Teaching Certification
Fulfilling the requirements of this program provides you with eligibility for the Maryland Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I), which is granted by the Maryland State Department of Education. Other requirements may apply to become certified in Maryland. This certification enables you to teach in the state of Maryland once you graduate and provides enhanced opportunities for interstate reciprocity.
View the Program's AAQEP Accreditation
University of Maryland Global Campus is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Master of Arts in Teaching has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality. This program is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education as a professional education program leading to state teacher certification in the state of Maryland.
Additional Program Information
- State-Specific Details
- Program Admission Requirements
- Experience Recommended for Success
- Technology Requirements
- Transition Points
- Additional Information
Kentucky
Please be advised that UMGC currently does not admit students residing in Kentucky into UMGC's Master of Arts in Teaching program unless approved on a case-by-case basis. UMGC students residing in Kentucky would not be permitted to complete the program's field and clinical requirements in Kentucky public or nonpublic schools. For more information about Kentucky licensure, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board's website. Please email us for further information regarding UMGC's MAT program. Link to
U.S. Department of Defense Schools
If a student resides in a state in which UMGC is not currently accepting students and the student is eligible to complete the program's field and clinical requirements at a Department of Defense Education Activity school, the student may email us to discuss options for enrollment in the MAT program.
Professional Licensure
This program is designed to help prepare students to obtain initial certification as a teacher in Maryland in the field of secondary education in a specific subject area.
Learn more about Maryland's requirements for initial licensure. If you are seeking licensure in another state, you are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board in that state and confirm that the specific subject area you wish to pursue is available for licensure in that state. Learn more about professional licensure and how to contact your state's licensing board.
Application Deadlines
This program accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
- Fall: August 15
- Spring: January 15
- Summer: April 15
Once we receive your UMGC online application for admission, transcripts, and test scores (if applicable), we will notify you if you meet the admission criteria.
Admission Requirements
Updated for Fall 2022
To be eligible for admission, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Submit a letter of intent*
- Have an evaluator submit a completed recommendation form
- Provide the recommendation form to a supervisor who can evaluate your potential as a graduate student and professional teacher. Once completed, the evaluator should email the form to admissions@umgc.edu with "MAT Recommendation" as the subject.
- Note: Please download the form in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader to complete.
- Complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Complete a major in the content area in which you will seek certification (alternatively, and subject to UMGC approval, you can complete 30 credits in content-related courses)
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in content area coursework
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on your most recent degree
- If you do not have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on your most recent degree, you will need to submit an official qualifying test score on the Praxis CORE Assessment, or alternatively, a qualifying composite score on the Praxis I, SAT®1, ACT, or GRE. Titles and qualifying scores for these exams can be found at the Maryland State Department of Education.
* Letter of Intent Requirements
Your letter of intent assists the admissions committee in understanding how your experiences and academic history contribute to your interest and ability to be successful in UMGC’s program and a career in teaching. A strong letter communicates why you are choosing to pursue a degree in teaching. This is also an opportunity to tell the faculty what important experiences, values, and aspirations you bring to graduate study. Please include a summary of the following in your letter of intent:
- Your background and academic history (including degrees, certifications, and licenses)
- Your experiences working with children/youth that prepare you for graduate study (prior teaching experience is not required)
- How your personal attributes and interests, professional background, and relevant experiences prepare you for success in the online graduate program
- The name and contact information of at least two references
Your letter should be one to two pages in length, single-spaced in 12-point font.
Please submit your completed letter directly to UMGC at admissions@umgc.edu with "MAT Letter of Intent" as the subject.
Computer Science Applicants
Computer science applicants who possess a degree or coursework older than five years must also take the MSDE-required Praxis II content exam for computer science and submit a qualifying test score to apply to the MAT program.
World Language Applicants
World language applicants may be admitted without having a major or 30 credits in the language they wish to teach, but they must submit scores of Advanced Low on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the ACTFL Written Proficiency Test (WPT) for the language as well as show an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their bachelor’s degree or submit a qualifying basic skills assessment.
Transcripts and Test Scores
Please send official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) to
UMGC Graduate Admissions
3501 University Blvd. East
Adelphi, MD 20783
Applicants who will be taking the Praxis exams should use the following code to send their transcripts directly: UMGC Praxis code RA5406
Applicants who will be submitting SAT® scores should use the following code to send them directly: 0551
Transcript Self-Assessment
Although UMGC's graduate education department makes the final determination regarding admission, you are encouraged to perform a self-assessment of your transcript. Use the following forms to help you analyze your transcripts and review the required standards for your preferred teaching specialty.
Transcript Review Forms
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth and Space Sciences
- English
- French
- German
- History
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Spanish
Teaching Standards
Strong writing skills are encouraged in this program.
- As a student in this program, you are required to purchase a one-time $139 subscription (good for seven years) to Tk20 HigherEd before your first class begins; this is a comprehensive assessment and management system which supports all students and programs within the department.
- You may need access to a webcam/microphone for certain assignments.
Program transition points exist to ensure candidate progress and meet candidate needs in a timely manner. Transition points enable analysis of program progression and enable graduation projection and determinations of eligibility. For candidates to pass through transition points, they must meet the following criteria.
MAT Program Entry
- Apply to UMGC and meet graduate admission requirements and the additional program-specific admission requirements.
MAT Candidacy
- Receive a 3.0 in the first course or earn a 3.0 GPA in the term during which the first course is taken.
- Complete (0 Credits, UCSP 615) within the first 6 credits of the program.
MAT Entry to the Professional Internship
- Complete the first 24 credits in the program, including all field experiences, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or be placed on probation.
- Pass the MSDE-required Praxis II content assessment
MAT Eligibility for Graduation
- Complete all MAT course requirements with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Successful completion of full-time internship
- Complete the required pedagogy assessment
Please note: You will be responsible for following procedures for arranging field experiences and classroom observations within the school district of your choice. While UMGC is able to provide support and assistance in securing field placements, we cannot guarantee that all school districts will grant MAT students permission to enter the classroom. Also, states and local school districts have varying regulations and policies regarding field experiences and student teaching. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the student teaching requirements for your state and locality.
Kentucky
Please be advised that UMGC currently does not admit students residing in Kentucky into UMGC's Master of Arts in Teaching program unless approved on a case-by-case basis. UMGC students residing in Kentucky would not be permitted to complete the program's field and clinical requirements in Kentucky public or nonpublic schools. For more information about Kentucky licensure, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board's website. Please email us for further information regarding UMGC's MAT program. Link to
U.S. Department of Defense Schools
If a student resides in a state in which UMGC is not currently accepting students and the student is eligible to complete the program's field and clinical requirements at a Department of Defense Education Activity school, the student may email us to discuss options for enrollment in the MAT program.
Professional Licensure
This program is designed to help prepare students to obtain initial certification as a teacher in Maryland in the field of secondary education in a specific subject area.
Learn more about Maryland's requirements for initial licensure. If you are seeking licensure in another state, you are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board in that state and confirm that the specific subject area you wish to pursue is available for licensure in that state. Learn more about professional licensure and how to contact your state's licensing board.
Application Deadlines
This program accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
- Fall: August 15
- Spring: January 15
- Summer: April 15
Once we receive your UMGC online application for admission, transcripts, and test scores (if applicable), we will notify you if you meet the admission criteria.
Admission Requirements
Updated for Fall 2022
To be eligible for admission, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Submit a letter of intent*
- Have an evaluator submit a completed recommendation form
- Provide the recommendation form to a supervisor who can evaluate your potential as a graduate student and professional teacher. Once completed, the evaluator should email the form to admissions@umgc.edu with "MAT Recommendation" as the subject.
- Note: Please download the form in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader to complete.
- Complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Complete a major in the content area in which you will seek certification (alternatively, and subject to UMGC approval, you can complete 30 credits in content-related courses)
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in content area coursework
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on your most recent degree
- If you do not have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on your most recent degree, you will need to submit an official qualifying test score on the Praxis CORE Assessment, or alternatively, a qualifying composite score on the Praxis I, SAT®1, ACT, or GRE. Titles and qualifying scores for these exams can be found at the Maryland State Department of Education.
* Letter of Intent Requirements
Your letter of intent assists the admissions committee in understanding how your experiences and academic history contribute to your interest and ability to be successful in UMGC’s program and a career in teaching. A strong letter communicates why you are choosing to pursue a degree in teaching. This is also an opportunity to tell the faculty what important experiences, values, and aspirations you bring to graduate study. Please include a summary of the following in your letter of intent:
- Your background and academic history (including degrees, certifications, and licenses)
- Your experiences working with children/youth that prepare you for graduate study (prior teaching experience is not required)
- How your personal attributes and interests, professional background, and relevant experiences prepare you for success in the online graduate program
- The name and contact information of at least two references
Your letter should be one to two pages in length, single-spaced in 12-point font.
Please submit your completed letter directly to UMGC at admissions@umgc.edu with "MAT Letter of Intent" as the subject.
Computer Science Applicants
Computer science applicants who possess a degree or coursework older than five years must also take the MSDE-required Praxis II content exam for computer science and submit a qualifying test score to apply to the MAT program.
World Language Applicants
World language applicants may be admitted without having a major or 30 credits in the language they wish to teach, but they must submit scores of Advanced Low on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the ACTFL Written Proficiency Test (WPT) for the language as well as show an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their bachelor’s degree or submit a qualifying basic skills assessment.
Transcripts and Test Scores
Please send official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) to
UMGC Graduate Admissions
3501 University Blvd. East
Adelphi, MD 20783
Applicants who will be taking the Praxis exams should use the following code to send their transcripts directly: UMGC Praxis code RA5406
Applicants who will be submitting SAT® scores should use the following code to send them directly: 0551
Transcript Self-Assessment
Although UMGC's graduate education department makes the final determination regarding admission, you are encouraged to perform a self-assessment of your transcript. Use the following forms to help you analyze your transcripts and review the required standards for your preferred teaching specialty.
Transcript Review Forms
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth and Space Sciences
- English
- French
- German
- History
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Spanish
Teaching Standards
Strong writing skills are encouraged in this program.
- As a student in this program, you are required to purchase a one-time $139 subscription (good for seven years) to Tk20 HigherEd before your first class begins; this is a comprehensive assessment and management system which supports all students and programs within the department.
- You may need access to a webcam/microphone for certain assignments.
Program transition points exist to ensure candidate progress and meet candidate needs in a timely manner. Transition points enable analysis of program progression and enable graduation projection and determinations of eligibility. For candidates to pass through transition points, they must meet the following criteria.
MAT Program Entry
- Apply to UMGC and meet graduate admission requirements and the additional program-specific admission requirements.
MAT Candidacy
- Receive a 3.0 in the first course or earn a 3.0 GPA in the term during which the first course is taken.
- Complete (0 Credits, UCSP 615) within the first 6 credits of the program.
MAT Entry to the Professional Internship
- Complete the first 24 credits in the program, including all field experiences, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or be placed on probation.
- Pass the MSDE-required Praxis II content assessment
MAT Eligibility for Graduation
- Complete all MAT course requirements with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Successful completion of full-time internship
- Complete the required pedagogy assessment
Please note: You will be responsible for following procedures for arranging field experiences and classroom observations within the school district of your choice. While UMGC is able to provide support and assistance in securing field placements, we cannot guarantee that all school districts will grant MAT students permission to enter the classroom. Also, states and local school districts have varying regulations and policies regarding field experiences and student teaching. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the student teaching requirements for your state and locality.
FAQs
About the Program
An online master's degree in teaching is an online graduate degree that can help prepare you to meet the needs of diverse learners in a wide range of educational environments. UMGC’s online Master of Arts in Teaching is a 30-credit program designed for students who want to earn a Maryland teaching certification in secondary education. UMGC's program includes on-site experiences in each course, as well as an 18-week professional internship and seminar.
UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online master's degree in teaching follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.
You don't need to have majored in a specific area to be successful in the online master's degree in teaching program at UMGC. However, strong writing skills are encouraged.
You don't need any certifications to start the online master's degree in teaching program at UMGC, but successfully completing the program provides you with eligibility for the Maryland Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I), which is granted by the Maryland Department of Education. This certification enables you to teach in the state of Maryland once you graduate.
If you wish to teach pre-k to sixth grade, you will need to become certified in elementary education or early childhood education. The Maryland State Department of Education provides full details. The MAT prepares candidates to teach secondary grades, 7–12.
Application Process
Apply as early as possible before the term in which you'd like to enroll. This will give you enough time to send your transcripts and fill out the forms. It will also give UMGC enough time to review your application materials and answer your questions.
Scoring of Praxis CORE tests takes approximately 20 business days. If you are relying on a qualifying score on this test (versus the other options) to gain full admission, you should take the Praxis CORE at least four weeks prior to the application deadline.
Please refer to Master of Arts in Teaching admission requirements for more information.
If you do not have a major in the content area you wish to pursue, you may still be admitted if you have completed 30 credits in content-related coursework. You can perform a self-assessment of your prior coursework using our transcript review forms to determine if you have the necessary 30 credits of coursework.
Program Progression
UMGC's online master's degree in teaching is a 30-credit program with courses offered year-round. Depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer, you can expect to graduate in as little as two years. Plus, if you completed your undergraduate degree at UMGC, you may be able to take advantage of an accelerated pathway that could reduce your coursework for this program by up to 12 credits, saving you time and money.
In order to graduate, Master of Arts in Teaching students are required to have
- Completed all MAT courses, including all field experiences, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- Achieved a passing score on the appropriate MSDE-required content exam
- Completed the required pedagogy assessment
- Completed a teaching portfolio, based upon the national and state principles and standards, and a Student Learning Objectives project
- Successfully completed a secondary school teaching internship and earned appropriate performance evaluations from a university field supervisor, cooperating/mentor teacher, and as appropriate, secondary school supervisory personnel
By completing UMGC's Master of Arts in Teaching—a Maryland state-approved program—you become eligible to apply to the Maryland State Department of Education for certification to teach in your chosen content area. The Maryland Standard Professional Certificate (known as SPC I) enables the certificate holder to teach in the state of Maryland. Students should refer to MSDE's certification requirements and process for more information.
Learn more about professional licensure in Maryland and other states.
As a classroom teacher, you will be teaching your own students biology, chemistry, computer science, earth/space science, English, history, mathematics, physics, social studies, Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin Chinese. Applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching must demonstrate that they know their content area. Achieving a 2.75 or greater in a major (or sufficient coursework in the content area and areas that are specifically related to the content area) provides evidence that you are ready to deepen and expand your knowledge and apply your existing knowledge to teaching others.
1 SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, UMGC.
