Guide to a Combined Master’s and Teaching Credential Program

Thomas Broderick
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Updated on April 16, 2024
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Even if you didn’t major in education, you can still become a teacher. Research master’s and teaching credential programs.

Teachers are dedicated and hardworking professionals. And while some decide to pursue a career in teaching early on, others make the decision later in life — and that’s OK. Either way, there’s a path for you.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing a career in education, you can complete a master’s degree and earn your teaching credentials at the same time.

Why consider a combined teaching program? Because combined master’s and teaching credential programs are set up to help you get into the classroom — and fast.

What Is a Combined Master’s and Teaching Credential Program?

There are specific requirements for becoming a licensed teacher. A combined master’s and teaching credential program allows you to earn a master’s degree in an education area while also meeting the requirements to obtain your teaching credentials.

Depending on your career goals, your path will include completing a combined master’s and teaching credential program through pursuing a master of education (M.Ed.) or a master of teaching (MAT).

So what’s the difference between an MAT vs. an M.Ed.?

M.Ed.

  • Specialize in educational topics like inclusive learning or curriculum and instruction.
  • Prep for specialized teaching roles like STEAM or literacy.
  • Popular option for those seeking careers in administrative leadership, counseling, or educational policy.

MAT

  • Specialize in elementary education or secondary subjects like English or math.
  • Prep for classroom teaching with coursework on classroom management and teaching philosophies.
  • Popular option for people who do not have a bachelor’s in education or who are not already certified teachers.

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Prerequisites for a Combined Master’s and Teaching Credential Program

To apply to a master’s program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree. But keep in mind that each college has its own requirements.

A combined master’s and teaching credential program prerequisites could include:

What Credentials Are Available in a Combined Master’s and Teaching Credential Program?

Most teachers go into a master’s and teaching credential program knowing what age group they want to work with, or what content they like to teach. Depending on your interests, you’ll pursue either a single-subject teaching credential or a multiple-subject teaching credential.

Single-Subject Teaching Credentials

  • You want to teach middle or high school-aged students.
  • You are passionate about teaching a specific subject like English or science.
  • You’ll deeply explore your content with strategies for working with secondary students.

Multiple-Subject Teaching Credentials

  • You enjoy working with elementary-aged kids.
  • You want to work mostly with one class of students teaching all subjects (humanities, science, etc.)
  • You’ll learn curriculum standards for age groups, and classroom management strategies for young kids.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Teaching?

Combined master’s and teaching credential programs qualify you to work as a public K-12 educator. Your program’s concentration area determines your initial career path. Your university may offer primary, secondary, special, or career and technical education concentrations.

Some states refer to a teaching credential as a license. You may use your credential or license to work in states with licensure reciprocity. The Education Commission of the States website posts the latest reciprocity information.

A master’s degree and work experience may qualify you to work as a vice principal or principal within your district. Other requirements may include exams. Check with your district office for more information.

Careers With a Master’s in Teaching
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2022)
Career and Technical Education Teacher$61,450
Elementary School Teacher$61,620
High School Teacher$62,360
Middle School Teacher$61,810
Special Education Teacher$62,950
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions About Combined Master’s and Teaching Credential Programs

You can complete a combined master’s and teaching credential program in as little as 14 months. Each program has its own credit and course requirements, but typically full-time students can earn their degree and teaching credentials in two years or less.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 8, 2024.

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