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Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Have you dreamed of becoming a teacher? Whether you have a background in education or have earned a degree in another discipline and want to become a teacher, Rockford University’s MAT program provides you with teaching skills and prepares you to seek a teaching license in one of several endorsement areas.

Since 1952, Rockford University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree has established a proud tradition as a teacher of teachers. Our graduates distinguish themselves as educational leaders throughout the nation.

Who is it for?

Career changes or professionals with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than education who want to become teachers and are pursuing a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a master’s degree.

MAT: Admission Requirements

For admission to the MAT program, students must submit the following to be evaluated:

MAT Admission Checklist
Evaluation for admission is based on the following criteria:

  • Application
    • Apply at rockford.edu/apply
    • Choose Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
    • Choose your preferred endorsement
  • Official Transcripts with Degree Posting from an accredited college or university
    • Cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5
    • Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope or digitally secure email

Submission of the above does not guarantee admission. It provides you with the opportunity to be evaluated for admission. Students not currently enrolled in a Graduate degree program at Rockford University can complete no more than 12 credits of Rockford University coursework at the Graduate level that may be counted toward a Rockford University graduate degree program.

How does it work?

MAT-bound students learn practical teaching skills and subject-specific information through professional specialization and foundations courses. Classroom clinical hours and student teaching provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Earn an initial PEL with an endorsement in:

  • Early Childhood
  • Elementary
  • K-12 (PE, World Language Spanish)
  • Middle Grades (Grades 5-8; Literacy, Math, Science, or Social Science)
  • Secondary (Grades 9-12; Biology, Chemistry, English, History, or Math)
  • Special Education (Preschool-Age 21)

Award-winning Alumni

Since 2009, 29 alumni have been Golden Apple Award winners, 2 alumnae have been recognized as Illinois Teachers of the Year, 1 alumnus has been honored as North Carolina Teacher of the Year (2015), and 1 alumna was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year (2014). 

In 2018, 4 out of the 5 Golden Apple winners were Rockford University alumni, and the Puri Outstanding Principal Award was also awarded to an RU graduate.

Rock Solid Alumni.

Office of Admission

Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Admissions@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
After hour appointments available by request