What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can you do with a master of arts in teaching in 2025?

At its core, an MAT makes you a stronger, licensure-ready teacher and a more competitive candidate for roles that touch curriculum and instruction. In K–12 settings, graduates step into elementary, middle, or high-school classrooms with deeper training in lesson design, classroom management, assessment, and differentiation. With demand in areas like special education and English-language learning, an MAT can position you to meet shortages—and in many districts, to move up the pay “lanes” tied to degree attainment. 

For those comparing options, it’s helpful to consider what can you do with a graduate certificate in early childhood education, since both programs expand teaching credentials but prepare graduates for different career stages and student populations. While a certificate can open doors to preschool and childcare leadership roles, the MAT offers broader teaching opportunities across K–12 education.

Outside homeroom, MAT coursework maps directly to roles that influence teaching quality: 

• instructional coaching, 
• curriculum writing, and 
• coordination. 

It also lays groundwork for future moves into leadership (where many employers prefer or expect a master’s) or postsecondary teaching in certain contexts. 

The reality check: the decade outlook for several K–12 roles is flat to slightly negative, but openings remain high because districts must replace retirees and career-changers. Translation: qualifications still matter, and graduate-level pedagogy remains a differentiator.

What careers can you pursue with a MAT?

Graduates with a Master of Arts in Teaching gain not just advanced instructional skills, but also a highly transferable pedagogy that opens doors both inside and beyond the classroom. An MAT signals to employers that you have mastered curriculum design, assessment, and student engagement, making you competitive in multiple educational niches.

Common career paths include:

• K–12 classroom teacher (elementary, middle, or high school).
• Special education instructor (varied settings, IEP leadership).
• ESL/bilingual teacher (pull-out/push-in, sheltered instruction). In fact, those exploring jobs with a master's degree in TESOL will find opportunities that extend beyond traditional classrooms, including teaching adult learners, working in international schools, or contributing to language development programs at colleges and universities.
• Instructional coordinator or curriculum specialist (program design, teacher PD, data oversight).
• Education administrator pipeline (department chair → assistant principal → principal).
• Adult/continuing education or postsecondary teaching (community colleges, adult literacy, GED prep).

Demand varies by role, but national pay medians show where a MAT plus experience can lead (see chart below). Many graduates also pursue add-on certifications, such as online ESL teaching certification and requirements, to expand into K–12 bilingual programs or adult-education markets. These combined credentials help MAT holders remain versatile and in demand.

How much can you earn with a MAT in 2025?

The National Education Association’s (NEA) latest national snapshot shows average teacher pay at $72,030 for 2023–24, up 3.8% year-over-year—a climate where advanced-degree lanes matter. Teachers entering the profession with a master’s start around $48,182, which is about $3,652 (8.2%) higher than peers with only a bachelor’s degree.

Over time, the pay gap grows: across U.S. districts, the average top-step salary for master’s-level teachers is $84,272, and in some large systems the difference is dramatic. For example, in Montgomery County, Maryland, the top-step annual difference for a master’s is $36,716.

At the national level, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows elementary teachers earning a median of $62,340, high school teachers at $64,580, and instructional coordinators at $74,720—roles where an MAT often makes candidates more competitive. Education administrators at the K–12 level earn a median of $104,070, demonstrating the potential ceiling.

While your state, district, and subject area heavily influence salary, pursuing an MAT consistently positions you for higher starting pay and larger long-run earnings potential. Adding endorsements, such as physical education teacher certification, can also boost stipends and opportunities.

Is a MAT worth the cost and time?

The return on investment for a Master of Arts in Teaching depends on three levers: tuition cost, your district’s salary schedule, and how quickly you can use the credential. The good news: the payoff begins immediately. According to the NEA, teachers with a master’s start at $48,182, which is 8.2% higher than peers with a bachelor’s.

Over time, the gap compounds. At the top of most salary schedules, master’s-level teachers average $84,272, with some districts showing differences exceeding $20,000 annually. Research.com estimates this can translate into roughly $158,562 more over a 30-year career.

Broader pay trends also strengthen the case. NEA data shows teacher salaries climbed 3.8% year-over-year in 2023–24, outpacing some previous years and helping to shorten payback time.

For those worried about opportunity cost, online and accelerated pathways—such as a fast track master of arts in teaching online—make it possible to earn while you learn. The caveat: if your district offers only a small lane increase, payback will be slower. But in systems with strong graduate pay differentials, a MAT is both a financial and professional win.

How long does it take to complete a MAT program?

Most Master of Arts in Teaching programs take between 12 and 24 months, though the exact timeline depends on prior coursework, program design, and whether you attend full- or part-time. Traditional campus-based programs usually run two academic years and include summers, while online MATs often offer flexible pacing. Accelerated cohorts can condense the experience to just 12–15 months, but they demand intensive scheduling.

Another factor is licensure requirements. Most states require supervised student-teaching or clinical hours, and some mandate specific minimums that extend completion time. These embedded practica are non-negotiable, since they’re tied to initial certification. Working teachers who already meet some licensure thresholds may move faster, while career changers often need the full practicum sequence.

It’s also useful to compare MAT pathways with shortest alternative teacher certification program online options. While these routes can qualify you for a classroom sooner, they typically emphasize licensure basics rather than the advanced pedagogy and graduate-lane salary impact an MAT offers. In districts that pay significantly more for master’s degrees, the extra months invested in a MAT can pay back quickly in long-term earnings.

Can you earn a MAT online or part-time?

Yes. Many universities now deliver fully online or hybrid MAT programs with evening live sessions, asynchronous modules, and local school partnerships for clinical work. That flexibility matters if you’re already teaching, balancing family responsibilities, or unable to relocate. When comparing programs, it helps to vet four essentials:

1. Licensure alignment — confirm your state board accepts the program’s coursework.
2. Clinical requirements — check how many supervised classroom hours are built in and who mentors you.
3. Scheduling — cohort pacing and course sequence affect whether you finish closer to 12 months or 24.
4. Cost versus payoff — weigh tuition net of aid against your district’s graduate-lane salary premium.

For career-changers, part-time tracks with heavier pedagogy and practicum may be smarter. Already teaching? An accelerated online MAT can compress the pathway into about a year, minimizing opportunity cost. With NEA data showing an 8.2% starting pay premium for master’s-level teachers, the ability to study without pausing your paycheck strengthens the case for online or part-time formats.

What specializations are available in MAT programs?

One of the biggest advantages of a Master of Arts in Teaching is the ability to tailor it toward high-demand specialties. Districts consistently report shortages in special education, where teachers handle Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), coordinate with families, and ensure compliance with federal and state law. These roles require not only patience but also legal literacy and specialized pedagogy, which makes an MAT with a special education concentration especially valuable.

Another enduring need is ESL/bilingual education, where teachers help multilingual learners build both academic language and social fluency. According to NCES, nearly 11% of U.S. public school students are classified as English learners, so districts often attach stipends to this track.

Traditional elementary and secondary education tracks remain popular, layering content knowledge with evidence-based teaching methods. For those with long-term ambitions, some MATs include curriculum and instruction or educational leadership modules that prepare you for coaching, department chair, or eventual administrative roles. If your focus is early childhood, check your state’s early childhood teaching certification requirements, as aligning your MAT with the right endorsement can expand opportunities and salary potential.

Another niche worth noting is gifted and talented education, where specialists design enrichment programs for high-achieving students. While often less publicized than special education or ESL, this path can be rewarding both professionally and financially, as data on gifted education masters degree salary suggests that teachers with this advanced specialization frequently command higher pay scales due to their unique expertise. As well, you can use the information from the chart below to guide your specialization choice.

You can use the information from the chart below to guide your specialization choice.

Do you need a MAT to become a certified teacher or keep licensure?

For most teachers, initial certification is based on a bachelor’s degree, an approved preparation program, and passing state exams. A Master of Arts in Teaching is not universally required for licensure, but it changes the equation in meaningful ways. According to NCES, about 51% of U.S. public K–12 teachers hold a master’s degree—reflecting how common graduate credentials have become in the profession.

Where a MAT becomes more than optional is in career mobility and salary structure. Many districts pay on “lanes,” with advanced degrees yielding immediate raises. NEA data shows master’s graduates start about 8.2% higher in pay than bachelor’s-only peers, and that gap compounds at the top step. Some specialized teaching roles—like special education or ESL—strongly prefer graduate-level preparation, while administrative roles almost always require a master’s plus licensure.

If you’re planning for leadership, reviewing your state’s school principal certification requirements early helps avoid duplicating coursework. Policies evolve, especially for online degrees crossing state lines, so it’s smart to verify requirements with your state board before committing.

What are the career advancement opportunities with a MAT?

A Master of Arts in Teaching equips educators for robust career elevation—moving beyond classroom instruction into leadership and specialized education roles. For instance, Instructional Coordinators earn a median salary of $74,720, guiding curriculum, teacher development, and instructional programs. At the top of the K–12 system, clinicians and administrators—like principals—earn around $104,070 annually.

In higher ed, while postsecondary administrators often command higher pay, BLS data is inconsistent; one OEWS source lists a mean of $111,260. However, a more conservative route like postsecondary teaching—often as adjuncts or lecturers—pays $66,930 median for education-related subjects. Outside traditional academic paths, training & development specialists—roles in corporations or nonprofits applying pedagogical skills—earn $65,850, with 12% projected job growth, much faster than average.

MAT graduates can also branch into educational policy jobs, where their expertise in curriculum design and teaching effectiveness contributes to shaping district, state, or even national education standards. These roles often intersect with research, advocacy, and policy analysis, offering a chance to influence systems-level change beyond the classroom.

Across these pathways, leadership tools win. Roles like department chair, mentor teacher, or district-level coaching leverage advanced pedagogical know-how and often include stipends. Building instructional artifacts during your MAT positions you strongly for these bumps.

Can a MAT lead to roles outside classroom teaching?

Yes — and this is where skill translation pays off. The MAT’s blend of pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment science maps cleanly onto industries that prize structured learning. Training and development specialists, for example, earn a $65,850 median salary with 12% projected growth through 2033, much faster than average. Instructional coordinators, often found in corporate L&D or EdTech, average $74,720 and bring stability for those who want to remain content-focused. Adult literacy and ESL programs offer another outlet, with $59,720 median pay, though growth varies by region.

If you enjoy coaching adults, building curricula, and measuring outcomes, you’ll find these deliverables nearly identical to what you complete in a strong MAT capstone. A practical route is to teach while freelancing in instructional design or corporate training, then transition full-time once your portfolio demonstrates measurable results. Just remember: outside K–12, compensation ranges more widely, and hiring managers prioritize evidence of impact (completions, adoption rates, behavior change) over credentials alone — but your MAT gives you the professional foundation.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Master of Arts in Teaching Program

Other Things You Should Know About a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Do MAT programs always include student teaching?

In most states, yes — licensure-aligned programs embed supervised clinical hours or student teaching, and your state board specifies the exact minimums. Some online MATs arrange local placements so you don’t relocate. Verify two things before enrolling: (1) the program is approved in your target state, and (2) its clinical placements meet hour requirements. That keeps licensure clean when you file. 

Is financial aid available for MAT students?

Typically yes. Federal loans apply to accredited graduate programs, and many colleges offer scholarships or discounts for teachers in shortage fields (e.g., special education, ESL). Some districts reimburse coursework tied to approved advancement or hard-to-staff subjects. To tighten ROI, compare your district’s lane bump against tuition after aid, not sticker price — and factor in how quickly the bump kicks in contractually. 

Can I transfer prior graduate credits into an MAT?

Often you can transfer 6–12 recent, relevant credits — but policies vary by school and accreditation rules. Credits must match course outcomes (methods, assessment, literacy) and meet age limits. Ask for an official pre-evaluation before applying, and keep syllabi handy to prove equivalence. This can trim both cost and time-to-degree. 

Are online MATs accepted for licensure everywhere?

Not automatically. Many states accept online MATs if the program meets state standards and includes supervised clinical hours. If you plan to study in one state and license in another, confirm reciprocity and testing rules with your target state’s board before you start — especially for special education and ESL, which often add endorsements and Praxis variants. When in doubt, call the board.