you build with your own students, and the specialized knowledge they share will ensure your education is practical and relevant.
“The MAT program didn’t just meet my expectations – it far exceeded them,” says Jon Archer, associate principal for Oregon City Public Schools. “The professors are passionate and experienced educators who leverage their wisdom with the latest research and trends to ensure candidates are well-prepared to enter the field. Their impact continues to guide my work today.”
Find Strength in Community
Earn your MAT in a learning community that’s grounded in trust, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. You’ll connect deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, opening your mind to multiple perspectives and transforming the way you look at the world. The relationships you build will energize your personal and professional life.
“During my first three years of teaching, I texted my MAT colleagues all the time,” says Brittany Morales, a teaching and learning coordinator for the Newberg School District. “It was really beneficial to have gone through the program together because we knew we could trust and rely on each other for help.”
Take a Stand for Every Student
Discover innovative ways to advocate for the intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of every student. We’ll encourage you to think deeply about current educational practices. We’ll give you space to reimagine teaching strategies. And we’ll put you in a position to transform learning environments so everyone in your care can thrive.
“I chose George Fox because of its strong reputation in the teaching community,” says Megan Love, who secured a position in the Sherwood School District. “The program transformed my practice as an educator by enabling me to think critically and promote justice within my classroom on a daily basis.”
Help Create a Kinder World
When you step into the classroom, you’re more than a teacher – you’re a source of hope for students, an invaluable resource for their families, and a force for good in your community. By caring for everyone in your circle, you’ll help build a better world – and you’ll create a ripple of kindness that extends through generations.
“What legacy are you going to leave? How are you going to impact those that you come across in the community and on campus?” asks Jake Redmond, who teaches business and college readiness courses at the Beaverton School District. “When it comes to teaching, it’s not about me – it’s about students. That's the most important thing to me, and it always has been.”
Fast-Track Your Teaching Licensure
Accelerate your education and launch your career sooner. If you start in the spring or summer, you’ll be eligible for licensure after three semesters of core courses and field experience. This means you can get a teaching job before finishing your degree and complete the remaining eight credits of coursework online while you’re working.
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Phase 1: Preliminary Teaching License (29 semester credit hours)
The path to a preliminary teaching license is as follows:
- Semesters 1 and 2: Coursework (part time)
- Semester 3: Student teaching practicum (full time)
If you complete these three semesters and pass all required state tests, you will be eligible for recommendation of a teaching license. All practicum criteria must be met at the conclusion of the practicum or an additional practicum will be required. You do not have to complete Phase 2 to begin teaching.
And here’s more good news about the practicum:
- The practicum requirement is only one semester, which means just four months of full-time student-teaching instead of the eight months required by some other MAT programs.
- A two-semester practicum option is available for students who want to gain more experience before licensure.
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Phase 2: Master of Arts in Teaching (7 semester credit hours)
After completing Phase 1, you continue at your own pace online to complete the MAT.
- Three semester credit hours of action research (required)
- Four semester credit hours of selected coursework*
You may qualify for development funds at your workplace to help cover the cost of your final courses.
*May be applied toward a specialist endorsement, such as ESOL, Reading, or SPED
Questions?
Kipp Wilfong
Admissions Counselor, Graduate Education Programs
George Fox University is required to make cost of attendance (COA) information publicly available on this website.