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Secondary Teaching

The MAT in secondary teaching is a one-year, online program leading to full professional educator licensure in the areas of English, mathematics, science, history, world languages, and career and technical education. Candidates complete seven online classes and a full-year residency.

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Secondary Teaching

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Degree Level
Master of Arts in Teaching
Delivery
Fully Online
Time to Degree
3 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Postsecondary, Teachers
Secondary Teaching students at EIU

Why Study Secondary Teaching at EIU?

  • One-year program that leads to a full Illinois Professional Educator License
  • All coursework is online in an asychronous format
  • Candidates complete a full-year, full-time Residency anywhere in Illinois
  • Residencies may be paid or unpaid
"Back when I originally decided to attend EIU it was due to the fact that I had been told that for Special Education there was no better option. Thankfully over the many years I have been involved with and attended EIU this idea has only been reinforced. Honestly, the difficulty of the program, its rigorous curriculum and high expectations is something that, having been working in schools for many years, I wish all programs had."
Andrew Norcross
Class of 2024, SPE: Standard Special major
Andrew Norcross, SPE: Standard Special at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Candidate complete a full-year, full-time Residency in an Illinois school (August-May)
  • Residencies may be paid or unpaid
  • Candidates need to obtain a substitute teaching license for the Residency
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Secondary Teaching students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Ready to become a licensed teacher without putting your life on pause? EIU’s online MAT in Secondary Teaching is built for aspiring educators and career changers who want to make a real impact. Complete your coursework online, then finish with a full-year residency in a school setting, with placement options that can be unpaid, paid, or third-party funded in your local community.

View in Catalog
$72,090
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,147 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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15% of lifetime limit

$15,147 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Daniel Carter, Graduate Coordinator
Associate Professor, Graduate Coordinator (TLF)
djcarter@eiu.edu
2176 Buzzard Hall
217-581-7885
Dr. Daniel Carter, Graduate Coordinator Message Dr. Carter

Message Dr. Carter

or email djcarter@eiu.edu directly
Stephen Lucas
Executive Director, Educator Preparation
selucas@eiu.edu
1417
217-581-5728
Stephen Lucas Message Stephen

Message Stephen

or email selucas@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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