Master of Arts in Teaching
Make a Difference in the Classroom
Have you always wanted to teach? Get your Master’s degree and initial teaching license at the same time with Otterbein’s unique graduate-level Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Program Highlights
- Earn a Master’s degree and initial teaching license in middle childhood (grade 4-9) or K-12 special education at the same time!
- Embedded field experiences in diverse settings that allow students to immediately apply theory to practice.
- Flexible scheduling with mostly evening and blended and fully online course options.
- Otterbein faculty who are committed teachers that remain active in school-based research.
- The Master of Arts in Teaching program is offered in two licensure areas:
- Middle Childhood Education Grades 4-9
- Intervention Specialist Grades K-12
Program Scheduling
Otterbein offers flexible and individualized scheduling to accommodate our students’ busy lives. Evening, blended, and fully online graduate courses are offered, as well as the opportunity to complete some coursework at other institutions to allow for added flexibility. Students in our program can enjoy small class sizes and the opportunity to build connections with peers, faculty, and staff.
We think the best way for our students to apply what they learn is to teach! The Otterbein Education Department works closely with school districts across Central Ohio to provide diverse field experiences for students in order to develop their own teaching practice through real-world classroom experience in many kinds of setting. We prepare teachers to be effective anywhere, ready from day one of their new careers!
MAT Course Requirements
General Education Coursework
- One English course
- One college level mathematics course
- One course from the arts or humanities (art, dance, music, philosophy, or theatre)
- One science course (biology, chemistry, physical science, earth science, or astronomy)
- One social studies course (history, political science, or psychology)
Other Requirements
In addition to the courses listed above, all MAT candidates are required to complete the following undergraduate coursework in technology and reading.
| Technology Requirement | ||
| EDUC 2100 | 3 hrs | Educational Technology: Adolescence |
| Literacy Requirement (Ohio requires 12 hours) | ||
| EDUC 1710 | 3 hrs | Phonics & Language Study: Middle Childhood |
| EDUC 5380 | 3 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescence |
| EDUC 3630 | 3 hrs | Adolescent Literature in a Comprehensive Reading Program |
| EDUC 3800 | 3 hrs | Literacies in the Content Areas |
Professional Education Coursework |
||
| EDUC 5000 | 3 hrs | School & Society: A Reflective Inquiry |
| EDUC 5100* | 3 hrs | Educational Psychology |
| EDUC 5200 | 3 hrs | Issues in Equity & Multicultural Education |
| EDUC 5380 | 3 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescents |
| EDUC 5400* | 3 hrs | MAT Responsive Schools & Methods Internship AND select two courses for your content area |
| EDUC 5970* | 9 hrs | MAT Student Teaching |
| * Indicates a course with required field experience. | ||
Middle Childhood Grades 4-9 Program Details
For applicants who already hold a Bachelor’s Degree, but do not have a teaching license, the Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Childhood Education is designed to provide a graduate route to initial licensure for grades 4-9. Students select two of the following content areas for their license:
- Reading/Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
Licensure
The MAT Middle Childhood program leads to an Ohio four-year Resident Educator License in grades 4-9. If interested in licensure in other states, it is the responsibility of the student to see that requirements of other states are met.
Additional Professional Education Coursework for the MAT Middle Childhood Program |
||
| EDUC 5300 | 3 hrs | Exceptional Children |
| EDUC 5395 | 3 hrs | MAT Responsive Schools for Young Adolescents (online) |
| Choose two from the following (taken concurrently with EDUC 5400) | ||
| EDUC 5430 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Language Arts Methods |
| EDUC 5440 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Math Methods |
| EDUC 5450 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Science Methods |
| EDUC 5460 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Social Studies Methods |
Concentration Areas for Middle Childhood Education
Students are required to select two of the following concentration areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.
Specific course requirements are outlined below. Students may receive credit for courses completed through previous undergraduate work, as determined by a transcript evaluation.
Choose Two Teaching Concentrations
| Language Arts and Reading – 24 Hours | ||
| EDUC 1710 | 3 hrs | Phonics & Language Study: Middle Childhood |
| EDUC 3630 | 3 hrs | Adolescent Literature in a Comprehensive Reading Program |
| EDUC 5380 | 3 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescence |
| EDUC 5430 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades: Language Arts Methods |
| ENGL 1155 | 3 hrs | Reading, Writing, & the Literary Imagination |
| INST 1500 | 3 hrs | Level Identity Projects: Writing & Literature |
| Choose one course from the following: | ||
| ENGL 2230 | 3 hrs | Studies in African American Literatures |
| ENGL 2231 | 3 hrs | Studies in Women’s Literatures |
| ENGL 2232 | 3 hrs | Studies in Diverse Literary Cultures |
| ENGL 2233 | 3 hrs | Studies in World Literatures |
| ENGL 2234 | 3 hrs | Studies in GLBTQ Literatures |
| Choose one course from the following: | ||
| EDUC 2210 | 3 hrs | Studies in British Literatures Before 1700 |
| EDUC 2215 | 3 hrs | Studies in British Literatures 1700-1900 |
| EDUC 2220 | 3 hrs | Studies in British Literature After 1900 |
| ENGL 2250 | 3 hrs | Studies in American Literature Before 1900 |
| ENGL 2255 | 3 hrs | Studies in American Literatures After 1900 |
| Total Hours = 24 |
||
| Mathematics – 19 Hours | ||
| EDUC 5440 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Mathematics Methods |
| MATH 1210 | 3 hrs | Nature of Mathematics |
| MATH 1250 | 3 hrs | Elementary Functions |
| MATH 1700 | 4 hrs | Calculus I |
| MATH 2150 | 3 hrs | Math for Middle Childhood: Numbers & Variables |
| MATH 2170 | 3 hrs | Math for Middle Childhood: Measurement & Geometry |
| Total Hours = 24 | ||
| Science – 25 Hours | ||
| BIO 1000 | 3 hrs | Principles of Biology |
| CHEM 1100/1110 | 4 hrs | Survey of General Chemistry and CHEM 1110 Lab |
| EDUC 5450 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Science Methods |
| ESCI 1001 | 4 hrs | Introduction to Environmental Science |
| INST 2403 | 3 hrs | The Expanding Universe |
| PHYS 1000 | 4 hrs | Introduction to Physical Science |
| Choose one course from the following | ||
| ECI 1010 | 4 hrs | Physical Geology |
| ESCI 1020 | 4 hrs | Earth System History |
| ESCI 2000 | 4 hrs | Field Geology |
| Total Hours = 25 | ||
| Social Studies – 21 Hours | ||
| EDUC 5460 | 3 hrs | Middle Grades Social Studies Methods |
| GEOG 1000 | 3 hrs | World Regional Geography |
| POLS 1000 | 3 hrs | American National Government |
| INST 2803 | 3 hrs | Making a Global World |
| Choose one course from the following | ||
| HIST 1200 | 3 hrs | The American Experience since 1865 |
| HIST 1100 | 3 hrs | The American Experience to 1865 |
| Select one course from the following | ||
| HIST 2000 level | 3 hrs | consult with your advisor for 2000 level course |
| Select one course from the following | ||
| ECON 2100 | 3 hrs | Principles of Microeconomics (prerequisites: MATH 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, or 1250) |
| HIST 3200 | 3 hrs | Global Capitalism |
| HIST 4210 | 3 hrs | The Industrial Revolution in a Global Perspective |
| Total Hours = 21 |
||
Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement
The Middle Childhood Generalist Endorsement allows teachers who hold a middle grades 4-9 license to teach all subjects in grades 4-6 instead of the two concentration areas. This allows for additional teaching opportunities for middle childhood educators.
Otterbein offers the additional coursework Middle Childhood Education students need to complete this additional teaching endorsement.
Intervention Specialist Grades K-12 Program Details
Students enrolled in the Intervention Specialist program choose between:
- K-12 Mild-to-Moderate
- K-12 Moderate-to-Intensive.
Intervention Specialists see the possibilities in every child. At Otterbein University, we are committed to equipping teachers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills required to meet the needs of every student. The MAT Intervention Specialist program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in obtaining an initial Intervention Specialist license in order to teach K-12 Special Education. Our program includes the necessary course and field work needed to become a highly qualified educator. Students on this track typically complete the program in two years, while enjoying flexible scheduling and blended course designs. The Intervention Specialist license can be obtained in either mild-to-moderate or moderate-to-intensive disabilities.
K-12 Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist License
This licensure area enables you to provide intervention specialist services to students with any kind of mild to moderate disability in grades K-12. With this license, you will work with students who primarily receive their education the regular classroom with accommodations. You will work in partnership with the classroom teacher or work with students in a small group setting. The student population may include students with learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and communication challenges. The learners may have mild or moderate emotional disabilities, hearing loss, visual impairments, or autism spectrum disorders.
K-12 Moderate to Intensive Intervention Specialist Licensure
This licensure area enables you to provide intervention specialist services to students with any kind of moderate to intensive learning needs in grades K-12. With this license, you will work with students who have multiple disabilities, moderate to significant cognitive disabilities, hearing/vision impairments, or autism spectrum disorders. You will typically serve students in a resource room or special education classroom. You may also co-teach in a regular classroom setting or work with students on a life skills curriculum tied to Ohio’s extended tied to Ohio’s extended content standards. This track is built to ensure that you have the skills necessary to help prepare these students for successful school and life experiences.
| Reading Core – 12 hours required for licensure |
||
| EDUC 5390 | 3 hrs | Specialized Systemic Instruction for Students with Reading Disabilities |
| EDUC 1700 OR 1710 | 3 hrs | Phonics |
| Choose one course from each of these groups: |
||
| Literacies Across the Disciplines (choose one) | ||
| EDUC 5380 | 3 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescence |
| EDUC 3850 | 3 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescence |
| EDUC 3800 | 3 hrs | Literacies in the Content Area |
| Reading Development and Pedagogy (choose one) | ||
| EDUC 2600 | 3 hrs | Emergent Literacy in Inclusive Environments |
| EDUC 3640 | 3 hrs | Elementary Literacy Assessment and Instruction |
| EDUC 6640 | 3 hrs | Reading Assessment and Instruction |
| EDUC 6650 | 3 hrs | Research – Based Reading and Writing, P-3 |
| Major Courses For Mild-Moderate K-12 Intervention Specialist | ||
| EDUC 5310 | 3 hrs | Profiles of Learners |
| EDUC 5320 | 3 hrs | Specialized Instructional Planning |
| EDUC 5330 | 3* hrs | Behavior and Learning Environments |
| EDUC 5340 | 3* hrs | Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
| EDUC 5350 | 3* hrs | Collaborative Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
| EDUC 5360 | 3 hrs | Assessment and Progress Monitoring in Special Education for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
| EDUC 5470 | 3* hrs | Internship in Special Education |
| Major Courses For Moderate-Intensive K-12 Intervention Specialist | ||
| EDUC 5310 | 3 hrs | Profiles of Learners |
| EDUC 5320 | 3 hrs | Specialized Instructional Planning |
| EDUC 5330 | 3 hrs | Behavior and Learning Environments |
| EDUC 5341 | 3* hrs | Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
| EDUC 5351 | 3* hrs | Collaborative Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
| EDUC 5361 | 3 hrs | Assessment and Progress Monitoring in Special Education for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
| EDUC 5470 | 3* hrs | Internship in Special Education |
EDUC 5370 Assistive Technology is required for Otterbein’s MAT Intervention Specialist students
* Indicates a course with required field experience.
Note: Additional coursework may be required for the K-12 Intervention Specialist license in order to be considered Highly Qualified in some subjects.
MAT Admission Information
All applicants to the Otterbein Master of Arts in Teaching go through a provisional admission process before enrolling and completing necessary requirements for full admission to the program. Once all materials are submitted to The Graduate School, your file will be reviewed for admission by the Graduate Education Admissions Committee. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline.
See the following for more Information:
- Graduate Catalog: full course descriptions and other information about the program.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Graduate Booklet (PDF) for full course descriptions and other information about the program.
Application Instructions & Admission Requirements
All applicants to the Otterbein Master of Arts in Teaching program will first go through a provisional admission process before being fully admitted to their intended program.
Students in the MAT program may take up to 12 graduate hours and an unlimited number of undergraduate hours while completing the steps to gain full admission to the program.
To apply for provisional admission:
- Complete the online graduate application.
- Submit the $40 application fee (waived for Otterbein alumni, veterans, and active duty military).
- Submit all official transcripts from previous institutions.
- Interview with an education advisor.
Note: a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for all previous undergraduate coursework is required.
To be considered for full admission:
- Complete all steps for provisional admission
- Submit qualifying standardized test scores Options include GRE, SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, and Praxis Core
- Submit two letters of recommendation related to teaching success and/or qualifications to pursue graduate studies in education
- Write an essay in response to a prompt provided by the Education Department
- Document 25 field hours working with students in grades 4-9 (MAT Middle Childhood only)
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
The cost for graduate level courses is $590 per credit hour, and most graduate-level education courses are 3 or 4 hours. Some graduate students may need to take additional undergraduate coursework—the cost of undergraduate classes is $618 per hour, with most at 3 to 4 credit hours. Some education courses with field experiences require an additional fee. Additionally, all students pay a student life fee of $100.
There is an additional fee for each Capstone hour. Tuition waivers may not be used to cover the additional Capstone fee.
Please consult the Business Office site for a complete list of fees.
The Otterbein Advantage Scholarships
Otterbein University is proud to partner with employers throughout Ohio to offer scholarships and special educational benefits to employees of partner institutions and as well as to their spouses/partners and dependent children. To learn more about these scholarships and to find out if you are eligible, visit our Advantage Scholarships page.
Financial Aid
Otterbein is dedicated to making sure students have the financial opportunity to pursue their degree. Along with financial aid, graduate students are eligible for consideration for a variety of loans.
How to apply for Financial Aid at Otterbein:
- Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (Otterbein’s School Code is 003110).
- Complete the Institutional Aid Form.
Note: There is NO COST to apply for financial aid or to complete the FAFSA.
If you have questions, please email Student Financial Services or call 614-823-1502.
Tuition Waivers
Teachers currently working at a school that has partnered with Otterbein University for supporting teacher candidates with observations, methods field experiences, and student teaching may be eligible for tuition waiver certificates. We provide these waivers directly to districts or independent schools. Please note that the distribution of these waivers is determined by the district or school.
The following provisions and conditions apply:
- Tuition waiver certificates may be assigned to school employees who have been admitted to Otterbein University’s Graduate School. The university is not obligated to admit candidates solely based on this agreement with schools.
- Students may use multiple fee waivers in the same semester, however, the number of fee waiver credits may not exceed the number of course credits taken.
- Teachers utilizing a tuition waiver certificate must submit a valid certificate at the time of registration or make other arrangements with the Business Office. Otterbein University has the right to refuse acceptance of expired waivers.
- Tuition waivers do not cover the cost of special fees for testing, Capstone hours, or computer labs.
Payment Plans
We understand that meeting the expense of a college education is a big investment for many families. To aid in this process, we have developed two methods of payment for comprehensive fee charges. See the Business Office site for more information.
Available Scholarships for MAT Students
The Otterbein MAT Program is committed to supporting students in need. All MAT candidates who are eligible for student teaching will be considered for a need-based scholarship during the semester in which they are student teaching. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award, with the funds being allocated during the semester of student teaching.
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| 1. Learners and Learner Development – Candidates apply their knowledge of learner development, including cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate |
| 2. Learning Differences – Candidates apply their understandings of learner differences. | Knowledgeable |
| 3. Learning Environment – Candidates apply their knowledge of the learning environment; including individual and collaborative learning, positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate |
| 4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Candidates believe that all learners can achieve at high levels, examine and understand their own personal biases, persist in supporting and scaffolding all learners, respect learners as individuals, make learners feel valued, promote respect among learners. | Knowledgeable, Responsible |
| 5. Instructional Practice – Candidates apply their knowledge of multiple methods of assessment to monitor learner progress and guide decision making. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate |
| 6. Instructional Practice – Candidates plan instruction that builds on content knowledge, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate |
| 7. Instructional Practice – Candidates use current technology to support assessment and enhance K-12 learning. | Knowledgeable, Multi-literate |
| 8. Professionalism – Candidates apply knowledge of professional standards of practice (relevant laws, policies, practices). | Engaged, Inquisitive |
| 9. Professionalism – Candidates collaborate effectively with learners, families, colleagues, and other school professionals to ensure learner growth. | Responsible, Engaged |
| 10. Professionalism – Candidates engage in ongoing professional development; create habits of mind to support lifelong learning. | Engaged, Inquisitive |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
Graduate Education Faculty & Staff
Department Chairs:
Susan Constable and Paul Wendel
Department Phone: 614-823-1214
Dr. Dee Knoblauch, Ph.D.
Graduate Education Director
Email: dknoblauch@otterbein.edu
Graduate Education Recruiter
Email: GradAdmit@otterbein.edu
Amy Featherstone
Graduate Education Advisor
Email: afeatherstone@otterbein.edu
Gaby Miller
Administrative Coordinator
Email: gmiller@otterbein.edu
Belle Machado
Graduate Assistant for Education
Email: machado1@otterbein.edu