Online Master’s in Teaching

Yes — transitioning from a provisional to a full professional teaching license in Virginia is the primary purpose of the Shenandoah MAT. The program is CAEP-accredited and intentionally aligned with Virginia Department of Education licensure requirements and national teaching standards (CAEP and NELP). Throughout the program, you will complete coursework and field experience designed to meet the competencies required by the Virginia licensure process. Upon completing the program, you will be prepared to sit for the appropriate Praxis exam for your concentration. Career outcomes include elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, and high school teacher roles across Virginia and beyond, with strong job stability and growing demand in most subject areas.

To apply for the Shenandoah MAT, you must hold a valid Virginia provisional teaching license and be currently serving as the instructor of record in a K-12 classroom. This is a firm requirement, as the program is designed specifically for provisionally licensed teachers who are actively teaching and working toward full licensure. You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 (applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are welcome to apply and will be reviewed holistically), transcripts from all previously attended institutions, a copy of your provisional license, one letter of recommendation, a two-to-three page goal statement, and a resume. No application fee or entrance exam is required. Full requirements and eligibility details are on the admissions page.

Yes — a current Virginia provisional teaching license is required to enroll, and you must be actively serving as the instructor of record in a K-12 classroom throughout the program. This is not simply a formality. The MAT is structured around the assumption that you are teaching every day, because the curriculum is designed to connect what you’re learning directly to your classroom practice in real time. Field experience requirements, reflection assignments, and applied projects are all grounded in your current teaching context. If you hold a provisional license but are not currently in a classroom role, we encourage you to reach out to the admissions team through the admissions page to discuss your situation before applying.

The MAT offers three concentrations corresponding to the level of licensure you are pursuing. Elementary Education (PreK–6) is designed for teachers seeking licensure at the elementary level. Middle Education (grades 6–8) includes subject specializations in English, history and social science, mathematics, and science — allowing you to align your coursework with your teaching assignment. Secondary Education (grades 6–12) offers specializations in English, history and social science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, business and information technology, and Spanish. Each concentration is aligned with Virginia licensure standards for that level and subject area, and includes the coursework and field experience components required to support your licensure transition.

Completion time depends on your concentration. The Secondary Education (grades 6–12) track is 30 credits and can be completed in approximately 16 months. The Middle Education (grades 6–8) track is 36 credits and takes approximately 20 months. The Elementary Education (PreK–6) track is 42 credits and takes approximately 24 months. All three tracks are delivered online in accelerated eight-week courses. Because the program is designed for active teachers, you continue teaching throughout — the field experience requirements are fulfilled within your current classroom. Multiple start dates are available throughout the year — visit the admissions page to find an upcoming enrollment window.