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Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master's Degree (Master of Arts in Teaching) and ISU’s Teacher Certification Program (Institutional Recommendation) have separate but closely intertwined processes and requirements.  As much as possible, we’ve attempted to create processes and requirements that overlap and work for both.  However, some processes and requirements are separate.

The first step to entering the program is to be admitted to the ISU Graduate School. No teaching experience is required for admission. All applicants will need to provide undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA. Application deadlines are approximately one month before the semester starts in order to allow time for processing applications (April 10 for summer start, July 15 for Fall start, and November 15 for winter session start). The initial application is made through the ISU Graduate School. Applicants should identify “Teaching MA” as the degree. You will need the following to complete your application:  

Traditional option must provide:

      • All official copies of undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) degree transcripts,
      • Letter of Interest which must include the following:  Request for the Traditional Option and certification/endorsement* you are seeking (e.g. Secondary English). 

Alternate Authorization option must provide:

      • All official copies of undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) degree transcripts, 
      • Letter of Interest which must include the following:  Request for the Alternate Authorization option, your current teaching assignment, and certification/endorsement* you are seeking (e.g. Secondary English).

Before any coursework and after admission to the ISU Graduate School, all candidates must apply to the ISU Teacher Certification Program. Candidates will receive a link to this application as soon as they have been accepted into the ISU Graduate School MAT Program. Much of this information will be similar to the Graduate School Application process. After the ISU Teacher Certification Application is processed, an advisor will contact candidates for more information about a Plan of Study, including any additional content coursework required for certification. The initial application to ISU Teacher Certification Program must be complete before any coursework and requires the following:  

Traditional Option (Bachelors degree-seeking certification):

  • Demographic Information 
  • Most recent Degree GPA
  • Verification of Background Check 
  • Transcript (unofficial is fine) showing previously earned degree in a subject area closely aligned to your desired endorsement 
  • Declaration of certification and endorsement area** (Early Childhood Blended, Elementary Education K-8, Secondary Education 6-12, Special Education K-12)

Alternative Authorization (Emergency Hire Teacher of Record)

  • Demographic Information 
  • Most recent Degree GPA
  • Transcript (unofficial is fine) showing previously earned degree in a subject area closely aligned to your desired endorsement
  • Declaration of certification and endorsement area** (Early Childhood Blended, Elementary Education K-8, Secondary Education 6-12, Special Education K-12)*
  • Letter from the cooperating school district supporting your use of the MAT to meet the Alternate Authorization requirements
  • Signed Consortium Agreement