Becoming a teacher through Western Carolina University just got a little easier for people wanting to switch careers and enter high-demand fields of education.

The College of Education and Allied Professions is offering new comprehensive education master of arts in teaching concentrations for people who already have bachelor’s degrees and want to become a teacher.

The new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concentration will prepare people to teach middle or high school math or science, and the teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) concentration will prepare teachers to work with English language learners in grades K-12.

WCU designed the additional concentrations to meet the needs of working adults who wanted to return to college to earn a teaching license in these particular areas, said Patricia Bricker, WCU associate dean for academic affairs and associate professor.

“The online and flexible nature of our new concentrations allow us to come together and do what is really important — prepare high-quality teachers for our K-12 students,” she said.  “With our roots in teacher education and the strong foundation in online teacher education established by our special education and birth-kindergarten programs, we are well-suited and excited to launch these new programs that are based upon the significant needs and realities of our region and state.”

The new programs allow people who already have a bachelor’s degree to earn both an advanced degree and a teaching license. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in the major of the MAT concentration and must meet the prerequisite requirements of the department housing the concentration. The online programs are flexible and may be completed in as little as two years. 

Additionally, WCU has established online MAT concentrations in special education and residential concentrations in social sciences and art.  

Education MAT concentrations that are currently accepting students for fall include special education: general curriculum (online); special education: adapted curriculum (online); art, K-12; and social science, grades 9-12.  

Visit alternativelicensure.wcu.edu to review the specific requirements for each concentration.

Learn More About the Program

Master of Arts in Teaching, Comprehensive Education