The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is an accelerated graduate program that prepares individuals to become licensed teachers. Designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree, the program combines research-based coursework with an intensive, two-semester student teaching internship. Through this integrated approach, MAT students develop the knowledge, practical skills, and classroom experience needed to make an immediate impact in schools and communities.
Students in the MAT program choose from licensure tracks in elementary, secondary, or special education, with curriculum grounded in research‑based best practices for each area. Through collaborative, cohort-based coursework, you’ll build a strong foundation for your teaching career — developing skills in classroom management, instructional strategies, school and community partnership, assessment, supporting multilingual learners, and using effective behavioral supports. You won’t just learn what works — you’ll understand why it works as you develop your own teaching philosophy.
The MAT is a 14‑month program that begins in June and concludes the following July.
The MAT is a full‑time, cohort‑based program, including both in-person classes at UNC-Chapel Hill and a student teaching internship at a nearby school. Part-time options are not available at this time.
No. The MAT is an in‑person program. Because it includes extensive school‑based experiences and collaborative coursework, students must be present in the Chapel Hill area.
Graduates earn initial North Carolina teaching licensure in one of the program’s approved content areas. Licensure areas include:
- Elementary Education*
- Middle Grades Education
- Secondary Education (various subjects)
- Special Education (General Curriculum)
*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. 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 requirements vary by state. While North Carolina licensure is widely recognized, candidates seeking positions elsewhere should review that state’s specific requirements.
You’ll begin engaging with local schools early in the program. A two‑semester internship—spanning fall and spring—places you alongside an experienced mentor teacher, giving you daily opportunities to apply what you’re learning.
Though traditional study abroad opportunities are not available, the MAT program does offer students the ability to participate in the International Experience and Reflection in Teacher Education (INTER) program. INTER is an exchange program for pre-service teachers at the UNC School of Education to engage with pre-service teachers at the University of Hamburg in Germany, the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana, the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Griffith University in Australia. During the summer, INTER Fellows spend four weeks studying and visiting schools in Hamburg, Germany, as part of the Universität Hamburg “Study Camp,” alongside their peers from Hamburg, Winneba, Buenos Aires, and Queensland.
The North Carolina Outward Bound School is a partner that provides experiential learning opportunities. MAT students may participate in a multi‑day Outward Bound experience designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and reflective practice as these skills are essential for effective teaching. Thanks to our generous donors, this wilderness course is FREE to MAT students.
The MAT welcomes applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and who demonstrate a commitment to working with children and youth. Applicants should have strong academic preparation in their intended licensure area.
Applications typically open in the fall for the following summer’s cohort. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to ensure full consideration.
GRE scores are optional for applicants to the MAT program. If submitted, scores must be valid within the last five years.
Many graduate students receive financial support directly through the School of Education and their academic program. In addition, The Graduate School offers a small number of competitive awards that require nomination by the program. To ensure programs have adequate time to review applicants for these opportunities, all application materials — including required uploads and test scores — must be submitted in full by the deadline.
The program is also eligible for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which provides up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans for students who commit to teaching in high-need subject areas in North Carolina.
Tuition and fees are determined by the university. Tuition is based on residency status and the credit hours taken. When reaching out for estimated cost, please be aware this program has a fall term, spring term and summer terms. Please reach out to the cashier’s office to learn more.
Yes. Students in the MAT program are eligible for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which offers up to $10,000 a year ($5,000 per semester) in forgivable loans for students committed to teaching elementary education, special education, or secondary STEM education in North Carolina.
Yes. International applicants are welcome. Students should review UNC Graduate School requirements for English proficiency, transcript evaluation, and visa documentation. They are encouraged to reach out to the MAT program to receive guidance on important timelines.
UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates may affiliate with Pre-MAT as soon as they are accepted to Carolina, allowing them to take up to 12 graduate-level education credits that may count toward the MAT program if admitted. Affiliation with Pre-MAT does not replace the application process to the Graduate School and pre-requisites are still required.
Yes. Accreditation is quality assurance through external peer review to ensure a program meets the standards set by its academic community, professionals, and stakeholders. The Master of Arts in Teaching program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) as a licensure program.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu or attend an upcoming virtual information session.