MAT Admissions Requirements

Master of Arts in Teaching degree programs are rich in practical, discipline-specific information. Concordia’s MAT program is designed to enable candidates to enter the teaching profession at the Preliminary Teaching License level in the state of Oregon. MAT programs can be excellent options for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in another field looking to switch careers.

In comparison, MEd degree programs often require more theoretical coursework and offer a fuller understanding of the teaching profession as a whole including pedagogy, specific instructional strategies for an area of concentration, and education leadership. These programs are intended for practicing educators and other professionals who seek to enhance their skills and who may need to use credits toward professional development. Concordia’s MEd programs are not designed or intended to lead in any way toward a teaching license, endorsement, or administrative credential, with the exception of the MEd in Administration. A Master of Education degree may be the first stage in education doctoral programs, enabling interested students to pursue further advanced study at a later date.

In most cases, yes. Oregon has very strict guidelines and high standards for teacher licensure. Because of this, we hold reciprocity with most states in the country. Very often, a different state will simply require paperwork and fees to obtain a license in that state. Sometimes, the new state required tests, and will also require a state history course or other basic courses to be completed as part of its licensing agreement. It is often easier to be licensed in Oregon and transfer that license elsewhere than vice versa.

Four words: Nonprofit. Accredited. History. Results. Affiliated with the Concordia University System, including 9 campuses located throughout the United States, Concordia University-Portland was founded more than 100 years ago and is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Delivering a quality education through our College of Education programs is our top priority, which is why our faculty is composed of practitioners with extensive industry experience and we are constantly refreshing our curricula. Plus we offer numerous academic resources that our students can use for research purposes.

Depending on the program to which you are applying, conditional admission may be provided to students who do not meet the GPA requirements; however, additional material and documentation will be required. GPA requirements vary by program. Please contact an enrollment specialist or admission counselor to discuss admission into your degree program of interest.

No. The classes are sequential and build upon each other. The two program timelines are so different that it makes switching between the two unfeasible.

Students must be cleared by TSPC (the state licensing agency) prior to volunteering in a setting with children or youth, or prior to clinical experiences such as student teaching.

You will receive fingerprinting and background check information from the College of Education with instructions on how to complete the process. There are fees associated with this process. Please visit the TSPC website for more information.

Due to our location within Faubion School, you will also be asked to complete the PPS background check at the start of your first semester on campus, which is free.

Students in the BS in ECE program should refer to the handbook for specific background check requirements.

The Placement Office oversees the clinical experience of licensure programs within the College of Education. Please visit the Placement Office page for more information.

Once admitted, you will need to pass the Civil Rights Test before beginning your practicum or student teaching experiences. Elementary candidates must also pass the NES Elementary Education Test before the practicum. If you are pursuing the secondary level and do not hold a degree in the subject you want to teach, the Content-Specific Test(s) will need to be passed before you are admitted. We strongly encourage you to take all tests sooner rather than later. If you don’t meet the GPA requirement, you may also be required to pass tests prior to starting the program. There may be other tests mandated by the state of Oregon for teacher licensure. Please consult this list of testing requirements.

Yes! Once you receive your MAT, you may begin coursework for additional endorsements or licensure. You will receive the 20% alumni grant for these programs and may also be eligible for tuition assistance from the school district that hires you.

The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be able to apply your new skills and knowledge to begin your career, advance in your current role or take on a new position. We understand the temptation of waiting for life to slow down, but does it ever? Investing in yourself and your career provides a great return on your investment! We can help you get started by streamlining the admissions process.

Concordia offers and accepts numerous funding options, such as school-based scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, monthly payments, military benefits, and additional promotions to those candidates who qualify. We will provide you with an enrollment specialist or admission counselor who will discuss all your funding options, and we have a dedicated financial aid team that can answer your questions regarding federally funded programs. If you are employed, we also encourage you to check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement. Check out this free e-book with more tips for lowering the cost of your MEd degree.

Yes! Concordia University is proud to partner with Dr. Becky Bailey, an international expert, publisher in early childhood education and development and the creator of Conscious Discipline, to provide graduate seminar credit for her workshops. Learn more on our Professional Development Conferences page.

• TSPC: Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. This is the governing body that awards teacher licenses in the state of Oregon. http://www.oregon.gov/tspc/pages/index.aspx
• COHORT: A group of fellow students with whom you will complete all of your classes. Our students become very close with their other cohort members. Cohorts form strong bonds of friendship and support during the program and continue to keep in touch and network with each other once the program is completed.
• PRACTICUM & STUDENT TEACHING: Hands-on, practical experiences in the school system. Students take on the roles and responsibilities of their cooperating teachers during these times. The practicum is seven to eight weeks of full-time teaching, and the student teaching is twelve weeks of full-time teaching. Student teaching and the practicum schedule will vary slightly between the MAT and MAT-Evening programs.
• edTPA: The culminating project for the MAT program, it is a performance-based assessment completed during the student teaching experience. edTPA evaluates candidates’ ability to plan and implement lessons, assess their own teaching efficacy, and adapt their practices accordingly. The MAT coursework and optional workshops offered during the program will help candidates prepare for edTPA. Concordia MAT students get to complete edTPA two times and submit their best assessment for evaluation.
• ENDORSEMENTS: The subject area(s) in which secondary students will be licensed. Examples include biology, foundational math, P.E., or language arts.