Teaching and Curriculum

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program is a fully online graduate program for both beginning and experienced teachers in schools across the United States and around the world. You can design a unique program of study aligned with your interests and goals. If you are a full-time practicing teacher, you will enjoy the opportunity to complete course assignments with the flexibility that comes with enrollment in a fully online asynchronous program. MATC courses are taught by instructors, including award-winning faculty in the Department of Teacher Education, who provide innovative learning experiences for students that embrace the possibilities of online learning. If you completed the College of Education's teaching internship, you may utilize 9 of the credits earned through the internship to complete the MATC degree.

Program Highlights

National

#1 in Curriculum & Instruction - U.S. News Rankings (specialty) 2023
#1 in Curriculum & Instruction - U.S. News Rankings (online) 2023

International

#1 in Education - Shanghai Global Rankings (academic)
#2 in Education - Center for World University Rankings (academic)

Program Outcomes

MATC students choose to focus their studies in:

• Educational Technology
• Educational Psychology
• K-12 Educational Administration
• Literacy and Language Instruction
• Socio-cultural Perspectives in Teaching and Learning
• Science and Mathematics Education
• English Language Learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students may further focus their studies by earning a specialization in Literacy and Language or K-12 ESL. The Language and Literacy specialization includes an option to seek a Reading Endorsement or Reading Specialist Endorsement. The K-12 ESL specialization leads to eligibility for a K-12 level endorsement in ESL and is a 32-credit option due to a second 2-credit ESL practicum required for the endorsement.

Career Outlook

In addition to earning a masters degree, MATC students who complete the program are positioned to meet the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements for professional development, maintain provisional certification, and apply for the MDE Professional Certificate. MATC program graduates may pursue their scholarly interests further by applying to the MSU Department of Teacher Education's Ph.D. program in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education.

Course Information 

Core

TE 818 - Curriculum in Its Social Context (3 Credits)

Elective

TE 801 - Professional Roles and Teaching Practice I (3 Credits)
TE 807 - Professional Development and Inquiry (3 Credits)
TE 808 - Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning (3 Credits)
TE 870 - Curriculum Design, Development, and Deliberation in Schools (3 Credits)
TE 872 - Teachers as Teacher Educators (3 Credits)
TE 873 - Literacy Leadership (3 Credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree
  Or its equivalent, from an accredited institution (applicants must also have a minimum grade point (GPA) of 3.0 for final two years of undergraduate study
• 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
• Previous work experience
  Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Taken the TOEFL
  Only required if English is not your native language
• A written academic personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
• Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

• Complete a university graduate application
• Chinese Certification and NOYCE/SETSUP applicants use code 6727. Applicants should note: The MATC program does not lead to teacher certification, and is no longer considering post-certification experience in admissions decisions. The program may not be offered to residents of Kentucky. The K-12 ESL Graduate Specialization may not be offered to U.S. Territories and Canadian Provinces.