Pepperdine University’s Master’s in Teaching (MAT) | OnlinePepperdine University’s Master’s in Teaching (MAT) | OnlinePepperdine University’s Master’s in Teaching (MAT) | Online

Pepperdine University’s 11-month online Master of Arts in Teaching combines weekly online classes with hands-on student-teaching placements to equip you with the technical and soft skills needed to become an effective Pre-K to 12 teacher.Pepperdine University’s 11-month online Master of Arts in Teaching combines weekly online classes with hands-on student-teaching placements to equip you with the technical and soft skills needed to become an effective Pre-K to 12 teacher.Pepperdine University’s 11-month online Master of Arts in Teaching combines weekly online classes with hands-on student-teaching placements to equip you with the technical and soft skills needed to become an effective Pre-K to 12 teacher.

  • No GRE/GMAT: Pepperdine University takes a holistic approach to the application process, with an emphasis on applicants who want to make a difference in the classroom and in their communities rather than GRE/GMAT scores.
  • Complete in 11 months: Graduate in less than a year and be prepared to pursue a wide variety of teaching careers in public, charter, and private/independent settings.
  • Choose from two teaching credential specializations: From Pre-K through grade 12, follow the career path of your choice: Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject).

Advance Your Career With a MAT Online

The Master of Arts in Teaching online program from the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology prepares you to become a leader in the classroom and in your community. You will benefit from a cohort model that enables you to create a network of colleagues that provide support during and after the program. Our compassionate community empowers you during student-teaching placements, shares tips and experiences, and informs you about job opportunities.

Low student-to-faculty ratio

Annual career fair

Over 200 teaching sites

Master’s in Teaching Online Program Highlights

As an online MA in Teaching student, you will find yourself in a supportive learning environment that balances online classes with hands-on student teaching placements to prepare you to pursue the teaching path of your choice: Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject).

The program connects students to the right resources to become an effective Pre-K to 12 teacher via:

6 core courses

2 specialization-specific courses

3 clinical experience rotations

Admissions Overview

Cohorts start two times per year: in September and January

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program seeks applicants who want to make a difference in the classroom and in their communities. Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. 
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred. If baccalaureate or master’s degree GPA is lower than 3.0, applicants can provide a GPA explanation.

Visit our Applications Requirements page to learn more details.

Tuition and Financial Aid

You will need to complete 30 credits to graduate from the online MAT program. You are encouraged to pursue a range of tuition and financial aid options as you explore earning your degree from Pepperdine University. A number of financial resources may be available, including: 

  • External scholarships 
  • Grants
  • Private educational loans
  • Student loans

Announcing the $500 Pathway to Credential Scholarship for all new MA Teaching students!

To help offset this cost and invest in your becoming a credentialed teacher, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology is offering a $500 “Pathway to Credential” scholarship to all new students in the MA Teaching program.  There is no need to apply for the scholarship.  It will be awarded to all, new admitted students entering the MA in Teaching degree program starting Fall 2025.

For more information, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid information page.

Prepare to Teach

Make a difference in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders with your online master’s in teaching from Pepperdine University.

Request Information

Online Master’s in Teaching Curriculum Overview

The 30-credit curriculum provides an excellent professional foundation, combining explorations of theory with practical application. In the classroom, you’ll delve into key topics including learning development, instructional technology, pedagogical theory, and more. 

The online master’s in teaching program combines engaging online courses with hands-on classroom experiences. To tailor your experience with your career goals, you can select from two teaching credential specializations: Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject).

Online Program Courses

The 11-month online MAT program is broken into core courses, specialization courses, and a three-part classroom sequence in which candidates participate full time in their assigned classroom and perform whole-class instruction under supervision from certified practitioners in the field.

    • 6 core courses
    • 2 specialization-specific courses
    • 3 clinical experience rotations
    • Instructional Design for Teaching (3 credits)
    • Literacy Theory and Methods (3 credits)
    • Educational Foundations, Equity, and Social Justice (3 credits)
    • Contemporary Issues in Education (3 credits)
    • Teaching Multilingual Learners (3 credits)
    • Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
    • Elementary Developing Teaching Methods (3 credits)
    • Elementary Advanced Teaching Methods (3 credits)
    • Secondary Developing Teaching Methods (3 credits)
    • Secondary Advanced Teaching Methods (3 credits)
    • Clinical Experience 1 (2 credits)
    • Clinical Experience 2 (2 credits)
    • Clinical Experience 3 (2 credits)

Course Spotlight: Instructional Design for Teaching

Connect theory and practice, providing depth and understanding to the process of K–12 learning and lesson design. Aspects of planning, instructional strategies, assessment, management, and creating a positive learning environment will be presented so that candidates can create comprehensive and meaningful instructional sequences to meet the diverse needs of students.

Course Spotlight: Literacy Theory and Methods

This course examines social, cultural, philosophical, historical, and ethical foundations and their impact on education and schools in society. Teacher candidates will analyze how the context, structure, and history of education influence current school policies and practices.

Passionate and Purpose-Driven Faculty

The faculty at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) understands that every student brings a world of unique insights that can enrich everyone else’s learning experience. GSEP faculty are experts in their disciplines, and are dedicated to helping you grow as a leader as you pursue your degree.

Career Paths After Earning Your MAT Online

The online Master of Arts in Teaching can prepare you for a wide variety of careers in public, charter, and private/independent settings. Here are some of the career outcomes you can expect after obtaining your master’s in teaching online:

  • K to 12 teacher
  • English teacher
  • Math teacher
  • Elementary teacher
  • Spanish teacher
  • Substitute teacher
  • Physical education teacher
  • Science teacher
  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Middle school teacher
  • High school teacher

Teach Tomorrow’s Leaders

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of children? Our 11-month master’s in teaching online program will help you on your way to becoming a Pre-K to 12 teacher.

FAQs About the Online Master of Arts in Teaching

  • An online master’s in education (MEd or MA) is often a worthwhile investment, especially for working professionals seeking career advancement. It can directly lead to salary increases through your school district’s pay scale and qualifies you for leadership roles like curriculum director, instructional coach, or department head. While the financial cost and time commitment are significant, the return on investment comes from increased earning potential, greater job security, and enhanced professional specialization.

  • Yes, online master’s programs from reputable institutions like Pepperdine share the same rigorous academic standards as traditional campus programs. The quality of the education, faculty qualifications, and accreditation requirements remain consistent regardless of the delivery format, ensuring that your degree is widely respected by school districts and state licensing boards.

  • Yes, financial aid is available to online learners for the MAT program. Whether you study in person or online, you can access federal financial aid options such as loans, grants, and scholarships to help cover tuition and living expenses. For more information, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid information page.

  • A Master of Arts in Teaching can qualify you for various teaching roles across Pre-K to 12 settings, with options extending beyond a general classroom teacher. A common career path for those with this degree is a special education teacher, as the advanced knowledge gained through an MAT program equips educators with the specialized tools to support students with learning, emotional, mental, or physical disabilities.

  • Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to be completed in as few as 11 months. This accelerated timeline allows you to graduate in less than a year, prepared to pursue a wide variety of teaching careers in public, charter, and private/independent settings.

  • The choice between an MAT and an MEd depends entirely on your specific career goals. MAT programs focus on practical teaching skills and classroom pedagogy, making them ideal for individuals who want to be classroom educators. MEd programs, on the other hand, offer a broader perspective, often preparing graduates for diverse roles in educational leadership, administration, and policy-making.

  • To apply for the MAT program, a completed online application, transcripts, and a current résumé are required. You must also submit a 2–3-page Statement of Purpose that discusses your motivations and goals, and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional competencies. For those whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) is also required.

  • Yes, the online master’s in teaching program leads directly to a teaching credential/license. To tailor your experience with your career goals, you can select from two teaching credential specializations: Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject).

  • No, GRE or GMAT scores are not required for the MAT program. Pepperdine University takes a holistic approach to the application process, emphasizing applicants who want to make a difference in the classroom and in their communities rather than standardized test scores.

  • The program requires hands-on teaching experiences to equip you with the technical and soft skills needed for the classroom. These experiences include three separate clinical experiences.

Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.