Marian University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for adults who feel called to make a meaningful career change through education. Whether you are transitioning from another profession or returning to school after time away, this online teaching degree provides a flexible, supportive pathway to initial teacher licensure. With fully online coursework and real-world classroom experience, the program prepares future educators to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact in today’s schools.
Our Teaching (MAT) degree focuses on adult learners and career changers seeking initial teacher licensure in elementary education, secondary science education, or exceptional needs P-12. This is a 36-credit master’s program. Marian also offers a licensure-only track, which consists of 18-24 hours of classes. You can continue working full-time and take classes part-time until you begin your required teaching internship during your last semester.
Students applying to the program must have already earned a bachelor’s degree, although your degree does not have to be in education. Other requirements for this program include a cumulative 3.00 undergraduate GPA or a 2.50 or higher GPA from a regionally accredited university with five years of professional experience. Based on whether students are looking to teach in elementary schools or secondary schools, Marian will evaluate whether applicants have the broad knowledge or required courses for teaching at that level.
Online MAT Curriculum
Courses are available entirely online, meaning you can complete your assignments and coursework at times that best fit your schedule. Marian’s MAT program offers a diverse range of classes based on your concentration. Students looking to earn an initial teaching license take courses such as child development and techniques for reading and literacy instruction.
The online MAT curriculum emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies, inclusive classroom practices, and instructional methods aligned with state licensure requirements. Designed specifically for working adults, this graduate teaching program allows students to build classroom readiness while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Coursework supports multiple licensure pathways and prepares candidates to meet the academic and developmental needs of diverse learners.
When do classes start?
View Enrollment Deadlines
Student Teaching Internship
This full-time teaching internship serves as a critical transition from coursework to professional practice. MAT students gain hands-on classroom experience, develop instructional confidence, and demonstrate readiness for licensure while working closely with mentor teachers and university supervisors. For career changers, this immersive experience helps bridge theory and practice and prepares graduates for long-term success in K-12 education.
Student teaching requires a full-time commitment Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours may vary depending on the school in which you are placed. You will work under the supervision of a K-12 teacher as well as a university faculty member to fulfill university and state requirements. If you are already a licensed K-12 teacher, you may be able to satisfy the internship requirement as part of your current position. Speak with our clinical internship coordinator or program director for more information.
Who is the online MAT program designed for?
Marian’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program is ideal for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and want to transition into teaching. It is also well-suited for working professionals seeking a flexible, part-time format that leads to initial licensure. Whether you are inspired to teach at the elementary, secondary, or exceptional needs level, the MAT program supports your pathway into the classroom.
What does the application process involve?
Quick Checklist
- Complete our online application.
- Official transcripts from EVERY college or university that you have attended
- Current resume
- Recommendation forms are available via the application portal
- Personal statement
- Background check
- Non-refundable $55 application fee
- Complete interview
- Read the Marian University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities
All admission documents must be received at least two weeks before start of each semester.
- Apply online in our application portal.
- Upload a copy of your current resume with your online application.
- A personal statement or essay (maximum 500 words) should be submitted with online application. It should:
- Explain your interest in becoming a teacher.
- Outline your professional goals.
- Describe your interest in a culture and/or language different from your own.
- Reflect on your own learning experiences.
- Send official transcripts directly to Marian University's Office of Undergraduate Admission for all previously attended high schools and colleges. For any university you attended that is not in the United States, we require a course-by-course evaluation. Evaluations must include the U.S. equivalency, a course-by-course list, and copies of the original transcripts.
- For expedited foreign transcript evaluation service at a discounted rate, international undergraduate applicants may complete an online SpanTran Application for Foreign Transcript Evaluation.
- You may also use any other AICE-endorsed (http://aice-eval.org/endorsed-members/) or NACES-approved evaluation service (http://www.naces.org/members.html).
If your university does not provide transcripts in English, we require a word-for-word translation of the transcript. You can translate the transcript yourself, but we recommend using a third-party translator like indytranslations.com.
- If your native language is not English, send an official English language proficiency test result directly to Marian University. Minimum acceptable scores are:
- TOEFL IBT 69
- IELTS 6.0
- ELS Level 112
- PTE 48
- Two of your professional references should be uploaded to your application portal. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.
- Obtain a criminal history background check from the Indiana State Police – INkless. Please follow the instructions available at marian.edu/backgroundcheck to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. This will ensure that the results are sent to Marian University.
- Pay the required, non-refundable $55 online application fee.
- Thoroughly review the Marian University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. As an accepted student, you are expected to abide by the code outlined in this document.
Where should you send your application documents?
Send your required application documents to:
Office of Graduate Admission
Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
What are the tuition rates?
Please visit the Business Office "Tuition Rates" page. Credit hours vary based on the program and anticipated licensure area. Degree programs are a minimum of 36 credit hours. Licensure-only programs are approximately 21 credit hours.
Cost DOES NOT include the $55 application fee, rental of cap and gown for graduation, costs for purchasing textbooks, and other university fees.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward getting federal and state aid for your graduate studies.