Upon completion of the MAT program, students will be fully prepared for North Carolina initial teaching licensure in one of the following areas:
- Elementary Education (Kindergarten – Grade 6)
- Middle Grades (Grades 6-9) Science
- Middle Grades (Grades 6-9) Social Studies
- Middle Grades (Grades 6-9) English/Language Arts
- Middle Grades (Grades 6-9) Mathematics
- Secondary (Grades 9-12) Comprehensive Science
- Secondary (Grades 9-12) Comprehensive Social Studies
- Secondary (Grades 9-12) English/Language Arts
- Secondary (Grades 9-12) Mathematics
- K-12 Special Education (General Curriculum)
Check the Curriculum & Courses page for detailed information about course requirements for each track.
*Note: The elementary licensure option within the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will be offered during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years. Admissions for elementary education licensure will pause beginning with the 2028–29 academic year. All other MAT licensure options — including secondary education — will continue to be offered. Undergraduate students interested in an initial elementary teaching license should explore the B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program, beginning in fall 2026. For guidance on selecting the program that best fits your goals and timeline, please contact the UNC School of Education’s Office of Student Affairs.
Licensure Outside of North Carolina
Graduates pursuing teaching positions outside North Carolina should be aware that licensure requirements vary by state, and reciprocity is not automatic. Candidates will need to meet the specific licensure criteria of the state where they seek employment.
Testing and Assessment
In addition to completing your coursework, MAT students will need to achieve passing scores on licensure tests and the edTPA portfolio. MAT students should consult their MAT Handbook for current North Carolina licensure testing requirements.
The edTPA Portfolio
In addition to completing their coursework and achieving passing scores on their licensure tests, MAT students are required to complete an edTPA portfolio to demonstrate their readiness to lead a classroom. With support from faculty and supervisors, students gather materials — such as lesson plans, assessments, and a short video of their teaching — to show the skills they’ve developed in their licensure area.
edTPA requirements for North Carolina »