SFA offers online Master of Arts in Teaching

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Educators who want to complete their master’s degree in teaching without having to relocate or travel can do so through an online program offered at Stephen F. Austin State University.

SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education is now offering a revised 30-hour online Master of Arts in Teaching that allows educators who have completed an early childhood through 12th grade teaching certification the opportunity to finish their graduate degree.

Many students who received their initial certification — completing the first 18 hours of the 30-hour master’s program — will only need four additional courses to finish the Master of Arts in Teaching.

Students who received their certification in 2008 or after are eligible to enroll in the program and use their master’s-level course credits.

Additionally, SFA has been granted permission to allow a one-time acceptance of students with expired course credits if the student applies and is accepted into the program by Aug. 1, 2019.

“Teachers with a graduate degree are qualified to serve in leadership positions on their campus or in their district,” said Dr. Heather Olson Beal, associate professor in the Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership. “Many districts also offer a salary increase for teachers who have advanced degrees.”

Olson Beal explained all the coursework is online, and students can expect to meet and engage with practicing teachers across the state, learn about current issues in education and applications of technology in the classroom, and how to conduct action research in their classroom.

For more information, contact Olson Beal at SecEdMAT@sfasu.edu, or visit sfasu.edu/secondaryed/143.asp.