Transform Lives Every Day

Teaching, M.A.


Educators are change-makers, and highly qualified educators are needed in every locality. A degree in teaching will provide you the opportunity to foster the love of learning, mentor youth and contribute to your community.

The 21st-century classroom demands inspiring and innovative teachers, like you, who are passionate about helping students learn. We offer engaging and rigorous 12-month or 18-month program tracks and a learning experience that will prepare you to enrich the lives of students.

For a non-teaching professional, this program can help you earn a certified teaching license and master’s degree in as little as 12 months, or, if you are a teacher, it can help take your skills to the next level earning A-level certification in English, math, physical education, music, science and social studies.

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Take the next step toward completing your Master of Arts degree in Teaching.

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This is not one of those programs where you are completing "modules." Our program is comprised of live, interactive classes. You work in groups and pairs as well as share your work as you would do in a regular classroom.

Classes are small so that you can build important relationships with your professors and get the kind of personalized education that Lenoir-Rhyne University encourages.

Full-time faculty mentors are located on both LR’s Hickory and Asheville campuses, providing students greater face-to-face access when needed. Any practicum experiences, including student teaching requirements, can be completed close to home at your convenience.

Attend a Virtual Information Session


Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about the admission process, financial aid, the teaching program and outcomes. Talk with program coordinator Stephanie Thomas, Ph.D., along with an admission counselor. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered about our program.

Rated Among the Best in the U.S.


The teaching programs at LR are among the best in the nation, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality, in terms of clinical service requirements and in reading instruction.

Professors in the Master of Arts in Teaching program have many years of experience as teachers and administrators, which results in instruction that is targeted and based on the needs of today's classroom. With the hands-on, practical and best practice tools that you will learn to utilize in the program, you will be equipped to make the most of your opportunities to inspire and instruct students.

Program graduates have a distinctive advantage in hiring for teachers because you will have produced graduate work specifically in the craft of teaching and very likely have additional content preparation in your chosen areas of undergraduate study.

Accelerated Master's Degrees Program


Complete your master's and bachelor's degrees at the same time and save money in the process.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Accelerated Master's Degrees program is designed for academically talented students to complete the requirements for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace, saving you time and money.

View Accelerated Master's Degrees

Accreditation


Teacher observes high school students using microscope in biology class

Our educator preparation programs are accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Financial Aid & Costs


A top-quality graduate education is both accessible and affordable at Lenoir-Rhyne. Among comparable universities, we’re one of the more affordable options. With our array of loans and financial aid options, you can make this exceptional value even better.

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship, funded by the National Science Foundation, offers a unique opportunity for scholarship recipients who commit to working as a STEM teacher in a high-need school district to earn a tuition-free Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

The Forgivable Education Loans for Service program offered through the College Foundation of North Carolina offers students in graduate programs up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans as long as you remain in the classroom. Application opens January 4 and is due by March 1.

View Financial Aid & Costs

Degree Requirements

Offered Online

Lenoir-Rhyne University's online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program provides a flexible pathway to graduate-level education and initial teacher licensure for individuals holding non-education bachelor's degrees. The program prepares candidates for licensure in secondary education, including English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science, as well as select K-12 areas such as Physical Education and Music. Emphasizing the practical application of educational theory, the MAT program equips students with the essential skills and training to become highly qualified educators. Designed for working professionals, the fully online, non-cohort structure allows students to progress at their own pace, offering both full-time and part-time options, with program completion possible in as few as 12 months. The curriculum integrates valuable classroom observation, collaborative work with experienced educators and administrators, and a culminating semester of full-time student teaching. A capstone seminar further facilitates the transition from student to independent classroom teacher.

Key program features include a design tailored for working professionals, with approximately 90% of students maintaining full-time employment, and flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse work/life balance needs. Comprehensive preparation for state licensure requirements is a core component. Successful completion of the MAT program, passing scores on the appropriate Praxis II examinations, and a passing edTPA portfolio are required for graduation and eligibility for a North Carolina initial teaching license. Candidates must achieve passing scores on the appropriate Praxis II test(s) for their licensure area to be eligible for a North Carolina initial teaching license.

NC Licensure Area Required Praxis II Exam Title Test Code Qualifying Score
Middle Grades Language Arts Middle School English Language Arts 5047 164
Middle Grades Mathematics Middle School Mathematics 5164 157
Middle Grades Science Middle School Science 5442 152
Middle Grades Social Studies Middle School Social Studies 5089 149
Secondary English English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038 167
Secondary Mathematics Mathematics 5165 159
Secondary Science General Science 5436 141
Secondary Social Studies Social Studies 5581 153
K-12 Health and PE Health and PE: Content Knowledge 5857 160
K-12 Music Music: Content and Instruction 5114 162

 

Program Admission Requirements

Visit Graduate Admission for the most current Program Admission Requirements.

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