Overview
The world of education is constantly in need of educators driven by a passion for bringing knowledge to the next generation. At Trevecca, we believe that it takes a very special type of person to be a teacher, and we want to help you be that person. The Master of Art in Teaching will provide you with an endorsement in either Elementary Education (K-5) or Secondary Education (6-12).
While enrolled, you will have the opportunity to experience hands-on practical application of what you've learned. Through Trevecca's partnerships with local schools, your coursework will include observing, collaborating, and student teaching in a Nashville area classroom.
Nashville needs teachers like you. Fill out the form to learn more and get connected with an admissions counselor today!
Faculty
General Resources
News
Core Classes
Curriculum and Technological Design I
TMA 6604
This introductory course examines national, state, and local curriculum standards. Through the use of technology, students will create standard-based lesson plans. Students will also be introduced to LiveText and various organizational technological methods to facilitate organizational and planning skills.
Course Hours: 3
Curriculum & Technological Design II
TMA 6606
This course examines national, state, and local curriculum standards. Through the use of technology, students will create standard-based lesson plans. Students will also use LiveText and various organizational technological methods to facilitate organizational and planning skills.
Course Hours: 3
Psychological Foundations of Learning
TMA 5510
Addresses developmental stages within the context of major learning theories. The psychology of learning includes motivation, humor, strategic learning, anchored instruction, mediated learning, metacognition, brain research, classroom organization, management, climate, and communication for effective teaching
Course Hours: 3
Assessment for Excellence
TMA 5520
Models of assessment are examined to determine measures of student performance. These include authentic assessment, competency-based assessment, assessment instruments, and assessment reports. Emphasis is given to accountability, data-driven instruction, and current trends in assessment.
Course Hours: 3
Teaching the Exceptional Learner
TMA 6680
Designed to provide an overview and an awareness of issues and trends related to special education that will assist regular education teachers in meeting the needs of all students in their classrooms, especially those who are at-risk or may have disabilities. General characteristics and the educational impact of various disabilities across age and severity will be explored. Information concerning educational services and current research about students with disabilities will be discussed. Students will actually explore a variety of methods, strategies, and tools that will help them acquire the instructional skills to identify, create interventions, participate in the special education process and make classroom accommodations and/or modifications for students that may have disabilities.
This course examines public school law and educational policy as they affect teachers' rights and legal responsibilities to students and their families. Content will include an examination of students' legal rights and ethical parameters of teaching and common sense practices to direct/inform the teacher. Content to build cultural competency including but not limited to English learners, race and ethnicity, and gender will be studied and applied. Applicable state, federal, and case law affecting schools is reviewed from organizational, historical, and professional dimensions.
Course Hours: 3
Grades K-5
Classroom Organization and Management for Educators in Diverse Settings (K-5)
TMA 6510
Provides a proactive program of classroom management that has demonstrated increases in student appropriate and on-task behavior and in student achievement. The primary goal is to help teachers improve their overall instructional and behavioral management skills through planning, implementing, modeling, and maintaining effective classroom practices for both experienced and beginning teachers.
Math Lab
TMA 6410
This lab is designed to assist students in increasing their competence in elementary mathematics. The lab is an online experience that students can work through at their own pace to achieve mastery of each skill. All mathematical topics taught in elementary schools are included, from place value and whole number operations to data analysis, geometry, and integers. $90 fee charged.
K-5 Reading and Literacy Education
TMA 6610
This course is a survey of research and theory in reading education with a focus on research-based instructional practice. Diagnostic, corrective methods are included. Alternative strategies for special needs students in the regular classroom are examined. Writing skills are also addressed. Hands-on experiences will be a part of this course. Meeting the reading/literacy needs of students with special needs, including English language learners, will be addressed. This course is also designed to acquaint the prospective teacher with various approaches to the teaching of reading in grades kindergarten through six. Included is an overview of areas pertaining to research and theory in reading education with a focus on research-based instructional practice. Emphasis is placed on best practices in reading including strategies relating to methods and techniques, alternative strategies, resources, use of technology, special learners, and evaluation of reading.
K-5 Science Education
TMA 6620
Focuses on current trends, strategies, and materials for teaching science in grades K-5. The constructivist approach to teaching science is emphasized, along with inquiry-based learning and the guided discovery method.
K-5 Math Education
TMA 6630
Focuses on current trends, strategies, and materials for teaching mathematics in grades K-5. This constructivist approach to teaching math is emphasized, along with hands-on learning and conceptual understanding of math concepts. A field experience in a K-5 setting is required.
K-5 Social Studies Education
TMA 6640
An interdisciplinary approach to social studies instruction is presented identifying the contributions of the six social science areas; integrating the various elementary subjects; and aligning the national, state, and local curriculum standards in lesson planning and instructional formation. The course analyzes current trends in instructional strategies to accommodate differing learning styles, abilities, and interests and apply learning theories and principles of child development to instructional planning that includes long and short-range goals appropriate for students. Methods to assist the learning of social studies by students with special needs, including English language learners, are included. An emphasis is placed on student participation in lessons, higher-order thinking, visual and performing arts, technology, language arts, inquiry based models, authentic assessment, and project based learning. The course also requires involvement with the professional community through various experiences.
Student Teaching and Seminar K-5
TMA 6650
The candidate must have taken and passed all Praxis tests required by the State Department of Education for licensure prior to enrolling in clinical practice (student teaching). Clinical Practice (student teaching) includes a 15-week, semester-long professional practice experience in two diverse school settings at different grade levels and a seminar component for processing the application of knowledge and the analysis of teaching skills, lesson and unit planning, classroom management, and other professional issues. Successful completion of the seminar is required in order for the candidate to receive a passing grade in clinical practice (student teaching).
Grades 6-12
Classroom Organization and Management for Educators in Diverse Settings (6-12)
TMA 6511
Provides a proactive program of classroom management that has demonstrated increases in student appropriate and on-task behavior and in student achievement. The primary goal is to help teachers improve their overall instructional and behavioral management skills through planning, implementing, modeling, and maintaining effective classroom practices for both experienced and beginning teachers.
Reading and Writing in the Content Area
TMA 6625
Addresses teaching reading and writing in the various subject areas at the secondary level. It stresses skills of vocabulary building, comprehension, and writing as well as skills and methods of motivating students to read and write. Classroom observation and analysis in a secondary school is required.
Methods and Tools for Secondary Teachers
TMA 6635
Methods and Tools for Secondary Teachers
Excellence in the Content Area
TMA 6695
This course analyzes current trends in instructional strategies for 7-12 students. During the course, candidates will research a content area and align instructional strategies pertaining to that content area to national, state, and local standards. Using research-based instructional practices this course explores teaching secondary subjects through hands-on experiences, student participation, higher order thinking, visual and performing arts, technology, inquiry-based models, authentic assessment, and project-based learning.
Secondary Course Design
TMA 6400
This course explores methods for designing courses for secondary students through non-traditional methods. Students learn and practice how to design a course online, which includes setting up the course in an online platform, creating lessons and assignments, providing feedback in a variety of modalities, assessing, and setting up a gradebook. How to flip a classroom to get middle and high school students more involved in their own learning is another method that is examined. Emphasis is placed on students’ chosen content areas as they create lessons, assignments for each course design.
Student Teaching and Seminar 6-12
TMA 6665
The candidate must have taken and passed all Praxis tests required by the State Department of Education for licensure prior to enrolling in clinical practice (student teaching). Clinical practice (student teaching) includes a 15-week, semester-long professional practice experience in two diverse secondary school settings at different grade levels and a seminar component for processing the application of knowledge and the analysis of teaching skills, lesson and unit planning, classroom management, and other professional issues. Successful completion of the seminar is required in order for the candidate to receive a passing grade in clinical practice (student teaching).
Program Details
Total Credit Hours
36
Program Length
18-24 months
Mode
Hybrid. You’ll alternate between receiving in-person instruction and participating in virtual, synchronous classes online with other classmates. You'll also receive student teaching and field experiences as part of the program format. Job-embedded opportunities are available.
Licensure Options
As part of this program, you’ll choose to earn either a Elementary Education (K-5) licensure or Secondary Education (6-12) licensure. The Secondary Education (6-12) licensure is designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in one of the following content areas of study:
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- English
- History
- Economics
- Government
- Mathematics
- Music
- Instrumental/General
- Vocal/General
- Physical Education
- Health
- Physics
- Speech Communication
- Theatre
Locations/Modes
This program utilizes a hybrid model with classes offered in-person and virtually.
As part of a hybrid cohort, you’ll benefit from the best of what in person and virtual learning offers. The flexible, efficient structure of our hybrid model allows you to earn your degree while continuing to work and maintain existing commitments. You’ll alternate between receiving in-person instruction and participating in virtual classes online with other classmates. Whether in person or online, you’ll journey through each step of the program with the same group of classmates (cohort) from start to finish.
The strength of a cohort model is the relationships you build. Students start the program together and progress through it together, one class at a time. This allows you to study with like-minded individuals, provides the support and encouragement you need and helps to build your professional network.
We understand the value of a face-to-face experience in becoming an educator. Through your in-person courses, you’ll gain opportunities for growth and learning alongside your colleagues and professors while also receiving the important modeling it takes to know how to best serve your students. Your instructors will demonstrate best practices that show how you can successfully connect with students in a traditional classroom setting.
At the same time, we recognize the benefits of virtual learning. For the past 20 years, Trevecca has offered online academic programs that allow students to earn their degree in a format that works for them. We understand life is busy and you have limited time to attend class on campus. Whether you’re a working adult or simply live outside Nashville, we make it easy to focus on one class at a time in a virtual setting. For each online class, books and materials are delivered to your front door.
With our online courses, you can expect the same level of quality and rigor that Trevecca has provided students since its inception in 1901. Trevecca is committed to holistic education, encouraging students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The Carnegie Foundation has classified Trevecca as a doctoral university, ranking it among the top seven percent of schools nationwide. Regionally, the Nashville Business Journal has repeatedly named Trevecca as the fastest-growing university in Middle Tennessee in recent years.
Outcomes/Careers
Earning a Master of Arts in teaching will help you build upon your current experience, become more professionally marketable, ensure job security and increase your earning potential, all while making a difference in the lives of students, family and your community.
An advanced degree offers K-12 teachers more skills, knowledge and credentials. Holding a master’s degree could make you eligible for more and higher-paying positions, including roles outside the traditional classroom setting. Many K-12 teachers with advanced degrees go on to become school administrators, teach in colleges or universities, work as consultants and specialists within their districts or governments and more.
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
- Have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized regional accrediting agency or the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students who do not meet these degree requirements may be conditionally accepted in accordance with the Conditional Admission Policy
- Need to have taken the MAT (Millers Analogies Test) or the GRE
Getting Started
- Complete the online application (it's free!).
Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions here! - Fill out FAFSA to be considered for financial aid
- Request a copy of your official transcript from your undergraduate institution
- An admissions counselor will contact you with the next steps
More Questions?
Fill out the form to be connected with an enrollment counselor who can help with any questions and the admissions process.
Financial Aid & Costs
Worried about the future? We’ve got you covered!
At Trevecca, we understand we’re in unprecedented times. We believe you should be free to follow your dreams without fear. If you’re unable to complete a course due to COVID-19, we’ll refund the course cost to you. Full details can be found here.
How much will it cost?
| Tuition | Credit hours | Program length | Tuition costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| $530/credit hour | 30 (+6 student teaching) | As little as 18 months | $19,080* |
*$50 fee assessed per course. Books are not included.
How am I going to pay for it?
- Federal loans are available to all eligible students who complete a FAFSA
- Employer tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Monthly payments through Trevecca make fulfilling tuition requirements more manageable
- Military benefits such as Yellow Ribbon and GI Bills are accepted by Trevecca University
How do I qualify?
- Fill out your FAFSA. Based on your income, you will know how much federal financial aid you are eligible to receive.
- Talk to your employer about tuition reimbursement opportunities
- For military benefits, contact the Academic Records Office at 1.615.248.1268
FAQs
Will this program lead to licensure?
Does this program have a licensure-only option without pursuing the degree?
How many transfer credits will this program accept?
What scholarships are available for this program?
Does my previous degree have to be in education to be qualified for this program?
Can my PRAXIS scores be used in lieu of GRE/MAT requirements for this program?
What about my ACT score?
Are there any breaks between classes?
How many classes will I take at once?
What is the maximum amount of hours I can take at once?
Will this program be helpful to me if I need to renew my licensure?
Will this degree prepare me for doctoral programs?
What is the difference between the Initial licensure (post baccalaureate) program and the Master of Arts in teaching?
Does this program require that I take PRAXIS exams?
When is the deadline to apply for this program?
Overview
The field of education continually needs teachers who are passionate about bringing knowledge to the next generation. At Trevecca, we’re committed to helping you become the kind of educator who can nurture and shape the whole student—intellectually, socially and emotionally. A Master of Arts in teaching will equip you to mold and prepare tomorrow’s leaders through receiving the most effective techniques and learning strategies for today’s students.
With a history of academic excellence since 1901, Trevecca offers expertise in training and preparing teachers to impart wisdom, instruction and inspiration to students. The Tennessee Department of Education describes Trevecca’s School of Education as exemplary, receiving high marks in academic performance, teacher effectiveness and first-year job placement.1
The Master of Arts in teaching is for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and desire to become a teacher. The program is designed for professionals who seek to change careers, grow their potential and make a difference in the lives of students.
This advanced degree features a hybrid schedule. You’ll alternate between receiving in-person instruction and participating in virtual classes online with other classmates.
Through this blended approach, you’ll benefit from a flexible, efficient schedule that allows you to earn your degree while continuing to work and maintain existing commitments. The virtual classroom setting will strengthen your skills in navigating online learning management systems, which in turn will enhance your ability to deliver online instruction to remote students in a clear, compelling and proficient manner when needed. The in-person classes allow your instructors to model best practices that demonstrate how you can successfully interact, connect, support and solve problems with students in a traditional classroom setting.
What to Expect:
- Choose to earn either a Elementary Education (K-5) licensure or Secondary Education (6-12) licensure.
- Experience a hands-on, practical application of what you’ve learned. Through Trevecca’s partnerships with local schools, your coursework will include observing, collaborating and student teaching.
- Enjoy ongoing accessibility to faculty and receive support from your peers through a cohort model, where you’ll journey through the program with a small group of classmates all working toward the same goal.
- Benefit from our hybrid format and complete your degree in as little as 18 months.
1 Tennessee Department of Education’s 2018 Performance Report