M.A. in Teaching

in-person

Bring your dream of a rewarding teaching career to life. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Bushnell University is designed for those seeking a master’s degree and a preliminary teaching license in the state of Oregon.

This program is designed for busy adults and provides a strong foundation in best practices and professional dispositions needed by licensed teachers in serving diverse children, families, and educational communities.

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Financial Aid

Credits 36 | Cost/Credit $755 | Completion 12-24 Months | Format In-Person | Starts Every July

Certificate Programs
Contact

Carrie Gillies
Admission Counselor

541-684-7259
cgillies@bushnell.edu

Suzanne Price, M. Ed.
Associate Dean, School of Education

541-684-7206
sprice@bushnell.edu

Why Choose Bushnell?

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a 36-credit in-person program with evening and online courses during the summer session and is designed for those seeking a master’s degree and a preliminary teaching license in the state of Oregon. In this program, candidates will learn the skills and strategies necessary to establish effective classroom management and implement well-crafted lesson plans using high-leverage instructional strategies. Our coursework is aligned with state and national standards and our program has been approved by Teacher Standards & Practices Commission (TSPC).

Program Format

Coursework is delivered in person with classes being held in the evening. Summer courses are offered in an online and hybrid format. Students are required to complete at least 240 hours of field experience leading up to 600 hours of full-time student teaching. Student teaching takes place during the spring semester and aligns with regular PK-12 teacher contract hours.

The MAT program leads to a preliminary teaching license at either the elementary or secondary level. Students can complete the Master of Arts in Teaching program within a three-semester or six-semester program. Each cohort begins Summer Session 2 (July).

Endorsement Options

Endorsement Areas

  • Integrated Science
  • Health
  • Basic Math
  • Advanced Math
  • Social Studies
  • World Language; Spanish
  • Language Arts
  • Multiple Subject Elementary

Speciality Endorsement Areas

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, candidates:

  • Are academically competent in subjects they are to teach
  • Exemplify professional communication (speaking, writing, listening) and technology skills
  • Apply a working knowledge of effective classroom management and the skills of teaching
  • Motivate students with hands-on, action-based learning opportunities
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibilities of teachers and an understanding of the teacher’s role as a leader in the community

One Year Track

Students in One-Year MAT Program take courses on campus three nights per week every eight weeks and a daytime field experience. Candidates can complete their Master’s Degree in one year.

Course Rotation

Term Course Title
Summer Connecting Curriculum & Assessment
Graduate Writing Seminar
Child Development/Adolescent Learners & Learning Theory
Exceptional Learners & Inclusive Environment
Fall Content Specific Methods Courses
Foundations of Education & Diversity
EdTPA Support Seminar
Classroom Relations & Management
Exceptional Learner & Inclusive Environment
Field Experience
Spring Content Specific Methods Courses
Faith Integration
Student Teaching

 

Two Year Track

Students in Track II traditionally take courses on campus two nights per week and complete the program over the course of two years.

Course Rotation

(Year 1) Course Title
Summer Connecting Curriculum & Assessment
Child Development/Adolescent Learners & Learning Theory
Exceptional Learners & Inclusive Environment
Fall Content Specific Methods Courses
Foundations of Education & Diversity
Field Experience
Classroom Relations & Management
Spring Content Specific Methods Courses
Field Experience
(Year 2)
Summer Graduate Writing Seminar
Exceptional Learners & Inclusive Environment
Fall EdTPA Support Seminar
Field Experience
Spring Faith Integration
Student Teaching

Courses

For full course descriptions, visit our academic catalog.

  • Foundations of Education and Diversity
  • Classroom Relations and Management
  • Exceptional Learners
  • Connecting Curriculum and Assessment
  • Graduate Writing Seminar
  • Child Development/Adolescent Learners & Learning Theory
  • Faith Integration in Teaching Seminar
  • Content Specific Methods Courses
  • edTPA Support Seminar
  • Exceptional Learner and Inclusive Environment
  • Field Experience
  • Student Teaching

Clinical Practices

Once accepted into the program, candidates are enrolled in clinical experiences, which continue each term, culminating in a full-time student teaching experience.

Students in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program engage in 240 hours of Clinical Practice, which prepares them for a 600-hour full-time clinical experience in student teaching.

During school-based clinical practices, candidates will work closely with a certified teacher in their area of concentration and will create a work sample with supervised support. Candidates will use a variety of research-based educational practices that reflect how students learn, are sensitive to individual differences, and address the needs of diverse populations.

Admissions Requirements

  • A free application for admission
  • Official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • A statement of purpose (two-three pages, double-spaced) that clearly indicates career history, professional goals, and professional guiding principles.
  • Current resume
  • One letter of recommendation that specifically addresses the academic ability, work performance, and character of the applicant
  • Two Disposition Assessments
  • Personal interview with the Admissions Committee
  • An official test score on the TOEFL (minimum score of 550 on the paper test, the minimum score of 213 on the computer test) for applicants from non-English speaking countries

Cost of Attendance

Per Semester:

Housing & Food: $5,650
Books & Supplies: $55 per credit
Personal: $700
Transportation: $700
Tech Fee: $150

Questions?

Carrie Gillies
Admission Counselor

541-684-7259
cgillies@bushnell.edu

Suzanne Price, M. Ed.
Associate Dean, School of Education

541-684-7206
sprice@bushnell.edu

FAQ's

  1. How much does the program cost?

Current tuition and fees can be found on our graduate financial aid and tuition page. The MAT program is a total of 36 credits. When making plans, prospective students should also consider expenses such as textbooks and a parking pass.

  1. How long does it take to complete the program?

The MAT program can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

  1. Can I work while doing this program?

Due to the demands of taking courses and simultaneously student teaching in the classroom, we strongly discourage students to work during this program.

  1. Is Bushnell accredited?

Yes. The MAT program is accredited through TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission).

  1. What can I do with my degree after graduating?

After graduating and passing the exam in their endorsement area, students are eligible to earn their preliminary teaching license in the state of Oregon. Students may then teach in public or private school settings.

Have other questions? Contact our admission counselor for the MAT program at 541-684-7201.

Licensure Requirements

Oregon Licensure

In accordance with the rules established by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the Bushnell University Department of Teacher Education offers comprehensive programs leading to a PK-12 Preliminary Teaching License.

All Teacher Education students must create an eLicensing account on the Oregon TSPC website. To learn more about licensure visit our Oregon licensure requirements resource page.

Out of State Licensure

For more information on out-of-state licensure, visit the state of Oregon’s requirements.

Student Teaching

Full-time student teaching is the culminating field placement experience and takes place during the candidate’s final semester. In this placement, the candidate is required to maintain full-time teaching hours at the placement school for a minimum of 600 hours (approx. 15 weeks). More information on student teaching can be found on our student teaching resource page.

Testing & Fingerprinting Process

Education students are required to pass several tests mandated by the state of Oregon for teacher licensure.

Official Test Scores (as required by law, additional fee required to testing agency)

Fingerprinting (as required by law)

  • Education Program Fingerprinting Procedures
  • Fingerprint packets and forms can be obtained in the Teacher Education Department. Fingerprint clearance by TSPC is required prior to official admission into the program.

Civil Rights

To hold a teaching license, Oregon educators are required by statute to demonstrate knowledge of civil rights laws and laws prohibiting discrimination. In accordance with ORS 342.123 (1), pre-service teachers must pass all components of the Civil Rights in the Educational Setting learning modules. All modules must be successfully passed prior to starting any field experience, or by the second week of the fall semester, whichever comes first. A passing score of 100% is required.

More information on testing requirements can be found by visiting our testing requirements resource page.

Academic Catalog

Academic Calendar

Tuition & Financial Aid

Military & Veteran Benefits

Pathways in Education Scholarship

Hear From Our Students

Student
"Bushnell University has a reputation that precedes it. Bushnell doesn’t simply state its values; it embodies values of faith, morality, and service while working to better the world. I wanted to become part of that mission and have that guiding torch light my way to a new chapter in my family’s life."
-Rocco Molagh '24
Student
"Bushnell provided me the support I needed as I pursued teaching. Before I could even graduate, I had many job opportunities lined up for my career!"
-Simon Estifanos '20
Student
"I chose Bushnell for its small class sizes and to have a Christ-centered view on how to love and teach the students in my classroom. I am loving my first-year teaching 2nd grade! The practical experience I had in my program has helped the start of the school year get off to a great start.”
-Myah Rabourn '22

Meet the Faculty

Ray Ricks, M.Ed.
Program Faculty

“The Bushnell MAT teacher education program provides great flexibility allowing students the opportunity to pursue their teaching license in the evenings while continuing to work during the day. The MAT program also gives opportunities for those who have their bachelor’s degrees to re-align their career efforts to become teachers.

This helps to fill a desperate need to launch more competent, caring educational professionals who are energized and committed to making a difference in the lives of students in our community. The MAT program provides students with a close-knit cohort of like-minded professionals in the education program. This small cohort builds life-long friendships!”

The School of Education Faculty

Tammy Bovee, M.S.    Jenee Cazares, M.A.    Allyssa Goertzen, M.A.    Brian Kaelin, Ed.D.    Cindy Nees, M.Ed.     Suzanne Price, M.Ed.    Ray Ricks, M.Ed.    Marilyn Williams, Ed.D.