MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING FOR CAREER CHANGERS: EARLY CHILDHOOD (ECE) URBAN/SPECIAL EDUCATION 

For professionals seeking a deeply meaningful career shift, the early childhood urban education/special education MAT program offers a direct path to improving young lives. Tailored for those with a bachelor’s degree and a passion for urban education, this 42-credit Master of Arts in Teaching program culminates in dual certification. Across just 18 months of blended coursework (virtual and fully online), career changers gain the skills and credentials for a rewarding role teaching New York City’s and the surrounding communities’ highest-need students.

At the King Graduate School, we train creative, progressive teachers. You’ll focus not only on students’ social, cognitive, and emotional growth, but on positive systemic change that supports that growth beyond the classroom. You’ll understand how to create safe, equitable learning environments for young learners from diverse backgrounds — so that you can help them to thrive. 

What Are the Advantages of a Master’s Degree in Teaching? 

If you didn’t earn your bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (or if you already possess a bachelor's degree in education but haven't obtained NY State licensure), then a master’s degree in teaching will help you fulfill the educational requirement needed to earn your  Initial Teaching Certificate from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). You’ll also gain supervised student teaching experience that will help you fulfill the NYSED’s fieldwork requirement.  

Earning an initial certification is just the beginning of your career, though. By earning your MAT, you’ll have already fulfilled the educational requirement you’ll need to earn a full Professional Teacher Certification. 

The dual-certificate Master of Arts in Teaching is a 42-credit program consisting of:

• Eight (8) core courses (24 credits) 
• Four (4) general education courses in math and language/literacy specific to early childhood or childhood education (12 credits)
• One (1) semester of student teaching (6 credits)

The MAT graduate program combines virtual and online courses over five (5) semesters of full-time study (though students may also choose to complete their studies part-time). 

Students will receive advanced coursework in subjects including: 

• Child and adolescent development
• Creating curricula for both general and special education
• Multicultural issues in the classroom
• Contemporary issues in urban education
• Foundations of literacy 
• Teaching English language learners
• The development of mathematical thinking and science exploration in diverse classrooms

Your fieldwork and student teaching experiences will allow you to apply classroom theory in actual work settings, in supervised positions. Students will also take part in three (3) formal classroom observations, in which they will work collaboratively with their student teaching supervisor. 

Students in the MAT for career changers program also participate in several seminars required by New York State, including:

• A three (3)-hour online seminar in Child Abuse Prevention and Identification 
• A two (2)-hour seminar in Violence Prevention and Intervention 
• A six (6)-hour seminar in Dignity for all Students (DASA)

Students may also take workshops in:

• Career planning
• Preparation for the NY State Certification Exams

The MAT curriculum fully aligns with national standards of excellence in teaching, including NYSED’s Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework, Common Core Learning Standards, and Next Generation Learning Standards.
 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Teaching?

The master’s degree in teaching for career changers is a five (5)-semester program. Full-time students can complete their degree in less than two years on Monroe’s three-semester academic calendar. 

Learn more about the requirements for a master’s degree in teaching.
 

Candidates applying for the MAT for career changers must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education, and have earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

In accordance with NYSED requirements, applicants must also have completed:

• At least 60 credits in liberal arts courses
• At least 6 credits each in college-level English, mathematics, science, and social science with a grade of C- or above

For applicants who have not met these requirements as part of their undergraduate education, Monroe offers a semester of foundation courses to complete before enrollment in the MAT program. 

Candidates must also submit:

• A completed application for admission
• A personal statement describing why they want to attend the program
• A current professional résumé
• Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended 
• Two (2) letters of reference attesting to their character and positive disposition, as well as their ability to advocate for students and their families

MAT candidates must also participate in a pre-admission personal interview. 

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe University. 

How Much Does a Master’s in Teaching Cost? 

For years, Monroe University has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North. That’s thanks to both our affordable tuition and fees and our dedicated financial aid office. Our counselors will help you put together the maximum possible financial aid package in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. 

Candidates may also apply for several scholarships exclusive to graduate students, including the federal TEACH Grant. We’ve also been awarded an NYSED Teacher Opportunity Corps II (TOC II) grant, which provides qualified, diverse candidates with tuition support.

*TOC II candidates must be New York State residents who want to pursue teaching in New York State.

Where Can I Teach with a Master’s Degree? 

Once you’ve earned your NYSED Initial Teacher Certificate, you can begin working as a childhood or early childhood teacher in public, private, and charter schools throughout New York State. You’ll also be on your way to earning your professional teacher certification: earning your MAT fulfills the state-mandated educational requirement to continue teaching beyond five (5) years.

With a master’s degree in teaching, you can also pursue a career as an administrator, community organizer, researcher, or professor. How you serve young learners will be up to you. We’ll show you how to get there. 

• View Factsheet.