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

  • Illustration of a stack of books Credits: 39
  • Illustration of a calendar Class Duration: 8 and 16 week courses
  • Illustration of a computer with charts and graphs on the screen Delivery: Online coursework with in-person internship
  • Illustration of an analog clock Format: Full-time or Part-time
  • Illustration of a classical building with columns Next Admission Term: Summer 2024
  • Illustration of a graduation cap Time of Completion: As little as 1 year*

*Up to 5 years to complete.

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

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
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.