Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Secondary Education
Designed for career changers and working professionals who are aspiring educators looking to channel their skills and knowledge toward teaching.
- Delivered entirely online depending on area of interest
- Begin coursework any term -- Apply now for Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2026 - Contact our graduate recruiter for a quick evaluation!
- You may be eligible to receive a scholarship - See below for details!
Features
Entirely Online | 31-35 Credits
- Tailored for graduates of non-teaching majors who aspire to become a teacher - you'll fulfill Iowa's secondary licensure requirements while learning from award-winning faculty.
- The curriculum covers teaching methods, core educator skills, and hands-on clinical experiences.
- Flexible online courses let you complete the program on your schedule.
- Step into a high-demand, fulfilling career and discover opportunities as a teacher, leader, and educator in Iowa.
Before applying, we recommend prospective students connect with our Graduate Recruiter to evaluate completed coursework and experience. Cheryl will help you determine your next steps for becoming a teacher. Complete the Request Information form to connect with Cheryl!

Cheryl Meller
Graduate Recruitment & Event Coordinator
College of Education
cheryl.meller@uni.edu
319-273-6255

Janelle Finke
Enrollment Contact
janelle.finke@uni.edu
319-273-7740
Request Information
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Serve as a highly-skilled middle and high school teacher in the state of Iowa.
- Pathways for graduates of non-teaching degrees, such as English, business, movement and exercise science, and history, are readily available. Other content areas are also available upon consultation.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Serve as a highly-skilled middle and high school teacher in the state of Iowa.
- Pathways for graduates of non-teaching degrees, such as English, business, movement and exercise science, and history, are readily available. Other content areas are also available upon consultation.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
To be admitted, students must have:
- 2.75 GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Division of Graduate Studies.
Along with the application, students must submit:
- Personal statement highlighting why you want to be a teacher, what strengths you bring, and what concerns you may have
- CV/Resume
- Documentation of 10 hours volunteering or working in a school setting
- Transcripts
Available Scholarships
College of Education Scholarships:
Graduate tuition scholarships are available for College of Education graduate students who are applying or enrolled in an online program, pending scholarship criteria. You may be eligible for any of the following scholarships:
- COE Dean's Graduate Scholarships
- Graduate Tuition Scholarships (funded through the UNI Division of Graduate Studies)
- Other COE and COE department scholarships funded through the UNI Foundation
Apply for these scholarships using the COE Graduate Scholarship Application. Deadline is April 15.
Online & Distance Education Scholarship
Online & Distance Education offers $2,000 scholarships for degree-seeking students enrolled in select graduate programs. There is no deadline to apply.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll reach out to discuss the next steps to becoming a teacher!
Transcript Evaluation
Our Graduate Recruiter will evaluate your transcript and determine which courses you'll need to satisfy the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requirements.
Apply Now
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.