Graduate Teaching Degrees
Educating future teachers has been a passion of ours since WCU began as a teaching college in 1889. With that, we pride ourselves on continuing to offer unparalleled teacher education programs for professionals pursuing an advanced degree.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) was designed to enable students holding degrees other than education to study in selected teaching programs at the advanced graduate level.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and would like to teach...
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows you to earn an advanced degree and a teaching license at the same time.
If you already have a teaching license...
And would like an advanced degree, the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) is designed for you.
There are a number of residential and distance programs available, covering an array of concentrations. Whether you're looking to pursue a master's degree full-time, part-time, online or with us here in Cullowhee, there's a program to fit the path that you're on.
Online Programs
Have a degree but want to teach?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and would like to teach, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows you to earn an advanced degree and a teaching license at the same time.
Comprehensive Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT):
Concentration Options:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Eningeering, Mathematics)
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- Special Education, General Curriculum for individuals interested in working with children and youth with mild to moderate disabilities
- Special Education, Adapted Curriculum for individuals interested in working with children and youth with severe disabilities
Already have a teaching degree?
If you already have a teaching license and would like an advanced degree, the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) is designed for you.
Elementary Education, Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd):
Concentration Options:
- Literacy
- STEM
- Academically and Intellectually Gifted Education (AIG)
Middle Grades Education, Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd):
Concentration Options:
- Language Arts/Literacy
- Math
- STEM
Special Education, Master of Arts in Education (MAEd):
Concentration Options:
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities
- Severe to Profound Disabilities
- Gifted Creative and Innovative Education
Residential Programs
Have a degree but want to teach?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and would like to teach, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows you to earn an advanced degree and a teaching license at the same time.
Comprehensive Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT):
- Art
- English
- Social Sciences
- STEM (Science, Technology, Eningeering, Mathematics)
- TESOL (Teaching)
Already have a teaching degree?
If you already have a teaching license and would like an advanced degree, the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) is designed for you.
Secondary Education, Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd):
- Art
- Biology
- English
- Social Sciences
Alternative Licensure
If you are a college graduate looking for a career change, Western Carolina University's alternative licensure programs may be a good fit for you. An alternate route to teaching in NC allows you to obtain a position and begin teaching right away, without any prior teacher training or experience.
