4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching

Fast-track to teaching

Begin teaching in just four years - and graduate in five years with your master's in teaching. 

Earn your bachelor's degree and your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in just five years. Our 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching program is designed for UMass Dartmouth undergraduates. You'll earn your bachelor's degree, master's degree, and provisional teacher licensure in as little as five years - this includes the MA required Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement.

You’ll be able to start graduate-level education courses and authentic field experiences in local schools as an undergraduate. After four years, you earn your bachelor's degree and can apply for a provisional teaching license and begin teaching. You then finish the MAT in your "+1" year, either full time or part time while you teach. The required Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement is built in, and you will complete the practicum outside of the MAT program while you are working as a full-time teacher.

What can I do with an MAT?

An MAT prepares you to teach in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms, and it opens doors well beyond the classroom. Graduates go on to roles in school leadership and administration, curriculum and instructional design, and other education careers. 

• Elementary School Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• High School Teacher (in your major, such as English, biology, or history)
• Special Education Teacher
• Instructional Coordinator or Curriculum Specialist
• Director of Curriculum

Launch your career

Teachers with a master’s degree earn more than those with a bachelor’s. With an MAT degree, you'll earn up to $10,000 more as a teacher or administrator.

• $93,240 is the annual mean wage for teachers in Massachusetts. 
• 63k annual openings for high school teachers.
• 99k average annual K-5 openings — next 10 years.

Source: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics

Curriculum

As an undergraduate, you’ll begin graduate-level education courses and gain hands-on experience in local schools. You’ll learn how to create engaging learning experiences, design effective instruction, support diverse learners, manage a classroom and assess student learning.

• Build engaging, effective lessons
• Create supportive and inclusive classrooms
• Understand how students learn
• Design curriculum and instruction
• Assess student learning
• Support students with diverse needs

You'll take courses such as integrated classroom practices, critical literacies, special education, and more.

How to apply

High school and transfer students: When you apply to UMass Dartmouth, make sure you choose an eligible major. When you are enrolled, tell your advisor you're interested in the accelerated MAT.

Once you've completed 30 credits, as early as sophomore year, apply to Graduate Admissions for formal acceptance into the MAT program.

Frequently asked questions

If you have more questions related to the 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching, consult the frequently asked questions page.