Secondary Education, 7-12

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Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our society. They have the opportunity to educate young minds, ignite a passion for learning, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

In our School of Education, we understand the importance of teachers and the impact they can have on their students and society. That is why our nationally accredited Secondary Education (7-12) graduate teacher education certificate program is designed to prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become the teacher you are meant to be in two years.

Our expert faculty focus on social justice issues and provide a quality education that prepares you for a successful and rewarding career in teaching. With an online curriculum, field experiences, and study abroad opportunities, our teaching degree program allows you to pursue your graduate studies with the convenience and flexibility you need.

Transform Your Career with Our Fully Online Degree

Our MAT in Secondary Education is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and want to transition into teaching. Our programs combine professional education with academic curricula in several core areas, including:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Social Studies

Engaging Online Classroom Experience

Taught by teacher-scholar faculty who are leaders in their fields. Your classes will be engaging, interactive, and participatory. You will be part of a community of learners involved in coursework, collaboration and learning with your peers and professors. Read more about our Online Student Experience.

Hands-on Field Placement and Student Teaching

Our School of Education collaborates with public, private, and charter schools and other diverse educational settings. As part of the program, you will fulfill field experience requirements, including student teaching for PA teacher licensure and licensure in many other states. As a student, you will have many hands-on opportunities to expand your horizons in various learning environments, field placements and unique student teaching opportunities. Student teaching will be the culminating capstone experience of the Leading Teacher Program, where you will apply the knowledge, learning principles and teaching techniques in a full-time setting.

Student Teach Abroad

We are the only school in Pittsburgh to have a partnership with Indiana University Global Gateway for Teachers Program, in which we offer various student teaching abroad and other Cultural Immersion Opportunities.

Program Information

Our Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education (7-12) graduate teacher education certification programs prepare you to teach in Grade 7-12 classrooms in Pennsylvania and in many other states in the subject areas of: English, Mathematics, Social Studies or Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics). Your classes are fully online, and in the field, you will have diverse opportunities for hands-on learning experiences across the Greater Pittsburgh Region.

Degree

Master's

Academic Department

Instruction and Leadership in Education

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

39

100% Online Classes

Our online asynchronous courses allow you to access course materials and complete assignments on your own time, allowing you to balance your academic goals with your personal or professional commitments. These online classes will prepare you for the hands-on experience of the diverse field work opportunities in this program.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Our MAT degree can help you advance in your career鈥攁nd make a difference in the education field.

  • Career Transition
    You are interested in transforming your career and want to earn your initial teaching certification in secondary education.
  • Passion for Helping
    You have a passion for inspiring students to achieve their goals in English, Mathematics or Science.
  • Subject Matter Expert
    You are experienced in your field and ready to share your knowledge with high school students.
  • Job Security
    Secondary Education is a growing field with high demand for qualified teachers.
  • Career Growth
    You are already working with students and want to earn your initial teaching certification for Grades 7-12.
  • Competitive Salary and Benefits
    Teachers can earn a competitive salary and benefits package, especially those with advanced degrees and experience.
  • Make an Impact
    You want to gain experience in diverse educational settings and develop teaching practices informed by social justice.
  • Love for Learning
    You love learning and learning environments.
Our graduates can pursue diverse career paths through the MAT. Some positions include:
  • Classroom Teacher
    (Grades 7-12 in your academic content area: English, Mathematics, Science including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, or Social Studies)
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Education Consultant
  • Education Researcher
  • Professional Development Coordinator
  • Trainer or Mentor
  • Camp Director
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Career Counselor

Great Education, Great Value

TwoYears

You can complete our MAT program in two years. We offer online asynchronous coursework and diverse hands-on field experiences to help you become an expert in the classroom.

75+School Partners

Our students and faculty work with over 75 school districts (suburban, urban, rural, Catholic, private and charter schools) across Pennsylvania, engaging in hands-on learning experiences in diverse classrooms.

35%Tuition Award

Eligible students enrolled in the Secondary Education program can receive a 35% Tuition Award

firstSemester Field Experiences

Starting your first semester you鈥檒l be in the classroom with students and experienced teachers building your knowledge of the classroom community.

Our Curriculum

This is just a sampling of the online course work and hands-on fieldwork curriculum you will experience as an MAT student.

This course has two primary goals: (1) To explore what 鈥済ood teaching鈥 is by looking at: (a) your own experience as a learner; (b) theories of teaching and learning; and (c) current standards for teaching; and (2) To have you experiment with different approaches to teaching, with an emphasis on: (a) Reflecting on successes and areas where improvement is needed; and (b) Seeing things through students鈥 eyes.
This transcripted field experience provides the teacher candidate with experiences in secondary classrooms and occasionally in agencies or community settings.
This course examines the pedagogy of teaching digitally, the use of technology as a teaching strategy for the classroom, and the impact of school-related legislation and leadership roles available in instructional technology.
This course covers foundations of assessing student learning. Focuses on understanding topics in measurement and assessment including reliability and validity, teacher made tests, diagnostic, screening, achievement and other standardized tests, goals, objectives, targets and standards, ethics and legal issues, objective, subjective, performance and authentic approaches to assessment.
This online course allows teacher candidates from various disciplines to explore methods and supports for delivery of instruction to students with high incidence disabilities. A foundation will be laid for acquiring the necessary background and skills in the process(es) of universal design, differentiated instruction and co-teaching. With an emphasis on literacy development, candidates will become familiar with adapting curriculum based on student learning needs, IEP, and 504 plan goals and objectives and environmental considerations.

Application Process

Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA*

Applicants seeking admission to the program must have a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in their secondary content area.

Candidates must meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education content requirements.*
*If you have questions about whether or not you meet these requirements, please contact us.

International Applicants

International Students seeking fully online programs are not eligible for U.S. Student Visas. Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

 

Rolling Admissions

Our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)  Secondary Education program has a rolling admissions process. This means you can apply anytime throughout the year.

All Applicants

  • Official transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation from an academic or professional contact (no personal contact).
  • Provide a one-page letter of intent, describing "why you want to become a teacher."

Send official application materials to:

OR

  • 麻豆直播
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    600 Forbes Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Additional Requirements
Materials will be reviewed by a graduate secondary education advisor. If the minimum program requirements are met, applicants will be asked to:

  • Attend an interview with the graduate secondary education program advisors
  • Additional material might be requested as needed

Candidates must meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education content requirements.

Early Start Program - Secondary Education, 7-12, MAT

Undergraduate students across the University can start graduate studies in the MAT Secondary Education, 7-12 program. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Student Perspective

Headshot of Val Luutran

After working in higher education, I realized I wanted to work with students even earlier in their academic careers. Through my experiences at Duquesne, I have found it so rewarding to help middle and high school students develop their academic skills, personal goals and sense of self.

Val Luutran MAT Secondary Education '24

Our Faculty Experts

Rachel Ayieko

Rachel Ayieko

Associate Professor | Interim Director for Teacher Certification Programs

Melissa Boston

Melissa Boston

Professor

Xia Chao

Xia Chao

Associate Professor

Bridget Green

Bridget Green

Assistant Professor

Misook Heo

Misook Heo

Professor

Joseph Kush

Joseph Kush

Professor

Cindy Laspina

Cindy Laspina

Instructor | Director of Student Teaching & Field Placement

Karen Levitt

Karen Levitt

Associate Professor | Associate Dean for Teacher Education

Cliff Oliech

Cliff Oliech

Clinical Assistant Professor

Amy Olson

Amy Olson

Associate Professor | Director of Graduate Studies

Jason Ritter

Jason Ritter

Professor | Department Chair

Featured content

CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation Logo

CAEP Accreditation is a select honor to nationally recognize program quality for educator preparation. This represents that our students are well equipped to meet the needs of K-12 students as well as their communities and schools. We are one of five institutions in Pennsylvania to receive this accreditation.

Learning Together in a Highly Accredited Program

In addition to the School of Education's national recognition by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), as a point of distinction, content areas are nationally accredited by their respective Specialized Professional Association (SPA).

  • The English content area is accredited by the .
  • The Mathematics content area is accredited by the .
  • The Social Studies content area is accredited by the .

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
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Graduate Admissions

Learn about admission requirements and the application process

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Graduate Education Programs

Make in impact as a teacher, administrator school psychologist, counselor, and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

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Master of Arts in Secondary Education Program

Sydney Daneman

Assistant to the Program Director