Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education — Boston
This Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education is designed to enhance your foundational skills, broaden your perspectives, and strengthen your ability to inspire and educate.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education is designed to equip aspiring teachers or career-changers (with a strong background in their chosen content area — bachelor's degree or equivalent) with an active understanding of the diverse educational needs, social concerns, and cultural values of today's secondary schools.
The comprehensive nature of the program enhances foundational practice and theory and prepares graduates to excel as skilled leaders in education. Upon completing this master's degree, which includes pre-practicum/early field work observations and a full term of student teaching, you will be well positioned to make a meaningful impact in your school, in your community, and in the lives of your students.
Upon completing this master's degree, which includes pre-practicum/early field work observations and a full term of student teaching, graduates are well positioned to make a meaningful impact in their school, community and in the lives of their students.
The MAT+ option provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete Northeastern’s Master of Arts in Teaching with further study in a selected area of expertise.
Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either:
- An additional license in special education (teacher of students of moderate disabilities, preK-8, or 5-12), or
- An additional license in ESL (teacher of English as a second language, preK-8, or 5-12).
- Teacher candidates may also plan a program of study that allows for triple licensure in consultation with the program director.
- The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education (8-12) has been approved for initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education in the following content areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, and Physics.
Program objectives
- Gain political, social, and historical perspectives on education
- Explore the richly complex environments of schools and communities
- Develop a working understanding of teaching and learning in diverse settings
- Investigate how humans learn, acquire knowledge, and make sense of their experiences
- Examine theories of teaching and explore how best to teach for understanding and learning achievement
- Research methods and materials, pedagogies, and assessment strategies that foster integrated learning
Unique Features
- MAT+ option provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with further study in a selected area of expertise.
- State Certified: The Master of Arts in Teaching in has been approved for initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
- Students partake in pre-practicum/early field work observations, teaching practicum and seminars, and a full term of student teaching
- Choose from elective courses covering a broad range of skills and approaches, including literacy, behavior management, and special education strategies
- Field-Based Experiential Learning: Students of the MAT program are exposed to experiential learning opportunities early in the program. These opportunities include pre-practicum and early field work observations, and a full term of student teaching and seminar. Early Fieldwork is a minimum of 55 hours (some can be waived dependent on students' prior K12 classroom experience) in a K12 public school setting. They also complete a full time 14-week practicum - placed in a school with a Supervising Practitioner (k12 classroom educator) and a Northeastern University Supervisor. There they eventually take over the class the primary teacher.
Accreditation
The Master of Arts in Secondary Education (grades 8-12) has been approved for initial licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the following content areas: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics.
Career Prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Average Salary, Secondary Education Administration
Average Salary, Instructional Coordinators
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
1.00 | Credits 8.00 |
Complete one of the following courses:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Elective Courses
Complete 4 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Looking to deepen your knowledge and expertise?
The MAT+ offers qualifying students the opportunity to complete a MAT with further study in a selected area of expertise. Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either an additional license in special education (teacher of students of moderate disabilities, PreK–8 or 5–12) or an additional license in ESL (teacher of English as a Second Language, PreK-8 or 5-12).
Concentrations
The MAT+ provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with further study in a selected area of expertise. Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either an additional license in special education (teacher of students of moderate disabilities, PreK-8 or 5-12) or an additional license in ESL (teacher of English as a Second Language, PreK-8 or 5-12). Teacher candidates may also plan a program of study that allows for triple licensure in consultation with the program director.
The special education course requirements are:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
0.00 | Credits 4.00 |
This Commonwealth of Massachusetts-approved MAT+ program consists of five courses, some of which may be taken as electives in the MAT program.
The English as a Second Language course requirements are:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
0.00 | Credits 4.00 |
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Avg Institutional Aid
% Receiving Aid
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
-
Where They Work
- Boston Public Schools
- Chicago Public Schools
- NYC Department of Education
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Tufts University
-
What They Do
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Business Development
- Human Services
- Entrepreneurship
-
What They're Skilled At
- Teaching
- Public Speaking
- Curriculum Development
- Leadership
- Research
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online Application
- Professional Resumé
- Unofficial Undergraduate Transcripts: Upon admission to the program, you must provide the official undergraduate transcript(s) in a stamped and sealed envelope from the institution(s), stating degree conferral and date.
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Two Letters of Recommendation: From individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer.
- Statement of Purpose: Northeastern University's Graduate School of Education teacher-preparation programs are dedicated to cultivating educators committed to equity for all students. How does this mission align with your own professional goals? What skills and characteristics do you believe are necessary to be successful in teaching? Please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to the applicant's statement of purpose.
- MTEL Exam: It is NOT required that students have passed any MTEL exams to apply to and be accepted into the program. Students will need to pass all required MTEL exams to earn their teacher license, but they can take the MTEL exams during the MAT program.
- Prerequisites: Applicants for the MAT Secondary need to have an undergraduate degree or significant coursework in the subject they want to teach or have passed the required content MTEL.
- English Language Proficiency Proof: (VALID ONLY UP TO 2 YEARS FROM TEST DATE, and may take best score of 2). Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- If a student is in their last term of their bachelor’s degree program or holds a conferred bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution OR an English-speaking international institution in an English-speaking country, we will waive the requirement to submit an English language proficiency score.
- TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) or NU Global Exam score
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727