Master of Arts in Teaching: Social Studies

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

Program-Specific Documentation
This information is in addition to the general university admission requirements.

• A video essay addressing why you're interested in the program, your prior experience working with students, and why you believe you would be a successful teacher.
• A resume.
• Names and emails of three professional and/or academic references.
• If you're an international student and need your GPA translated to a 4.0 scale, send your transcripts to tvontz@k-state.edu.
• If your primary language is not English, you must submit proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE), dated within 18 months of the application deadline, unless exempt.
• Completed qualifying coursework in your intended teaching content area. You may email transcript(s) to tduntz@ksu.edu to check before applying.
• A passing score on the Social Studies (5581) Praxis content test. Secondary MAT applicants must pass this test as a condition of admission, not just before licensure, so plan to test early.

Send official scores to Kansas State University using score recipient code 6334. If you also want scores sent to KSDE for Kansas licensure purposes, use code 7270.

Completing the Social Studies MAT prepares you to teach social studies in grades 6–12. In Kansas, the Social Studies endorsement qualifies you to teach a broad range of subjects, including U.S. history, world history, government, geography, economics, and other social studies courses.

This track is for you if you pursue the MAT while continuing your current employment.

What courses will I take? Learn more about the courses in this program.

Master of Arts in Teaching

Secondary practitioners take the same curriculum as the License-Seeking track, but are also required to take EDCI 886: Orientation to Teaching, to help prepare you for full-time teaching. To pursue a restricted license in Kansas, students must have successfully completed the first six program credit hours and register in EDCI 886.

What courses will I take? Learn more about the courses in this program.

Master of Arts in Teaching

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

1. Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Provides $3,400 per semester for fall and spring. Apply before June 1 to be placed in the priority pool.
2. K-State Online Scholarships: Multiple opportunities providing $1,000-$1,500 per semester. Deadlines are April 1 (summer), June 1 (fall), and Nov. 1 (spring).
3. Federal Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: Available if you're willing to teach in a low-income school for five consecutive years, up to $17,500.
4. FAFSA: Completing the FAFSA is required for eligibility for several of the assistance programs above.
5. SkillBridge: If you're a military veteran, spouse, or actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may earn a GI Bill-eligible 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 Social Studies teacher if I already have a bachelor's degree in another field? Yes. K-State's MAT program is designed for career changers. For Social Studies 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 Social Studies? The Secondary MAT in Social Studies is designed for career changers with a bachelor's degree who want to transition into Social Studies 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 Social Studies teacher through the online MAT program? Yes. The online Secondary MAT in Social Studies prepares you for licensure in Kansas to teach Social Studies, 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 Social Studies (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 in the top 20 among online master's in education programs by U.S. News & World Report. The combination of rigorous online coursework and real classroom experience ensures that 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 subject-matter 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? You do not need to live in Kansas to complete the MAT program or your field experiences. K-State’s MAT team is great at working with schools across the country to arrange practicum and student-teaching placements. In most instances, placements can be arranged close to where students live. However, placement availability varies by location, and some students may have a longer commute to their placement than others. MAT students are required to obtain a device that enables recording, such as a tablet or video-enabled phone. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations and evaluation. Questions about field experiences should be directed to Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@ksu.edu).

What can I teach after completing the Social Studies MAT? Completing the Social Studies MAT prepares you to teach Social Studies in grades 6-12. In Kansas, the Social Studies endorsement qualifies you to teach courses including U.S. history, world history, government, geography, economics, and other social studies courses.

Who is K-State's Secondary MAT in Social Studies program designed for? The Secondary MAT is designed for busy adults with a bachelor's degree and Social Studies content 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 to apply for the Social Studies MAT? Since you're pursuing Social Studies licensure, your bachelor's degree should be in a field related to Social Studies.

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, KS. MAT coursework is completed fully online; however, the program does include in-person classroom field experiences. During your practicum semester, you will need to be available to spend six hours per week in a classroom. During your internship semester, you will need to attend your placement full-time for 12+ weeks. K-State's MAT team will work with you to arrange your practicum and internship placements. MAT students are required to obtain a recording device, such as a tablet or video-enabled phone. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video-based classroom observations and evaluations. 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? You do not need to live in Kansas to complete the MAT program or your field experiences. K-State’s MAT team is great at working with schools across the country to arrange practicum and student-teaching placements. In most instances, placements can be arranged close to where students live. However, placement availability varies by location and is contingent on district approval. 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 Social Studies 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 Social Studies teacher licensure after completing the MAT program? Yes. Upon completing the Secondary MAT in Social Studies, 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 Social Studies (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 Social Studies MAT? Completing the Social Studies MAT licenses you to teach grades 6 through 12 in Social Studies.

What are the admission requirements for the Social Studies MAT? All secondary applicants, including Social Studies 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 Social Studies 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 Social Studies MAT 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 Social Studies applicant, you must submit a passing score on the Social Studies (5581) 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 Scholarship 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.

Are there tuition payment plans or financial aid options for students? K-State offers monthly tuition payment plans and a variety of scholarship opportunities. All eligible students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA, since many financial aid and scholarship programs use FAFSA information during the award process.

Is there a demand for Social Studies teachers? Yes. Social Studies teachers continue to be in high demand in Kansas. Spring 2026 data from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) reported 1,588 total vacancies across all educator categories. Employment opportunities for Social Studies teachers will vary by location and school district.

Will I be able to find a Social Studies teaching job after graduating? Employment opportunities for Social Studies teachers vary by location and school district. K-State career resources can help you identify openings and prepare for the job search.

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.