Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Rockford University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) with endorsements increases your marketability and boosts your resume. Enhance your teaching career, and add new skills.

Who is it for?

Experienced teachers who hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) and want to add a subsequent endorsement in Bilingual, ESL, Elementary Education, Special Education LSB1, or Reading Teacher to their PEL.

Experienced teachers who are also interested in increasing their pay by earning a master’s degree.

Two M.Ed. Endorsement Tracks Available 100% online:

• M.Ed. in English Second Language (ESL)
• M.Ed. in Special Education (LBS1)

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.

REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES

• Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in all required graduate course work attempted in the MAT program.
• A “B” average is required in all 600 level foundations courses, with no courses accepted in which graded below a “C” have been earned. A 600 level foundations course can be repeated only once.
• Students with baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities may register for graduate level course work for which they have met the prerequisites as non-degree seeking students-at-large.
• If a student chooses to apply to the MAT program to seek a degree, only a maximum of 12 hours will be accepted at the time of matriculation upon the approval of the MAT committee.
• Students are expected to enroll in at least one course every school year (fall semester through summer session). Students who are not enrolled for two years (six concurrent semesters), which includes summer semesters, will be deactivated. To be readmitted, students must reapply and follow the rules, regulations, and requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
• For Rockford University’s policy on adding and dropping courses, please refer to the Rockford University Academic Regulations.
• Matriculated students must have signed Plans of Study on file before they will be allowed to register for certain courses or graduate. Plans must be developed in consultation with their advisors before the pre-registration period.
• Students must complete all requirements for the degree within five years.
• Upon approval, a maximum of six semester hours of appropriate graduate credit completed elsewhere within the past five years, with a grade of at least B, may be counted toward the degree requirements. The courses must not be part of another master’s degree program. Determination of the acceptance of transfer credit will be made at the time of matriculation.  Application for transfer credit subsequent to matriculation must be approved before students register for courses at other institutions.
• Students seeking state licensure as part of the MAT program must take and pass one of the following: Basic Skills Test, Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), ACT w/Writing, SAT test, prior to taking specific classes.
• Some graduate courses are dual-listed with undergraduate courses. Course requirements will differ for graduate students enrolled in these courses.
• All Instructional Strategies MAT students are required to submit a professional portfolio which shows concrete, observable evidence of mastery of teaching skills. Complete details on this portfolio will be provided upon admittance.
• Typically, the MAT degree is a 36 credit hour program. However, a 32 credit hour plus thesis/project option is available. Full details on this option will be made available upon request.
• Students must complete and submit to the Office of Student Administrative Services two graduation forms, along with the graduation fee in order to have their degree posted on their transcript.  Forms can be found on this website.

It is your responsibility to be familiar with all of the policies and procedures of your program.  A complete list of policies and procedures listed in the Academic Catalog.

MAT Course Schedule

APPLY TO THE PROGRAM

Education

Business

FEES AND FINANCIAL AID

MAT and M.Ed. Fee Schedule

Additional fees not listed here may also apply and are subject to change without notice.

2023-2024 Full Year Cost of Attendance Budget

*(for Graduate Programs, the tuition is calculated per credit hour and will vary per student)

Financial Aid

There is a limited amount of financial aid that Rockford University offers to its admitted graduate students. Learn more >>

Employee Reimbursement /Tuition Deferment Program

Rockford University will defer your tuition payment until after you have completed the semester to allow time for your employer to reimburse you. The program is limited to reimbursable tuition costs only; registration fees and textbook costs are not eligible for deferment, even though you may receive reimbursement for these costs. Please ask for a Tuition Deferment Form in Student Administrative Services (SAS).

Learn more about our Employer Reimbursement/Tuition Deferment Program >>

FACULTY AND STAFF

About Master of Arts in Teaching

Empowered Minds Learning Together

Rockford University offers several approved programs of study that meet the professional requirements for teachers in Illinois. We pride ourselves in creating the next generation of educators. Countless graduates have gone on to be Golden Apple Award winners, including an Illinois Teacher of the Year!

Length of time to complete the MAT can take between two to three years and depends upon the initial licensure program chosen and the numbers of courses taken each semester. Students have up to five years to complete the degree requirements.

Initial Licensure Programs

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.

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.