Master of Arts in Teaching

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 Intervention Specialist 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. Fall or Spring
Literacy Requirement (Ohio requires 12 hours)
EDUC 1710 3 hrs Phonics & Language Study: Middle Childhood. Fall only
EDUC 5380 3 hrs Literacies for Young Adolescence. Spring only
EDUC 3630 3 hrs  Adolescent Literature in a Comprehensive Reading Program. Spring only
EDUC 3800 3 hrs Literacies in the Content Areas. Fall, Spring, or Summer

Professional Education Coursework

EDUC 5000 3 hrs School & Society: A Reflective Inquiry. Summer only
EDUC 5100* 3 hrs Educational Psychology. Fall or Spring
EDUC 5200 3 hrs Issues in Equity & Multicultural Education. Summer only
EDUC 5380 3 hrs Literacies for Young Adolescents. Spring only
EDUC 5400* 3 hrs MAT Responsive Schools & Methods Internship, Fall only; AND select two courses for your content area
EDUC 5970* 9 hrs MAT Student Teaching. Fall or Spring
* 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. Fall, Spring, or Summer
EDUC 5395 3 hrs MAT Responsive Schools for Young Adolescents (online) Fall, Spring, or Summer
Choose two from the following (taken concurrently with EDUC 5400)
EDUC 5430 3 hrs Middle Grades Language Arts Methods. Fall only
EDUC 5440 3 hrs Middle Grades Math Methods. Fall only
EDUC 5450 3 hrs Middle Grades Science Methods. Fall only
EDUC 5460 3 hrs Middle Grades Social Studies Methods. Fall only

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. Fall only
EDUC 3630 3 hrs Adolescent Literature in a Comprehensive Reading Program. Spring only
EDUC 5380 3 hrs Literacies for Young Adolescence. Spring only
EDUC 5430 3 hrs Middle Grades: Language Arts Methods. Fall only
ENGL 1155 3 hrs Reading, Writing, & the Literary Imagination.
INST 1500 3 hrs Level Identity Projects: Writing & Literature. Fall or Spring
Choose one course from the following:
ENGL 2230 3 hrs Studies in African American Literatures. See English department for availability
ENGL 2231 3 hrs Studies in Women’s Literatures. See English department for availability
ENGL 2232 3 hrs Studies in Diverse Literary Cultures. See English department for availability
ENGL 2233 3 hrs Studies in World Literatures. See English department for availability
ENGL 2234 3 hrs Studies in GLBTQ Literatures. See English department for availability
Choose one course from the following:
EDUC 2210 3 hrs Studies in British Literatures Before 1700. Fall only every other year (odd years)
EDUC 2215 3 hrs Studies in British Literatures 1700-1900. Fall only every other year (even years)
EDUC 2220 3 hrs Studies in British Literature After 1900. See English department for availability
ENGL 2250 3 hrs Studies in American Literature Before 1900. See English department for availability
ENGL 2255 3 hrs Studies in American Literatures After 1900. Spring only every other year (even years)
Total Hours = 24
Mathematics – 19 Hours
EDUC 5440 3 hrs Middle Grades Mathematics Methods. Fall only
MATH 1210 3 hrs Nature of Mathematics. Fall or Spring
MATH 1250 3 hrs Elementary Functions. Fall or Spring
MATH 1700 4 hrs Calculus I. Fall or Spring
MATH 2150 3 hrs Math for Middle Childhood: Numbers & Variables. Spring only
MATH 2170 3 hrs Math for Middle Childhood: Measurement & Geometry. Fall only
Total Hours = 24
Science – 25 Hours
BIO 1000 3 hrs Principles of Biology. Fall only every other year (odd years)
CHEM 1100/1110 4 hrs Survey of General Chemistry and  CHEM 1110 Lab. Fall only
EDUC 5450 3 hrs Middle Grades Science Methods. Fall only
ESCI 1001 4 hrs Introduction to Environmental Science. Fall only
INST 2403 3 hrs The Expanding Universe. Fall or Spring
PHYS 1000 4 hrs Introduction to Physical Science. Fall only
Choose one course from the following
ECI 1010 4 hrs Physical Geology. Spring only
ESCI 1020 4 hrs Earth System History. Spring only
ESCI 2000 4 hrs Field Geology. Spring only
Total Hours = 25
Social Studies – 21 Hours
EDUC 5460 3 hrs Middle Grades Social Studies Methods. Fall only
GEOG 1000 3 hrs World Regional Geography. Fall or Spring
POLS 1000 3 hrs American National Government. Fall only
INST 2803 3 hrs Making a Global World. Spring only
Choose one course from the following
HIST 1200 3 hrs The American Experience since 1865. Fall or Spring
HIST 1100 3 hrs The American Experience to 1865. Fall only
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. Fall or Spring
(prerequisites: MATH 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, or 1250)
HIST 3200 3 hrs Global Capitalism. Fall only
HIST 4210 3 hrs The Industrial Revolution in a Global Perspective. Fall or Spring
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:

  1. K-12 Mild-to-Moderate
  2. 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. Fall or Summer
EDUC 1700 OR 1710 3 hrs Phonics. Fall or Spring
Choose one course from each of these groups:
Literacies Across the Disciplines (choose one)
EDUC 5380 3 hrs Literacies for Young Adolescence. Spring only
EDUC 3850 3 hrs Literacies for Young Adolescence. Spring only
EDUC 3800 3 hrs Literacies in the Content Area. Fall, Spring, or Summer
Reading Development and Pedagogy (choose one)
EDUC 2600 3 hrs Emergent Literacy in Inclusive Environments. Spring only
EDUC 3640 3 hrs Elementary Literacy Assessment and Instruction. Fall only
EDUC 6640 3 hrs Reading Assessment and Instruction. Spring only
EDUC 6650 3 hrs Research – Based Reading and Writing, P-3. Spring only
Major Courses For Mild-Moderate K-12 Intervention Specialist
EDUC 5310 3 hrs Profiles of Learners. Fall or Summer
EDUC 5320 3 hrs Specialized Instructional Planning. Spring only
EDUC 5330 3* hrs Behavior and Learning Environments. Spring only
EDUC 5340 3* hrs Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities. Fall only
EDUC 5350 3* hrs Collaborative Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities. Spring only
EDUC 5360 3 hrs Assessment and Progress Monitoring in Special Education for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities. Fall only
EDUC 5470 3* hrs Internship in Special Education. Fall only
Major Courses For Moderate-Intensive K-12 Intervention Specialist
EDUC 5310 3 hrs Profiles of Learners. Fall or Summer
EDUC 5320 3 hrs Specialized Instructional Planning. Spring only
EDUC 5330 3 hrs Behavior and Learning Environments. Spring only
EDUC 5341 3* hrs Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities. Fall only
EDUC 5351 3* hrs Collaborative Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities. Spring only
EDUC 5361 3 hrs Assessment and Progress Monitoring in Special Education for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities. Fall only
EDUC 5470 3* hrs  Internship in Special Education. Fall only

 EDUC 5370 Assistive Technology (Spring or Summer) 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:

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 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:

  1. Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (Otterbein’s School Code is 003110).
  2. 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 KnowledgeableMulti-literateEngagedResponsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

Graduate Education Faculty & Staff

Paul Wendel
Department Chair
Email: pwendel@otterbein.edu
Department Phone: 614-823-1214

Dr. Dee Knoblauch, Ph.D.
Department Chair, and Graduate Education Director
Email: dknoblauch@otterbein.edu
Department Phone: 614-823-1214

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