Coursework is delivered in person with classes being held in the evening. Summer courses are offered in an online and hybrid format. Students are required to complete at least 240 hours of field experience leading up to 600 hours of full-time student teaching. Student teaching takes place during the spring semester and aligns with regular PK-12 teacher contract hours.

The MAT program leads to a preliminary teaching license at either the elementary or secondary level. Students can complete the Master of Arts in Teaching program within a three-semester or six-semester program. Each cohort begins Summer Session 2 (July).

Endorsement Areas

• Integrated Science
• Health
• Basic Math
• Advanced Math
• Social Studies
• World Language; Spanish
• Language Arts
• Multiple Subject Elementary

Speciality Endorsement Areas

• ESOL
• PE
• SPED
• Reading Interventionist

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, candidates:

• Are academically competent in subjects they are to teach
• Exemplify professional communication (speaking, writing, listening) and technology skills
• Apply a working knowledge of effective classroom management and the skills of teaching
• Motivate students with hands-on, action-based learning opportunities
• Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibilities of teachers and an understanding of the teacher’s role as a leader in the community

Students in One-Year MAT Program take courses on campus three nights per week every eight weeks and a daytime field experience. Candidates can complete their Master’s Degree in one year.

Course Rotation

Students in Track II traditionally take courses on campus two nights per week and complete the program over the course of two years.

Course Rotation

For full course descriptions, visit our academic catalog.

• Foundations of Education and Diversity
• Classroom Relations and Management
• Exceptional Learners
• Connecting Curriculum and Assessment
• Graduate Writing Seminar
• Child Development/Adolescent Learners & Learning Theory
• Faith Integration in Teaching Seminar
• Content Specific Methods Courses
• edTPA Support Seminar
• Exceptional Learner and Inclusive Environment
• Field Experience
• Student Teaching

Once accepted into the program, candidates are enrolled in clinical experiences, which continue each term, culminating in a full-time student teaching experience.

Students in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program engage in 240 hours of Clinical Practice, which prepares them for a 600-hour full-time clinical experience in student teaching.

During school-based clinical practices, candidates will work closely with a certified teacher in their area of concentration and will create a work sample with supervised support. Candidates will use a variety of research-based educational practices that reflect how students learn, are sensitive to individual differences, and address the needs of diverse populations.

• A free application for admission
• Official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• A statement of purpose (two-three pages, double-spaced) that clearly indicates career history, professional goals, and professional guiding principles.
• Current resume
• One letter of recommendation that specifically addresses the academic ability, work performance, and character of the applicant
• Two Disposition Assessments
• Personal interview with the Admissions Committee
• An official test score on the TOEFL (minimum score of 550 on the paper test, the minimum score of 213 on the computer test) for applicants from non-English speaking countries

Per Semester:

Housing & Food: $5,650
Books & Supplies: $55 per credit
Personal: $700
Transportation: $700
Tech Fee: $150

Rachel Grant
Admission Counselor

541-684-7348
rgrant@bushnell.edu

Ray Ricks, M.Ed.
Program Director, School of Education

541-684-7277
rricks@bushnell.edu

1. How much does the program cost?

Current tuition and fees can be found on our graduate financial aid and tuition page. The MAT program is a total of 36 credits. When making plans, prospective students should also consider expenses such as textbooks and a parking pass.

2. How long does it take to complete the program?

The MAT program can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

3. Can I work while doing this program?

Due to the demands of taking courses and simultaneously student teaching in the classroom, we strongly discourage students to work during this program.

4. Is Bushnell accredited?

Yes. The MAT program is accredited through TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission).

5. What can I do with my degree after graduating?

After graduating and passing the exam in their endorsement area, students are eligible to earn their preliminary teaching license in the state of Oregon. Students may then teach in public or private school settings.

Have other questions? Contact our admission counselor for the MAT program at 541-684-7201.

Oregon Licensure

In accordance with the rules established by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the Bushnell University Department of Teacher Education offers comprehensive programs leading to a PK-12 Preliminary Teaching License.

All Teacher Education students must create an eLicensing account on the Oregon TSPC website. To learn more about licensure visit our Oregon licensure requirements resource page.

Out of State Licensure

For more information on out-of-state licensure, visit the state of Oregon’s requirements.

Full-time student teaching is the culminating field placement experience and takes place during the candidate’s final semester. In this placement, the candidate is required to maintain full-time teaching hours at the placement school for a minimum of 600 hours (approx. 15 weeks). More information on student teaching can be found on our student teaching resource page.

Education students are required to pass several tests mandated by the state of Oregon for teacher licensure.

Official Test Scores (as required by law, additional fee required to testing agency)

• Teacher Education Testing Requirements

Fingerprinting (as required by law)

• Education Program Fingerprinting Procedures
• Fingerprint packets and forms can be obtained in the Teacher Education Department. Fingerprint clearance by TSPC is required prior to official admission into the program.

Civil Rights

To hold a teaching license, Oregon educators are required by statute to demonstrate knowledge of civil rights laws and laws prohibiting discrimination. In accordance with ORS 342.123 (1), pre-service teachers must pass all components of the Civil Rights in the Educational Setting learning modules. All modules must be successfully passed prior to starting any field experience, or by the second week of the fall semester, whichever comes first. A passing score of 100% is required.

More information on testing requirements can be found by visiting our testing requirements resource page.

The School of Education at Bushnell University is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Additionally, the university’s teaching licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). To learn more, visit our Accreditation page.