While MAT applicants* must hold a bachelor's degree, they are not required to have a specific prior degree or experience in an educational field or otherwise. We value a wide range of backgrounds in our students. If our social mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

*Secondary education students must have a bachelor's degree in the area or closely related to their area of licensure.

Students will be eligible for licensure when they complete their MAT degree program and apply to the state/DC for the appropriate credential, and successfully pass certification exams.

American University’s MAT degree program finds a firm foundation in the democratic ideals that our institution holds dear. With that foundation in mind, the program is grounded in four principles, which influence everything from course design to encouraging collaborations with the projects and organizations with which we partner. Those principles are equity, community, diversity, and excellence.

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching can expect an emphasis on cultural competency and diverse perspectives, an interesting and progressive curriculum, a focus on cultivating community among students (no matter where they might be based), and faculty members who are leaders in their fields.

Hands-on experience is a crucial element in American University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.

In the MAT program, you will obtain over 600 hours of hands-on classroom experience. We will work closely with you to ensure that you are paired with a high-quality teacher near you, even if you are not in the Washington, DC area.

You will observe the teacher with whom you are paired, and under the teacher’s supervision, you will gradually begin to plan and teach lessons, eventually “taking over” the classroom during the second half of the field experience. The field experience spans two semesters: practicum and student teaching. Coursework throughout the program, starting from the very first day, is designed to prepare you for your time in the classroom.

• Successfully pass the PRAXIS Core I and II. Please have your scores sent to American University with institution code 5007 and OSSE with code 7076.

• Complete an online Educator Credential Application for a Regular II Teaching License. The user guidebook details the application process.

Your application should include:

• An official copy of your undergraduate transcript. AU does not have the option for digital transcripts, so you must mail this to OSSE. Directions are in the online application.
• A copy of your Praxis scores to be uploaded to the application system.
• An FBI criminal background clearance. Please note that you must obtain a copy of your fingerprints (see OSSE recommendations) to be submitted to the FBI. Current DCPS employees do not need to be fingerprinted. OSSE will have access to your fingerprints once you complete your application.

For more information, visit the Licensure Information page.

We can accommodate a student teaching placement in most places throughout the US.  An MOA partnership agreement must be in place with a school district for clinical field placements. Reach out to Field Placement Coordinator Caryn Ash with any questions. If you are a paid employee of a school, please contact Caryn Ash to determine if your paid position may be used as your practicum and/or student teaching.

While you can complete your practicum and/or student teaching in a charter school or private school there, please note that teacher candidates living in the bellow locations do not have existing MOA partnerships in place to allow clinical field placement in these school districts:

• Chicago

• New Jersey

• New York City