Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT)

Program overview

Earn an accelerated Master’s Degree in Teaching with Residency Teacher Certification

Reap the benefits of a rigorous program that integrates Residency Teacher Certification with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in a full-time, 15-month program that includes a full-year internship in K–12 schools. Learn the skills needed to impact student learning as a professional teacher committed to equity and inclusion.

Let this flexible AMAT program help you quickly reach your goals.

Program Overview

THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DIFFERENCE

Seattle Pacific was founded more than 125 years ago, and the University has been preparing some of the most sought-after educators in the region for more than 90 years. Today, entrance to School of Education graduate programs is highly competitive. Faculty members – each teaching his or her own courses and each holding a doctorate – have worked to develop rigorous programs of quality.

The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University offers more than a dozen graduate programs. You can choose from three doctoral programs, seven master’s degree programs, and five certification programs, all of which focus on developing competence, character, leadership, and service in educators. While many students train to become teachers, others prepare for roles as school counselors, principals, superintendents, district office personnel, or professors in higher education. SPU's reputation in P–12 education in Washington and across the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

Why Seattle Pacific for your Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching?

School districts have long sought after SPU-educated teachers for both their competence and character. Many graduates have gone on to blaze new trails in the education realm, and even earn Washington state’s Teacher of the Year award, an honor given to only one outstanding Washington teacher annually. The Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching program was created to integrate Residency Teacher Certification with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree including a full-time, year-long internship in K-12 schools. Earn higher placement on the salary schedule and become equipped to significantly impact student learning and change lives.

  1. Accomplished Faculty

    Expert, caring faculty have a desire to help students succeed. Faculty are known for mentoring their students during and following their educational programs. These professors model lifelong learning through scholarly activities of their own, publishing frequently, and presenting at professional conferences.

  2. AACU Membership

    Seattle Pacific is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. SPU certification programs are approved by the Washington state Professional Educator Standards Board. The School of Education is also a member of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, and has a chapter, Sigma Phi Upsilon, of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling.

  3. Deep Character Emphasis

    Built on an character education foundation, the graduate programs at SPU offer first-class education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take ethics courses, and character issues are integrated throughout the curriculum.

  4. Flexible Format

    Designed for working professionals, courses are offered online and on-campus during the summer. During the academic year, candidates attend evening classes one or two nights a week each quarter.

  5. Connected Alumni

    School of Education graduates move on to purposeful careers in schools and district-level leadership throughout the country. When you obtain a graduate degree from SPU’s School of Education, you join a community of alumni who stay connected.

Related Master’s Program

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Curriculum

Completion of the program fulfills requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and Washington state Residency Teacher Certification. After completing certification requirements, the Certification Office in the School of Education at SPU recommends candidates for teacher licensure to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Completion of five additional graduate-level classes throughout the program or the summer after internship fulfills requirements for the MAT degree.

Program schedule and cohort info

A new cohort begins each summer at the end of June. Courses begin online, and also have campus meetings in late June and at the beginning of August. Coursework is entirely online for the month of July. During the academic year (i.e., Autumn–Spring quarters), candidates typically attend class one night a week. 

Program components

Certification

The certification component of the AMAT program is 45 credits. Approximately one-third of these credits are allocated for student teaching, which is full-time and supervised, for 180 days in a classroom. Completion of certification courses, internship requirements, and passing program assessments qualifies candidates for a Washington Residency Certificate. This certificate enables candidates to teach in public and private schools in Washington state. The master’s degree is earned by completing an additional 15 graduate-level credits or five classes.

Candidates in the Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching Online program are recommended for certification by doing the following:

  • Demonstrating effective teaching practices
  • Centering instruction on high expectations for student achievement
  • Recognizing and responding to individual student learning needs
  • Providing clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum
  • Fostering and managing a safe, positive learning environment
  • Using multiple student-data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning
  • Communicating and collaborating with parents and the school community
  • Exhibiting collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instruction and learning

NOTE: Tuition rates for the certification portion of the program and the master's component of the program are differentiated. While certification courses are offered at a reduced rate, students across all master's programs take the master's component classes at the regular graduate tuition rate. 

Coursework and Internship

Coursework begins in the summer with online and on-campus classes in learning theory, general teaching methods, curriculum design, and literacy strategies. Coursework varies depending on endorsement area to provide discipline-specific emphasis. Candidates typically enroll in classes with peers who are earning the same primary endorsement to promote collegial interdependence. The number of on-campus meetings for coursework varies by endorsement area.

Internship begins in late August as K–12 teachers return to school for in-service training. Candidates intern across the school year, while completing online and on-campus coursework. On-campus and online coursework integrates internship experiences to assist candidates in applying educational theory and research to planning, instruction, and assessment.

Candidates are paired with a mentor teacher and university field supervisor in a school setting. Internship is five days a week during an entire K–12 school year, including in-service and end-of-the-year activities. Candidates may have to two release days a month to attend program requirements and wellness goals.

Candidates and mentor teachers follow a co-teaching model, where responsibility for planning, instruction, management, and assessment is shared. Candidates begin internship with focused observations and progress to independent teaching. Across internship, candidates complete assignments designed to maximize field experiences, such as internship reflections, lesson plans, and program assessments. Internship concludes with candidates returning control of classroom responsibilities to their mentor teachers.

Completion of the MAT Degree

Candidates earn the MAT degree by completing five additional graduate-level courses, totaling 15 credits. These classes are taken at the regular graduate tuition rate. Classes required for the MAT degree are not needed for certification. However, most candidates complete degree requirements immediately following certification to increase their base salary. Candidates may delay completion of degree requirements for five years following the quarter of admission, as long as active enrollment status is maintained by completing one class every four quarters. Students admitted to the AMAT program with an advanced degree may transfer 12 of the 15 credits from their previous institution. All students are required to complete EDU 6085 Moral Issues in Education to receive the MAT degree.

Course sequence

Candidates enrolled in the AMAT program follow a course sequence designed to exceed the demands of today's classrooms. Graduates complete the program with knowledge and skills required for effective teaching, developed through integration of internship experiences, positive peer interdependence, and focused pedagogy for teaching primary and secondary students in a variety of endorsement areas. 

Candidates receive a specific course sequence, depending on endorsement, as they begin the program. The following shows an example sequence for Elementary Certification.

Courses for Certification

Summer

EDU 6132

Learners in Context (3)

EDU 6150

General Inquiry, Teaching, and Assessment Methods (3)

EDU 6524 

Curriculum Design (3)

EDU 6918

Introduction to Teaching (2)

Autumn

EDRD 6529

Teaching Reading: Strategies of Instruction (3)

EDU 6130

Classroom Management (3)

EDU 6134 

Professional Issues/Abuse (2)

EDU 6945 

Residency Student Teaching Internship (5)

Winter

EDMA 6432

Elementary Math Methods (3)

EDU 6136

Content Methods (3)


EDU 6139 

Internship Seminar (1)

EDU 6945 

Residency Student Teaching Internship (5)

Spring

EDU 6133

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (3)

EDU 6139

Internship Seminar (1)

EDU 6945

Residency Student Teaching Internship (5)

MAT degree courses

EDSP 6644 

Educating Exceptional Students (3)*

EDTC  

Any 6000-level EDTC course* 

EDU 6085 

Moral and Theological Issues in Education (3)*

EDU 6120

American Education: Past and Present (3)*

EDU 6526 

Survey of Instructional Strategies (3)*

*Indicates a master’s component course. Many students choose to complete these courses the summer following certification.

Routes to Certification

Applicants to the AMAT program fit one of these profiles, though all routes require a bachelor's degree and endorsement in a high needs area at the district or local level:

Route 2: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree.
Currently employed school-district or private-school staff members (such as paraeducators, instructional assistants, or education aides) with a minimum of one year of student interaction and leadership.

Route 3: For “Career changers” with a bachelor’s degree
Individuals not currently employed by a school district or private school (such as those considering career change)

Route 4: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree and limited certificate.
Teachers employed in a public school on a limited certificate such as a Conditional or Emergency Substitute Certificate.

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Faculty

Faculty

Scott Beers

Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs
PhD, University of Washington

Email: sbeers@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2707
Office: Peterson Hall 409

Daniel Bishop

Assistant Professor; Chair of Teacher Leadership
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: bishod@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2593
Office: Peterson Hall 313

David W. Denton

Associate Professor
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: dentod@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2504
Office: Peterson Hall 317

Greg Fritzberg

Professor of Education
PhD, University of Washington

Email: gregf@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2363
Office: Peterson Hall 415

Kristine Gritter

Professor, Curriculum and Instruction; Chair, MEd Literacy, Language, and Equity
PhD, Michigan State University

Email: grittk@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2323
Office: Peterson Hall 309

Jill Heiney-Smith

Director of Graduate Teacher Education; Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: heineysmithj@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2372
Office: Peterson Hall 311

Robin Henrikson

Associate Professor; Director of Assessment

Email: henrir@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2186
Office: Peterson Hall 405

Krystle Jalalian-Chursky

Assistant Professor, Special Education; Director of Undergraduate Teacher Education
PhD, University of London, Birkbeck

Email: jalaliank@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2365
Office: Peterson Hall 313

Kirsten Koetje

Assistant Director of Graduate Teacher Education
PhD, Seattle Pacific University

Jorge Preciado

Professor of Education; Chair of Special Education
PhD, University of Oregon

Email: preciadoj@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2794
Office: Peterson Hall 406

Pete Renn

Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction; Assistant Dean
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: rennp@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2028
Office: Peterson Hall 305

David Wicks

Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: dwicks@netplanna.com
Phone: 206-281-2367
Office: Peterson Hall 411

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Continuing Education

To meet the changing needs of adult learners, Seattle Pacific University offers a wide range of programs and courses to meet the needs of today's professionals. With competitive credit and program rates, these personal and professional development opportunities make lifelong learning very affordable. As the largest provider of continuing education credits for teachers in Washington State, SPU's Center for Professional Education is focused on the current needs of K-12 educators.

Courses taken for credit and numbered at the 5000 level are graduate-level courses and are designed primarily with the needs of teachers and other professionals in mind for the purpose of meeting certification, endorsement, district pay lane requirements and other professional needs. These graduate-level courses may be considered to meet elective requirements in some cases.

Still have questions? Review FAQs.

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Costs

Tuition and fees for 2023–24

money icon

$670/$735*

per credit

*$670 per credit for core certification coursework; $735 per credit for master’s component courses
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$50

application fee

See additional fee details.
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60

credits to complete

Financial aid

Before applying for aid, you must first be admitted to a graduate program. Make sure you:

  • Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) toward a degree or eligible certificate each quarter.
  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

You may take advantage of scholarships and loans. SPU does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later! 

Learn more about the FAFSA and applying for financial help.

Learn more about scholarships, assistantships, and loans available to graduate students.

Second Master’s Benefit

Students entering the Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching program with an advanced degree may take advantage of a second master's benefit at SPU. Through a petition process, students may receive a waiver for four of the five required "master's component" courses. Students who have earned an advanced degree need only complete EDU 6085 in addition to all certification courses to earn a second master's at SPU. In total, students may complete certification and a second master's for 48 credits.

Fees

Find out more about administrative and other School of Education program fees.

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Application

Admission requirements

Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. New cohorts are admitted each March and the program begins Summer Session.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit the following items to Graduate Admissions:

  • Application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Official transcript documenting bachelor's degree (including official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended).
    • Note, to be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the college or university. Transcripts may be delivered to Graduate Admissions as long as they remain in their original, unopened university envelope. Electronic transcripts received via eSCRIP-SAFE or Parchment Exchange are also acceptable.
    • If your degree is not from a US college or university, please arrange for your transcript to be evaluated by an accredited transcript-evaluation company, such as FIS or WES. Have the report forwarded directly to Graduate Admissions.
  • Personal statement (1–2 pages).
  • Résumé.
  • Two to four letters of recommendation.
  • WEST-B scores, preferred minimum score 240 on each subtest (reading, writing, and mathematics).
    • Applicants may use a combination of SAT, ACT, and WEST-B scores to meet the WEST-B requirement (reading writing, mathematics). Please contact Graduate Admissions if you have questions.
      • Preferred SAT scores required (for test date beginning 3/5/2016) — Math: 27.5, Reading: 27, Writing: 28.
      • Preferred SAT scores required (for test date up to 3/4/2016) — Math: 515, Reading: 500, Writing: 490.
      • Preferred ACT scores required — Math: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 8 (for test date beginning 9/1/2016), or Writing: 23 (for test date 9/1/2015 through 8/31/16), or Writing: 8 (for test date up to 8/31/2015) 
  • Passing State Endorsement Test.
    • WEST-E or NES must be passed by May 1, prior to the program start date.
    • Several NES study guides are located on the main floor Reference section of the SPU Library.
  • Verify endorsement readiness.
    • Endorsements are the content and grade levels a teacher is prepared to teach. The Professional Education Standards Board (PESB) provides a comprehensive list of all endorsements offered at SPU. 
      • If your major does not match your intended endorsement, please contact The Certification Office. Complete the Endorsement Verification form only after contacting the Certification Office. On the form, indicate that you have been in contact with the Certification Office and list your "Approved Plan of Study" if one has been developed.
  • Moral and Professional Character Policy form (found in the online application). 

Applicants with complete files submitted by the deadline are screened for interviews in March. Invitations to interview are sent by email. Applicants are advised to add these email addresses as contacts to avoid inadvertent delivery of correspondence to spam or junk folders.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Early decision: November 15

Regular admission: February 1

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS?

Contact Graduate Admissions at 800-601-0603 or gradadmissions@netplanna.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is admission to the SPU School of Education graduate degree programs?

This varies by program. Admission to some programs, such as the Accelerated Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (AMTMS), Accerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT), and MEd in School Counseling, is very competitive. Admission to each of SPU's graduate programs in education is standards-based, and all applicants must meet all standards for admission.

Can I continue to work while enrolled in a graduate degree program in the SPU School of Education?

Yes, in most cases. Most of the graduate degree programs offered by the School of Education are part-time programs, with classes offered in a variety of worker-friendly venues. Education graduate courses are scheduled at SPU or off campus, in the evenings, occasionally on Saturdays, and during the summer.

The Acclerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT) and Accelerated Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (AMTMS) programs are exceptions. They are one-year full-time programs due to their full-time internships.

Is it possible to complete a graduate degree from SPU's School of Education online?

The School of Education offers several fully online programs, including the AMAT-OnlineAMTMS-OnlineDigital Education Leadership, and Teacher Leadership programs. Please review the program pages for eligibility requirements.

Is a graduate program at SPU more expensive than comparable education programs at other universities?

SPU's graduate tuition rates are competitive with other accredited universities in Washington.

How does a graduate degree or graduate certificate from SPU compare with a similar degree or certificate from other universities?

SPU's School of Education has been offering a wide range of fully accredited master's and doctoral degrees in addition to graduate certificates for more than 20 years. SPU's reputation in P–12 education in Washington and around the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

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