How to Choose the Right Online MAT Program for Your Teaching Career

Deciding to become a teacher is an exciting step, but navigating the path to licensure can be difficult—especially with different requirements state by state. If you’re hoping to earn your teaching credentials and gain hands-on classroom experience in Massachusetts, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is one of the best ways to get there. Designed specifically for individuals seeking initial teacher licensure, an MAT equips you with the practical skills and educational foundation needed to thrive in the classroom.

And with the increasing popularity of online learning, many universities now offer online MAT programs that provide the flexibility to balance coursework with personal and professional commitments. But what are the top online MAT programs? Here’s an overview of what’s essential to consider when choosing an a program that’s right for you.

What to look for in a top online MAT program

1. Accreditation and state licensure alignment

“The MAT is about becoming a licensed teacher in Massachusetts, and you don’t have to have any experience—it’s for people just starting their career,” says Shaunna Harrington, a professor in Northeastern’s Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs. However, every state has its own set of licensure requirements, so it’s critical to verify whether a program meets your state’s standards before enrolling.

For example, some states allow for licensure reciprocity, but that process can vary significantly. That’s because accreditation isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s a non-negotiable factor in ensuring your degree is recognized by employers and meets state teaching requirements.

Beyond accreditation, a strong MAT program should include state-approved practicum and student-teaching experiences. Since licensure is a multi-step process that includes coursework, fieldwork, and certification exams, selecting a program that seamlessly integrates these components is key.

2. Program flexibility

Returning to school as a working professional or career changer can be daunting, but the right MAT program should make it manageable. The best programs recognize that many students have full-time jobs and families and therefore offer flexible learning formats to accommodate different schedules.

Harrington highlights Northeastern’s MAT program, which is designed specifically for working adults, featuring a hybrid format that blends asynchronous coursework with evening Zoom classes. “Most of our folks are working by day and in grad school in the evenings,” she says. ”So we have built the program with that type of schedule in mind.”

This type of structure allows students to engage with the curriculum at their own pace while still benefiting from real-time interactions with faculty and peers. Unlike traditional programs where students must be physically present on campus, online and hybrid MAT programs offer greater flexibility. However, prospective students should consider how their fieldwork and practicum requirements fit into their schedules, as these elements often require daytime availability.

While online learning offers convenience, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Some students thrive in a face-to-face learning environment where they can interact with instructors and classmates in real time. Others find that online coursework allows them to balance their education with work and family responsibilities. Before enrolling, reflect on your learning style and whether you prefer structured class meetings or the autonomy of independent study.

3. Specializations and teaching pathways

Not all MAT programs are one-size-fits-all. Choosing a program that aligns with your teaching interests and career goals can make a significant difference in your job prospects after graduation. Many online MAT programs offer concentrations in elementary education, secondary education (English, math, science, history), and English as a Second Language (ESL).

These specializations aren’t just academic preferences, they directly impact employability. Schools often have a high demand for teachers in certain subject areas, particularly in STEM fields and ESL instruction. “The field is moving more toward expecting teachers to be able to work in their license area with kids with diverse learning needs,” she says. So finding a program that addresses these trends can be extremely valuable.

Before selecting a program, research job demand in your state and district. If there’s a significant need for ESL teachers or math instructors, pursuing a specialization in these areas may improve job prospects and even open doors to additional financial aid or loan forgiveness programs.

4. Student teaching and field experience requirements

One of the most critical components of an MAT program is its student teaching and fieldwork experience. While online coursework provides flexibility, practical experience in the classroom is essential for developing teaching skills and meeting licensure requirements.

Student teaching is a structured, full-time commitment. “Some people don’t realize that practicum is a full-time, daytime commitment, which means they might need to adjust their work schedule or leave their job,” Harrington says. This often comes as a surprise to career changers who assume they can maintain full-time employment while completing their fieldwork.

If you’re currently working in a school setting, check whether your MAT program allows you to complete fieldwork in your existing job. Some programs offer flexibility by allowing paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, or aides to fulfill their student-teaching requirements at their place of employment, while others require placements in designated partner schools. Understanding these logistics ahead of time can help you plan accordingly.

5. Cost and financial aid options

For many aspiring teachers, cost is a major concern when considering an MAT program. The good news is that online MAT programs can be significantly more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. However, tuition varies widely, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the program’s quality, accreditation, and support services.

Northeastern’s MAT program, for example, is structured differently from its undergraduate one. “Our entire master’s program is less than one year of undergraduate tuition,” Harrington says. “So from that perspective this degree isn’t as big of an initial investment.”

Additionally, financial aid options can make earning your degree more manageable. Some key funding options include:

• Scholarships for teaching in urban schools (e.g., Northeastern’s $10,000 scholarship for educators in high-need districts)
• Alumni scholarships (e.g., Double Husky scholarship for Northeastern alumni with a 25% tuition reduction)
• Employer tuition reimbursement
• Federal loan forgiveness programs for teachers

Before enrolling, explore all available financial aid options, as well as the return on investment an MAT degree can provide in terms of salary increases and job stability.

6. Career support

An MAT program is more than just coursework—it should serve as a launchpad for your teaching career. Strong programs provide career support services to help graduates transition from student teaching into full-time teaching roles.

At Northeastern, career services are integrated into the practicum to ensure students are job-ready by the time they complete the program. “During practicum, students are prepared for the job search with career services integrated into the program,” Harrington says. This includes resume-building workshops, interview coaching, and networking opportunities with hiring school districts.

Beyond formal career services, a program’s alumni network and school district partnerships can significantly impact job placement rates. Look for programs with strong connections to schools and districts where you’d like to work, as these relationships can lead to faster hiring and better opportunities.

Find the best online MAT program for your teaching career

Earning your MAT is a significant step toward becoming a licensed educator, and choosing the right online program can make all the difference. A high-quality online MAT program should not only meet licensure requirements but also provide the flexibility to balance coursework with your personal and professional responsibilities.

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider Northeastern’s online MAT program in elementary or secondary education. Designed for working professionals and career-changers, Northeastern’s program offers state-aligned licensure preparation, flexible online coursework, and real-world teaching experiences that set you up for success. With dedicated faculty and a curriculum tailored to the needs of today’s educators, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the classroom.