Master's in Arts in Teaching Mathematics

All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements.

Program-Specific Application Deadlines

Applications are encouraged and accepted year-round. Applicants may apply anytime but should submit their application at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January, and the summer semester has multiple start options. Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions or check with MAT student success coordinator, TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for course enrollment guidance.

Additional Documentation

• Statement of objectives: You will be asked to answer the following questions in video format within the application. A computer camera and microphone are required. You can record your answers as many times as necessary.
• Why are you interested in this program?
• Describe your previous experiences working with children.
• Why do you think you would be a successful teacher?
• Resume
• Names and emails of three professional and/or academic references
• If you are an international student and you need your GPA translated to a 4.0 scale, send your transcripts to tvontz@k-state.edu.
• Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit proof of English Language Proficiency. Applicants must have a satisfactory in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Systems IELTS) or Pearson Test of English PTEE). The test date should be no older than 18 months from the application deadline. An applicant who has received a degree in the last two years from a United States college or university is exempt from this requirement.
• Passing Praxis test score

Praxis Information
You must provide a passing Praxis test score for admission:

• Mathematics (5165)

If there are problems obtaining Praxis scores and/or applying for MAT, contact K-State Online. Scores need to be sent to Kansas State (6334) and to the Kansas State University Department of Education (7270).

Graduates of this program will be qualified to teach mathematics (i.e., general math, algebra, geometry, calculus and consumer math) at a middle or high school. The MAT program enjoys a 97% job placement rate.

The MAT Secondary Practitioner track provides an additional option and pathway to the classroom. This program allows admitted secondary MAT students to apply for Kansas teaching positions and complete their program while serving as the teacher of record. Students in the Secondary Practitioner track are required to hold a Restricted License.

Prerequisite Core Courses (8 credits)

• EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 886 - Seminar in C&I (Orientation to Teaching) (2 credits) F, S and U

Practitioner Courses (20 credits)

• EDCI 703 - MAT Mathematics Methods (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
• EDCI 715 - Literacy and Diverse Learners in Content Areas (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits) WI
• EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F and S

Culminating Courses (5 credits)

• EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) F and S
• EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U

Final Project
You will be required to complete a teaching and learning portfolio during the spring semester.

Technology Requirements
In order to complete your teaching internship, you will be required to obtain a tablet (e.g., iPad) and video recording technology. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations.

This track is for students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.

Pre-requisite Core Courses (6 credits)

• EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) F, S and U

License-seeking Courses (20 credits)

• EDCI 703 - MAT Mathematics Methods (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
• EDCI 715 - Literacy and Diverse Learners in Content Areas (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits) WI
• EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F and S

Culminating Courses (5 credits)

• EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) F and S
• EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U

Final Project
You will be required to complete a teaching and learning portfolio during the spring semester.

Technology Requirements
In order to complete your teaching internship, you will be required to obtain a tablet (e.g., iPad) and video recording technology. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations.

There are several scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to you, including:

1. Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Provides $2,605 per semester for fall and spring. MAT students who apply before June 1 will be placed in a “priority pool.” Applications due June 1.
2. K-State Online Scholarships: Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for MAT students. Provide $1,000-$1,500 per semester. Application deadline is April 1 for the summer, June 1 for the fall and Nov. 1 for the spring.
3. Federal Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: Eligible for those willing to teach in a “low-income school” for five consecutive years. Maximum benefit is $17,500.
4. FAFSA: To maximize your scholarship eligibility, you must complete the FAFSA for the current aid year to be eligible for summer scholarships and the following aid year to be eligible for future fall and spring scholarships. Completion of the FAFSA is required to be eligible for several of the financial assistance programs listed above.
5. SkillBridge: Military veterans, spouses or those actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can earn a GI Bill-eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree in education through this program.
6. Additional financial assistance can be found on the scholarships webpage.

View an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for an academic year.

Can I become a Mathematics teacher if I already have a bachelor's degree in another field? Yes. K-State's MAT program is designed for career changers. For Mathematics specifically, you'll need significant content background in the field. You don't need a prior education degree or teaching experience to apply — the program prepares secondary students for full 6-12 teacher licensure from the ground up.

What is a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Mathematics? The Secondary MAT in Mathematics is designed for career changers with a bachelor's degree who want to transition into Mathematics education. The online program prepares you for classroom teaching in grades 6-12 and is offered through K-State Online.

Can I become a licensed Mathematics teacher through the online MAT program? Yes. The online Secondary MAT prepares you for licensure in Kansas, which can lead to licensure in other states. Once you complete the program, you'll be eligible to apply for an Initial Teaching License in Kansas. Kansas licensure also requires passing the Praxis content test for Mathematics (required for admission). The license will transfer to other states upon completion of any additional requirements in those states.

How long does it take to become a teacher through this program? The timeline is flexible, depending on your track and pace. Most secondary students complete the MAT within one to two years. Coursework is fully asynchronous, so you work on your own schedule — evenings and weekends included. Student teaching takes place in local schools during your final semester and requires full-time classroom presence. If you're on the Practitioner Track teaching on a Restricted License, KSDE requires you to complete the program within 24 months.

Is an online MAT degree respected by school districts? Yes. K-State's MAT program is well respected by school districts, and many recent graduates — including secondary students — have been recognized through the Kansas Horizon Award for early-career teachers. The program is ranked No. 18 among online master's in education programs by U.S. News & World Report. The combination of rigorous online coursework and real classroom experience ensures secondary graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact.

How is this different from a Master of Educational Leadership? The Secondary MAT is for individuals with a bachelor's degree and Mathematics expertise who are transitioning into secondary teaching from another field. The Master of Educational Leadership is for educators ready to take the next step into building leadership.

How does student teaching work if I don't live in Kansas? Secondary students complete field (student-teaching) experiences at accredited schools near where they currently live. K-State's MAT team works with schools around the country to arrange practicum and field experiences wherever you live. You'll need a device that enables recording, such as a tablet or video-enabled phone, for real-time and video classroom observations and evaluation. Questions about field experiences should be directed to Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@k-state.edu).

What can I teach after completing the Mathematics MAT? Completing the Mathematics MAT prepares you to teach grades 6-12 as a licensed Mathematics teacher. K-State's Secondary Mathematics MAT is designed for the Kansas Advanced Mathematics endorsement, which authorizes educators to teach mathematics courses through the advanced level; the Kansas General Mathematics endorsement authorizes mathematics courses through Algebra II.

Who is K-State's MAT program designed for? The Secondary MAT is designed for busy adults with a bachelor's degree and subject-matter expertise who are either working in education or transitioning from another field. Coursework is offered online, making it convenient and affordable for working adults.

Do I need a background in education, or just in Mathematics, to apply for the Mathematics MAT? No. Since you're pursuing Mathematics licensure, your bachelor's degree should be in a field related to Mathematics.

Is K-State's MAT program right for career changers? Yes. The Secondary MAT is built for career changers. All coursework is fully online and asynchronous, so you can keep working while you earn your degree. The Practitioner Track lets Kansas students secure a teaching position and lead a classroom while finishing their degree on a Restricted License. The License-Seeking Track lets you continue your current job while completing coursework, with student teaching arranged locally in your final semester.

Is the program 100% online? With the exception of attendance requirements for the practicum and internship, all coursework for the Secondary MAT is completed online and asynchronously.

Are there any in-person requirements or field experiences? There are no requirements to attend classes in person in Manhattan, but there are practicum hours during which secondary students spend time in a classroom. During your practicum semester, you'll need to be available 6 hours per week in the classroom. During your internship semester, you'll attend full-time for 12+ weeks. Field experiences take place at accredited schools near where you currently live, and you'll need a recording device such as a tablet or video-enabled phone. Questions about field experiences should be directed to Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@k-state.edu).

Can I move through the program at my own pace? Yes. Secondary MAT coursework is fully asynchronous and self-paced within each semester. Most secondary students complete the degree within one to two years. If you're on the Practitioner Track with a temporary Restricted License, KSDE requires you to complete the program within 24 months.

What is the typical duration of the MAT program, and can it be completed part-time or only full-time? Secondary students can complete the MAT in 12–24 months. Those on the License-Seeking Track may choose to take longer. Online coursework can be completed full-time or part-time; student teaching, however, must be completed full-time in a classroom setting.

How is the balance between coursework and field experience structured? Most coursework is completed online. During the semester you enroll in EDCI 800, you're required to arrange, with your assigned cooperating teacher/school, 64 hours of teaching experience. During EDCI 801, you'll complete 12 weeks of full-time student teaching and won't be able to continue full-time employment.

Can I complete the MAT while working full-time? Yes. All Secondary MAT coursework is fully asynchronous — you complete it on your own schedule, evenings and weekends included. The Practitioner Track is designed specifically for this: Kansas students can secure a teaching position and begin earning a salary while finishing their degree on a Restricted License. The one exception is student teaching (EDCI 801) within the License-Seeking Track, which requires full-time classroom presence during your final semester.

What is a GradCat and what do they do? A GradCat is an experienced classroom teacher assigned to every secondary MAT student from the start of the program to the end. They serve as your personal mentor, coach, and evaluator throughout every course — observing your teaching, providing feedback, and supporting your growth.

What are the student teaching requirements, and do they need to be completed in Kansas? Secondary students complete field experiences during their final semester, in accredited schools near where they currently live. You'll need a recording device, such as a tablet or video-enabled phone, for real-time, video-based classroom observations and evaluations. Questions about field experiences should be directed to Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@k-state.edu).

What kind of advising or mentoring support is provided? Every secondary MAT student is assigned a GradCat, an experienced classroom teacher who serves as your personal mentor, coach, and evaluator through every course. This individualized, practitioner-to-practitioner guidance makes a real difference in how prepared you feel walking into your own classroom.

Are there opportunities to specialize (e.g., literacy, TESOL, STEM)? The Secondary MAT doesn't offer formal specialization tracks beyond your Mathematics licensure area, but you may take additional graduate coursework in areas of interest. Additional coursework and testing may also support licensure endorsements such as English as a Second Language (ESL).

How does the program prepare graduates for diverse classroom settings and cultural contexts? The Secondary MAT prepares you to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and learning needs, through instructional strategies designed to support all learners at the middle and high school level.

Is there an option for hybrid or online learning, especially for international students? Yes. The Secondary MAT is delivered fully online and can be completed from anywhere with reliable internet access. Coursework is asynchronous, giving you flexibility as a working professional or if you're in a different time zone. Live lectures and discussions are often available, with recordings provided if you can't attend live.

Will I be eligible for Mathematics teacher licensure after completing the MAT program? Yes. Upon completing the Secondary MAT in Mathematics, you'll be eligible to apply for an Initial Teaching License in Kansas for grades 6-12. The license will transfer to other states upon completion of any additional requirements in those states. To become certified, you'll need to complete a background check and pass the Praxis content test for Mathematics (required for admission). K-State MAT graduates have the flexibility to launch teaching careers in their own communities — or beyond, with licensure that opens doors nationwide.

In which states can I become licensed with this degree? Once you're licensed to teach in Kansas, you can transfer your license to other states upon completion of any additional requirements for that state.

What grade levels can I teach after completing the Mathematics MAT? Completing the Mathematics MAT licenses you to teach grades 6 through 12 in Mathematics.

What are the admission requirements for the Mathematics MAT? All secondary applicants, including Mathematics applicants, are required to meet the general university graduate admission requirements. Applicants must also have a significant content coursework background and a passing Praxis test score for the content.

Is prior teaching experience required? No, prior teaching experience is not required to apply.

What GPA is required for the Mathematics MAT? You'll need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA overall or in your final two years. If your GPA is below 3.0, contact MAT Academic Services Coordinator TJ Duntz (tduntz@ksu.edu) to discuss options.

Do Mathematics applicants need to take the GRE or Praxis? The GRE is not required. There's a $65 graduate school application fee, though attending an MAT informational webinar may qualify you for a fee waiver. As a Mathematics applicant, you must submit a passing score on the Mathematics (5165) Praxis test as part of admission.

What materials are needed for the application? A video statement of objectives answering three questions about your interest in the program, previous experience, and why you'd be a successful teacher, plus a resume and the names and emails of three professional or academic references. International applicants or those whose primary language isn't English have additional requirements.

What is the application timeline, and are GRE scores required? Applications are accepted year-round. Apply at least two weeks before the semester starts — fall begins in late August, spring in late January, and summer offers multiple start dates. Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions, or contact MAT student success coordinator TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for enrollment guidance. GRE scores are not required.

Is financial aid available for the MAT program? Yes, and it's substantial. All secondary MAT students pay in-state tuition regardless of where they live. More than 70% of MAT students receive scholarships. The Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship provides $3,300 per semester (apply by June 1 for priority consideration). K-State Online Scholarships provide $1,000–$1,500 per semester. Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness of up to $17,500 is available if you teach in a qualifying school for five years. Attending a free MAT informational webinar can also get you an application fee waiver.

What are the tuition costs? MAT courses are $593.25 per credit hour, the same rate for all students regardless of residency.* For a full breakdown of tuition and fees, visit K-State Online's Tuition and Fees website. *Rate based on 2026–2027 figures, subject to change annually. Your hours and costs will differ depending on transfer hours, course choices, and academic progress.

Is there a demand for Mathematics teachers? I've heard there's a teacher shortage — is that true? Yes. Mathematics teachers continue to be in high demand in Kansas. Spring 2026 data from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) ranks mathematics among the top five areas for classroom vacancies in Kansas.

Will I be able to find a Mathematics teaching job after graduating? Given ongoing teacher shortages, Mathematics MAT graduates are well-positioned to enter classrooms with strong prospects and long-term career stability.

Where is the best place to search for teaching jobs? Resources vary by state. In Kansas, Educate Kansas is the best place to start.

Are there alumni networks or career services available? Yes. All K-State students have access to the Career Center for support with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, job search strategies, and career planning — resources you can continue to use as you enter the teaching profession.