You know your calling is to teach.
If you are an aspiring teacher, PLNU's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is the program for you. You can choose to earn your preliminary teaching credential in the following areas: multiple subject (for elementary school teaching), single subject (for middle and high school teaching), or education specialist mild/moderate or moderate/severe (for special education teaching).
Establish Your Credibility
Gain the skills and degree you need to live out your call to teach. Earn your credential paired with a master’s degree that establishes you as a knowledgeable, committed teaching candidate in only 18 months. PLNU’s accreditations and district partnerships mean your degree will be from a university that is well known and respected in the community.
Be Confident in Your Calling
Learn in an environment where your goals, faith, and passion are shared and valued. At PLNU, we are here to partner with you and to give you the same holistic care you know every student deserves. Your curriculum is grounded in research and tied to critical needs and current topics facing educators.
Build a Lasting Network of Support
PLNU faculty and master teachers mentor you. Career counselors guide you. PLNU’s education alumni network, Education Associates, keeps you connected long after graduation. And further professional development opportunities are available as you advance in your career.
PLNU’s MAT program includes one or more of the four preliminary teaching credentials approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing:
- Multiple Subject: Enables you to teach at the elementary grade levels in a K-12 self-contained, general education classroom (see courses)
- Single Subject: Enables you to teach at the middle school or high school levels or in a K-12 subject specific setting (see courses)
- Education Specialist Mild/Moderate & Extensive Support: Enables you to teach K-12 students with mild/moderate to severe disabilities (see courses)
You will complete the MAT program in two phases:
- Phase I consists of 23-29 units of coursework and 10 units of clinical practice (student teaching), culminating in a preliminary teaching credential (33-39 units). You are not required to finish Phase II of the MAT degree to earn the preliminary credential.
- Phase II usually takes place after you have earned your preliminary credential. This phase consists of 7-13 units, depending on your chosen specialization, for a total of 46 units. At the end of Phase II, you will be granted a master's degree.
When you complete the Master of Arts in Teaching, you and your classmates will be prepared to:
Equip
- Promote the success of all students by being servant leaders who serve collaboratively and effectively with professional excellence, honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.
Transform
- Demonstrate the positive power of diversity and advocacy for universal social justice within your classrooms, schools, districts, and communities, and apply faith-based influences and beliefs within educational organizations.
Empower
- Reflect on and engage in ongoing scholarly, professional, and spiritual growth, and serve effectively as research-based, transformational leaders within your classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.
If you are ready to pursue your passion for teaching, we are ready to make it possible.
Professional Licensure or Certification
This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website.