Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Certification

Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education Degree (Certification in Grades 1-6)

The Master of Arts in Teaching, elementary education degree program is for individuals seeking initial teacher certification in grades 1 - 6. The course of study is designed to prepare exceptionally qualified teachers who are responsive to the educational needs of diverse learners at the elementary level (grades 1-6). Completion of this program and appropriate licensure exams will lead to eligibility for Maryland State Department of Education teacher certification.

Loyola's MAT program is grounded in the guiding tenets of Loyola's School of Education conceptual framework—competence, conscience, and compassion—and is influenced by the Jesuit educational philosophy, which emphasizes academic excellence, reflective practice, ethical leadership, and social justice in education.

Program Overview

Credits: 39
Class Duration: 8 and 16 week courses
Delivery: Hybrid
Format: Full-time or Part-time
Next Admission Term: Spring 2024
Time of Completion: 1-5 years

Prerequisites

Bachelor degree required
3.0 or higher GPA in most recent degree or passing score on the Praxis Core or equivalent exam
Liberal Arts background including a minimum of:
- 9 English credits, including one literature course
- 9 Mathematics credits, including one statistics course
- 9 Social Studies credits, including one U.S. History course
- 10 Science credits, including one laboratory skills course

Transcript Analysis

A transcript analysis determines the content area prerequisites you may be required to complete in addition to MAT program course work. While an analysis can be completed when application materials are received, prior completion of the analysis allows for a quicker admissions decision. To request a transcript analysis, please email a copy of your unofficial transcript to mat@loyola.edu.

Students missing no more than three prerequisite courses may be admitted conditionally to the part-time program. These courses are taken outside of Loyola and must be completed by the end of the second semester.

Students pursing the full-time pathway should have all prerequisite courses completed prior to beginning the program.

Program Pathways

Full-Time, One-Year

The full-time MAT is completed in one year (summer-spring), with courses beginning in May. All courses are offered in the evenings.

Part-Time

Students have the flexibility to complete the Part-Time MAT graduate program in 2-5 years through convenient evening classes that will work with most schedules.

Combined B.A./B.S. MAT Program (5th Year Master's degree for Loyola Students)

Current Loyola undergraduate students can get a jump start on their MAT. During their senior year, they take three graduate-level courses which count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. The remaining MAT courses begin on a full-time basis the summer following graduation.

Fast-Track MAT Admission for Loyola Seniors

Loyola seniors now have the option to apply to the Full-Time, One-Year or Part-Time MAT program at Loyola through our Fast-Track admission. This option waives the application fee, resume, essay, and letter of recommendation.

Teacher Certification for Conditionally Certified Teachers

Loyola offers conditionally certified teacher courses for teachers to take toward their certification. Designed for candidates in public, private, or parochial schools currently teaching in their area of certification.

Practical, Real-World Application

Students complete clinical experiences in Professional Development and partnership schools in the greater Baltimore area. Students who are already teaching in their certification area may have the option to complete their field experiences and/or internship in their schools.

Hear from Greyhounds

Loyola’s MAT program was exactly what I was looking for— a great hands on experience with supportive and encouraging mentors. The internship experience has been amazing and I have learned so much from all of my professors and my mentor teachers, so I feel that Loyola has prepared me to be the kind of educator that I strive to be.

Nicole Levine, '22

The MAT program's clinical and academic experiences prepared me to be a teacher who models compassion, competence, creativity, preparation, reflection, and responsiveness to diverse learners. In just one year, I have grown tremendously and am proud to be a part of this community of highly qualified teachers.

Summer Pearson, ‘22

As an educator, the MAT program gave me the necessary tools to promote and cultivate, diversity, equity, and inclusion in my classroom. Invaluable internship experiences alongside relevant curriculum ensured that my transition from scholar to educator be a seamless and successful one.

Martina Ramirez, '18

Request information and apply

Ready to learn more?

Explore the following links or contact us at mat@loyola.edu or 410-617-5095. For admission-related questions, contact Mechelle Palmer at mjpalmer@loyola.edu.

Meet Our Community

Pursuing Justice, Together

When students enroll in the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs at Loyola’s School of Education, they are welcomed into a vibrant and diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are engaged in ensuring an inclusive educational system that actualizes social justice.