MAT Program Overview

Meet Shelby Gagnon, UP School of Education's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) graduate. Shelby has been teaching for over 2 years. She graduated with a Master's in secondary education and now teaches 6th grade Language Arts.

Our nationally accredited, full-time, 10-month MAT program prepare candidates for licensure as elementary or secondary teachers. Our full-time faculty, deep professional network, and low tuition package are significant advantages for graduate students seeking to begin or advance a teaching career.  The MAT program begins in June and ends in April, when candidates graduate fully certified. Depending on the session, classes and field experience run in a combination of morning, afternoon, and evening.

The MAT program begins each summer in June. Apply by February 15 for early consideration to ensure eligibility for departmental tuition scholarships and a seat in the program. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if space is available in the cohort. 

Priority Deadline: February 15, 2025

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Program of Study

The program of study consists of 36 semester hours of coursework and field experience. The 10-month program consists of a summer, fall, and spring sessions. Students may not transfer credits into the program. 

Summer Semester (10 credits):
ED 529 Summer Tutoring (1 cr.)
ED 530 Educating for Sociocultural Diversity and Equity in Education (3 cr.)
ED 531 Principles of Learning and Development for Equitable Classrooms (3 cr.)
ED 534 Classroom Management for Inclusive Learning Communities (3 cr.)

Fall Semester (15 credits):
ED 532 Assessment and Evaluation in Inclusive Classrooms (3 cr.)
ED 533 Methods of Teaching and Learning (3 cr.)
ED 535 Literacy Across the Curriculum (3 cr.)
ED 537 Research in Schools (3 cr.)
ED 540 Student Teaching (3 cr.)

Spring Semester (11 credits):
ED 536 Student Teaching Seminar (2 cr.)
ED 538 Master of Arts in Teaching Capstone Project (3 cr.)
ED 541 Student Teaching (3 cr.)
ED 542 Student Teaching- Advanced (3 cr.)

Course descriptions can be found in the University of Portland Bulletin.

Testing Requirements

The state of Oregon testing requirements for initial teacher licensure are listed below. Candidates should register for the exam(s) for the teaching level in which they are admitted. If you need assistance identifying which tests you are required to complete, please contact pilotsteach@up.edu.

Admitted candidates must complete their testing by June 1.   

Multi-Subject (Elementary/Grades K-5) Testing Requirements:
ORELA Elementary Education Subtests 1 and 2

Single-Subject (Secondary/Grades 6-12) Testing Requirements:
ORELA Subject Area Test

Learn about MAT licensure test resources. such as licensure test study guides and test taking tips.