Teaching (MA)

Teaching (MA)

Why earn your MA in Teaching at Aurora University?

Through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Plus One program, you can complete your graduate degree and be eligible to earn your secondary education teacher licensure in Illinois in one year.

The MAT Plus One program is designed for students who aspire to become educators with bachelor's degrees in the following fields: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Economics, English, Environmental Science, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, or Spanish. Health Science majors may also be eligible for this program depending on the number of completed content courses.

Aurora University's MAT Plus One is a full-time, one-year program. Classes are held during the day on the main AU campus.

Why earn an MAT Plus One at AU?
  • It will increase your earning potential. U.S. workers holding a master’s degree earn 16 percent more in average annual salary than those with a bachelor’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023.
  • It’s a great value. AU graduate programs are affordable and have impressive student outcomes.
  • Athletes can stay on the team. It’s a great option for student-athletes with a remaining year of athletic eligibility.
  • It offers a streamlined application process. There is no application fee and no GMAT/GRE required to apply for the program.
  • You'll experience inclusive program benefits. Tuition covers all textbook costs, fees for your licensure exam and professional organization memberships, and high-impact experiences within your field.
As a woman of color in STEM, I have the power to be present in my students’ lives and to expose them to the many STEM careers that they can pursue even if they may have felt impossible in the past. I will help them work toward removing obstacles for future generations. Jennifer Aguilar '22, Science Teacher at West Aurora High School

Experiential learning

Experiential learning opportunities

You will participate in an enriching student teaching experience during your spring semester where you will put the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your coursework into practice in a real-life classroom.

Sample Schedule

Plus One students meet as a cohort during summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Term Classes
Summer
May–August		 Session 1; 5-week day courses
  • Methods of ESL/BE education (3)
  • Methods of Reading (3)
Session 2; 5-week day courses
  • Methods of Teaching Exceptional Children (3)
  • Methods of Educational Psychology (3)
Fall
August–December		 Session 1; 8-week day courses
  • Methods of Content Area Literacy (3)
  • Methods of Teaching and Assessing Diverse Learners in the Secondary Classroom (3)
Session 2; 8-week day course
  • Content Area Methods for the Secondary Classroom (3)
Spring
January–May		 Spring term; 16-week day courses
  • Secondary Student Teaching Seminar (2)
  • Student Teaching (10)
Female college student assisting younger student.

Explore graduate education programs on July 31

Attend the Graduate Education Virtual Information Session on 7/31 to learn more about our program offerings and your next steps.

Prepare for your future

By successfully completing the MAT Plus One program, you will be eligible to earn your secondary education teacher licensure through the Illinois State Board of Education.

Career possibilities

  • High school teacher
  • Middle school teacher
  • Military base teacher
  • Regional Office of Education employee
  • Standardized test industry professional
  • Textbook creator/salesperson
  • Youth corrections teacher