Secondary Education, 7-12
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Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our society. They have the opportunity to educate young minds, ignite a passion for learning, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
In our School of Education, we understand the importance of teachers and the impact they can have on their students and society. That is why our nationally accredited Secondary Education (7-12) graduate teacher education certificate program is designed to prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become the teacher you were meant to be in two years.
Our expert faculty focus on social justice issues and provide a quality education that prepares you for a successful and rewarding career in teaching. With an online curriculum, field experiences, and study abroad opportunities, our teaching degree program allows you to pursue your graduate studies with the convenience and flexibility you need.
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Transform Your Career with Our Fully Online Degree
Our MAT in Secondary Education is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and want to transition into teaching. Our programs combine professional education with academic curricula in several core areas, including:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies
Engaging Online Classroom Experience
Taught by teacher-scholar faculty who are leaders in their fields. Your classes will be engaging, interactive, and participatory. You will be part of a community of learners involved in coursework, collaboration and learning with your peers and professors. Read more about our Online Student Experience.
Hands-on Field Placement and Student Teaching
Our School of Education collaborates with public, private, and charter schools and other diverse educational settings. As part of the program, you will fulfill field experience requirements, including student teaching for PA teacher licensure and licensure in many other states. As a student, you will have many hands-on opportunities to expand your horizons in various learning environments, field placements and unique student teaching opportunities. Student teaching will be the culminating capstone experience of the Leading Teacher Program, where you will apply the knowledge, learning principles and teaching techniques in a full-time setting.
Student Teach Abroad
We are the only school in Pittsburgh to have a partnership with Indiana University Global Gateway for Teachers Program, in which we offer various student teaching abroad and other Cultural Immersion Opportunities.
Program Information
Our Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education (7-12) graduate teacher education certification programs prepare you to teach in Grade 7-12 classrooms in Pennsylvania and in many other states in the subject areas of: English, Mathematics, Social Studies or Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics). Your classes are fully online, and in the field, you will have diverse opportunities for hands-on learning experiences across the Greater Pittsburgh Region.
Degree
Master's
School
Academic Department
Instruction and Leadership in Education
Duration
2-year
Required Credit Hours
39
100% Online Classes
Our online asynchronous courses allow you to access course materials and complete assignments on your own time, allowing you to balance your academic goals with your personal or professional commitments. These online classes will prepare you for the hands-on experience of the diverse field work opportunities in this program.
Our MAT degree can help you advance in your career—and make a difference in the education
field. Ready to Make an Impact?
You are interested in transforming your career and want to earn your initial teaching
certification in secondary education.
You have a passion for inspiring students to achieve their goals in English, Mathematics
or Science.
You are experienced in your field and ready to share your knowledge with high school
students.
Secondary Education is a growing field with high demand for qualified teachers.
You are already working with students and want to earn your initial teaching certification
for Grades 7-12.
Teachers can earn a competitive salary and benefits package, especially those with
advanced degrees and experience.
You want to gain experience in diverse educational settings and develop teaching practices
informed by social justice.
You love learning and learning environments.
(Grades 7-12 in your academic content area: English, Mathematics, Science including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, or Social Studies)Great Education, Great Value
Our Curriculum
This is just a sampling of the online course work and hands-on fieldwork curriculum you will experience as an MAT student.
Application Process
Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA*
Applicants seeking admission to the program must have a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in their secondary content area.
Candidates must meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education content requirements.*
*If you have questions about whether or not you meet these requirements, please contact us.
International Applicants
International Students seeking fully online programs are not eligible for U.S. Student
Visas. Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.
Rolling Admissions
Our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Secondary Education program has a rolling admissions process. This means you can apply anytime throughout the year.
All Applicants
- Graduate Application
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from an academic or professional contact (no personal contact).
- Provide a one-page letter of intent, describing "why you want to become a teacher."
Send official application materials to:
OR
- Duquesne University
Office of Graduate Admissions
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Additional Requirements
Materials will be reviewed by a graduate secondary education advisor. If the minimum
program requirements are met, applicants will be asked to:
- Attend an interview with the graduate secondary education program advisors
- Additional material might be requested as needed
Candidates must meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education content requirements.
Early Start Program - Secondary Education, 7-12, MAT
Undergraduate students across the University can start graduate studies in the MAT Secondary Education, 7-12 program. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate.
Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.
After working in higher education, I realized I wanted to work with students
even earlier in their academic careers. Through my experiences at Duquesne, I have
found it so rewarding to help middle and high school students develop their academic
skills, personal goals and sense of self.
Zoe Brunick, School of Education student, asks elementary through high school students
to imagine a life without teachers. The students also tell her about their favorite
teachers, qualities that make a good teacher, their advice for teachers and more. Liam, Age 18Student Perspective
What Would Life be like Without Teachers?
"I would say...chaos...It would be a lot harder to learn without them, hard to manage
life."
Associate Professor | Interim Director for Teacher Certification Programs Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor Professor Professor Instructor | Director of Student Teaching & Field Placement Associate Professor | Associate Dean for Teacher Education Clinical Assistant Professor Associate Professor | Director of Graduate Studies Professor | Department ChairOur Faculty Experts
Rachel Ayieko
Melissa Boston
Xia Chao
Bridget Green
Misook Heo
Joseph Kush
Cindy Laspina
Karen Levitt
Cliff Oliech
Amy Olson
Jason Ritter
Featured content
CAEP Accreditation is a select honor to nationally recognize program quality for educator preparation. This represents that our students are well equipped to meet the needs of K-12 students as well as their communities and schools. We are one of five institutions in Pennsylvania to receive this accreditation.
Learning Together in a Highly Accredited Program
In addition to the School of Education's national recognition by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), as a point of distinction, content areas are nationally accredited by their respective Specialized Professional Association (SPA).
- The English content area is accredited by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
- The Mathematics content area is accredited by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
- The Social Studies content area is accredited by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).
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Master of Arts in Secondary Education ProgramContact Us
Sydney Daneman