M.A. or MAT Secondary Education
Heighten Secondary Education with Specialized Teaching Mastery and Elevate Your Career
Saint Xavier University's Master of Arts in Secondary Education equips future educators
with the knowledge, skills and strategies to effectively teach in today's diverse
classrooms. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and accredited
by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), this program
leads to a Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in one of the following
content areas: Visual Arts: (PK-12), Science - Biology (9-12), Mathematics (9-12),
English Language Arts (9-12), Music (PK-12), Social Science - History (9-12), or Spanish
(PK-12).
Note: Applications are no longer being accepted for the traditional MAT and M.A. graduate
programs. SXU will continue to offer the MAT Alternative Licensure graduate programs.
Please contact Tony DeCesare, Ph.D., interim director of Education, for additional
questions at decesareFREESXU.*
FORMAT
PEL/Alternative MAT: Online
PROGRAM LENGTH
PEL: 1 Year
Alternative MAT: 15 Months
CREDIT HOURS
PEL: 26 Credits Hours
Alternative MAT: 32 Credit Hours
COST
Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575
Credit Hours to Complete: 26-45
Approximate Cost: $14,950 - $25,875
Why Earn your M.A. or MAT Secondary Degree?
Earning a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) focusing on Secondary Education at SXU offers several rewarding benefits. These programs typically provide advanced training in pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment strategies, which can improve your effectiveness as an educator, allowing you to specialize in a subject area or educational method that makes you more knowledgeable and potentially more marketable. With a master’s degree, the door to your bright future is open for higher-level positions such as department head, curriculum coordinator, or administrator. Many school districts offer salary increments for teachers with advanced degrees. Through the alternative licensure path, earning your degree at SXU offers flexibility, affordability and career advancement. The program provides in-depth preparation in content and teaching methodologies, qualifying you for roles in subjects like Visual Arts (PK-12), Science - Biology (9-12), Mathematics (9-12), English Language Arts (9-12), Music (PK-12), Social Science - History (9-12), or Spanish (PK-12).

About the Program
The alternative licensure option allows candidates to work as teachers of record while earning their degrees. The program includes six semesters of coursework, including two intensive summer sessions, and culminates in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Personalized mentorship ensures a well-rounded learning experience.
The program integrates accelerated coursework with practical teaching experiences, supported by one-on-one mentoring from a site-based coach and University coordinator. You'll gain hands-on classroom experience, engage in fieldwork, and refine your skills through real-world application.
Graduates will be proficient in curriculum design, instructional strategies, classroom management, and content-specific teaching practices. You'll be equipped to meet licensure requirements and prepared to inspire and educate students in secondary and PK-12 settings.
Alternative Licensure
Unlock your potential with our accelerated 15-month program.
Education Alternative LicensureQuick Links
Request Information
Want to know more about graduate programs at Saint Xavier University? Please fill out the form below!
Contact the Office of Admission
- 773-298-3050
- Toll Free: 844-GOTO-SXU (844-468-6798)
- Fax: 773-298-3076
- Email: admissionFREESXU
- M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.




