Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Teaching

Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Indian Education

At the WNMU-SOE there are two Masters of Arts – Teaching programs to choose from.

1.    The Road to Teacher Licensure

The first program is designed for students with no academic preparation in the field of education. Often these students come to our program with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, plus experience in other fields. The Master of Arts – Teaching program prepares these students to change careers, to obtain a teaching license, to enter the classroom, and to begin to make a difference in their community.

In this teacher preparation program, students will study theory and methods. The students gain field experience at the foundation, application and capstone levels. These many experiences also fulfill a full-time student teaching requirement for licensure.  The program offers a mix of on-line and in-class learning, and generally can be completed in two years of full-time study. After graduation, students find career opportunities in public, charter, and private schools, as well as in education-related positions.

Students in this program may concentrate their studies in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education.

2.    Licensed Highly- QualifiedTeachers

This second program provides professional development for teachers already in the classroom.  These students already hold a Bachelor degree in Education and generally have taught in the public schools. Students in this program can immerse themselves in upper-division Education courses, but may also advance their knowledge in their area of endorsement.

These students, with their wide range of experience, contribute significantly to classroom discussions. Our program affords them the opportunity to gain knowledge of the latest theories and practices. In addition, our program helps teachers to broaden their network of colleagues. When they return to the classroom, our students/educators tap into these new relationships to share information and research, and to develop tools for student achievement.

Students in this program may concentrate their studies in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education. With the proper undergraduate foundation, these students may also pursue the MA -T degree in Reading Education.