Private, nonprofit, and accredited, Concordia University-Portland specializes in the education of educators worldwide. We look for MAT candidates who are passionate about shaping the future and making a difference in a classroom of their own.
For questions about our MAT program options, class start dates, application criteria, funding opportunities, career outcomes, and more, connect with an enrollment specialist or admission counselor now. Or go ahead and start the application process. (It’s free and takes just a few minutes.)
The following requirements are for U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying to Concordia’s College of Education programs. Chat with an enrollment specialist or admissions counselor for full details.
Application Review: Applications are reviewed as they are received. You can submit your online application before sending in your other materials. Typically, elementary candidates and some secondary candidates will receive an admission decision within two weeks after their interview. Quality candidates will continue to be accepted until the cohorts are full, at which time a waitlist will be created.
Important: There are limits to the number of placements for secondary subject areas. Currently, Social Studies (History, Geography, etc) and Language Arts (English) placements are forecasted beyond capacity. Each academic year, the admission committee will begin admitting students who have applied for the full-time and evening programs for Language Arts and Social Studies beginning November 1st. If any open positions remain after this initial decision date, the committee will meet every other month thereafter to offer admission for these openings. Students interested in teaching Social Studies or Language Arts are encouraged to submit their application and all materials (including passing scores on all required tests) as soon as possible so they can be reviewed before the first decision date.
On-campus programs:
(The priority application dates are used for scholarship deadlines and to encourage early application)
Exception: International students whose undergraduate education took place in Australia, Canada (English-speaking provinces), United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, or the U.S. are exempt from this requirement. Students born in one of these countries yet educated elsewhere are still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
On-campus MAT or MAT-Evening program:
You may submit your application online first, and then submit your materials (preferably in one packet) in one of the following methods:
Certain criteria and GPA requirements vary by program. Find out from an enrollment specialist now if you qualify for your program, or if you qualify for conditional admission, which may simply require additional materials.
We want to help you get the most of out of the credits you’ve already earned. Connect with an enrollment specialist or admissions counselor now to discuss the transfer credit policies specific to the program that interests you.
I could tell right away that I would fit here at Concordia. You feel that sense of community from the get-go.
This criteria is for international students (anyone who will or is temporarily residing in the United States on an F-1 student visa) who would like to be considered for admission into our MAT programs.
Proof of a bachelor’s or master’s degree that is recognized by the Ministry of Education from that country and equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree earned in the United States
All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved transcript evaluation partner (see full list provided on this page)
TOEFL: Internet-based score - 80; paper-based score - 550
IELTS: 6.5
Exception: International students whose undergraduate education took place in Australia, Canada (English-speaking provinces), United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, or the U.S. are exempt from this requirement. Students born in one of these countries yet educated elsewhere are still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
International students enrolled in an online program will not be issued an I-20 and will not be eligible to receive an F-1 student visa to study in the United States.
An evaluation may be obtained from one of the following institutions. Please note that a comprehensive or course-by-course report is required.
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI)
P.O. Box 6908Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
P.O. Box 92970Foundation for International Services, Inc. (FIS)
505 5th Avenue South, Suite 101World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
My experience as a Concordia student first and foremost showed me that I can confidently run my own classroom.
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.