MA in Teaching with Certification
Become a Certified Teacher and Earn an MA
The Master of Arts in Teaching with Certification (MATC) program is designed for candidates with a bachelors degree who wish to earn a master’s degree while completing requirements for an Illinois teaching certificate.
Most candidates are eligible for certification and may assume their first teaching position in less than two years. Candidates complete their master’s degree in evening courses while they work in their first professional teaching position during the third year of the program. Evening and summer courses are offered in three locations: Chicago, Crystal Lake and Arlington Heights. Evening classes generally start around 6:00 pm and meet once a week. New terms begin each year in the fall.
MATC candidates may choose from four Illinois teaching certificates:
- Early Childhood Education (Infant to Grade 3)
- Elementary Education (K - Grade 9)
- Secondary Education (Grades 6 - 12)
- K-12 Education (Art, Foreign Language, Music, and Physical Education Only)
Learning through the Cohort Model
MATC candidates have the advantage of working together through a Cohort Model.
Illinois Teacher Requirements
All teachers in Illinois have the same requirements for certification, whether they come to the profession as undergraduate or graduate students.
International Students
MATC candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents in order to obtain state certification. However, candidates can still earn the same graduate degree. International students have additional requirements for admission.
Admission Requirements
Candidates are qualified based on their completion of specific admission requirements.
Application Process
The MATC program is focused on developing dedicated, professional educators. A career in education starts with this simple admissions process.