You already know your subject deeply — now learn how to teach it. GCU's M.A.T. in Teacher of a Specific Subject is built for career changers and content experts who want to bring their knowledge into the classroom. Earn your NJ teaching certification and master's degree in 36 credits, in whatever content area the State of New Jersey accepts.
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This is no longer limited to GCU undergraduate majors. The K–12 track now accepts any content major recognized by the State of New Jersey — biology, business, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, psychology, art, and more. If you studied it at the bachelor's level, there's likely a teaching certification path for it. Talk to an advisor to confirm your major qualifies.
At 36 credits, this is the most efficient of GCU's three M.A.T. tracks — without sacrificing depth of preparation. Every credit is purposeful: methods of instruction, secondary literacy integration, universal design for learning, special education foundations, and three semesters of clinical practice. Done.
Knowing biology doesn't automatically make you a biology teacher. EDC5250 Methods of Instruction for Secondary Subjects and EDC5215 Literacy Integration in Secondary Content Areas are specifically designed to bridge content knowledge and classroom practice — teaching you how to plan units, design assessments, scaffold instruction for diverse learners, and integrate reading and writing meaningfully into your discipline.
Every GCU M.A.T. graduate — in every track — earns a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement. For secondary and K–12 teachers, this credential is particularly valuable: it opens doors to resource room and co-teaching roles, and signals readiness to serve students with IEPs in inclusive content-area classrooms.
UDL — Universal Design for Learning — is the framework that allows teachers to build flexible, accessible instruction for every student from the start. GCU's K–12 track includes EDC5260 UDL & Blended Learning Strategies in Secondary Education as a required course, so you graduate fluent in the principles that the most forward-thinking schools and districts are now adopting as their standard.
Georgian Court University Teacher Education (Initial-Licensure) and Advanced Level Programs are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The secondary and K–12 classroom needs teachers who combine genuine content expertise with real pedagogical skill — and GCU’s M.A.T. in Teacher of a Specific Subject is designed to develop both. Whether you studied biology, English, history, mathematics, business, or any other NJ accepted discipline, this program builds the teaching preparation that turns your content knowledge into classroom effectiveness.
The 36-credit program focuses intensely on secondary instruction. EDC5110 Ethics & Foundations of American Education grounds you in the history, philosophy, and professional identity of teaching. Foundations of Special Education and Assessment in Special Education (each with 25 clinical hours) develop your ability to identify and respond to a wide range of learning needs. Methods of Instruction for Secondary Subjects and Literacy Integration in Secondary Content Areas give you the pedagogical tools specific to your discipline and grade level. UDL & Blended Learning Strategies ensures you can design instruction that works for every student, not just the ones who learn the same way you did. Literacy & Curriculum Planning for Students with Disabilities rounds out your TOSD preparation.
The clinical sequence is progressive and intensive. EDC5309 Educational Reflection & Effective Practice: Elementary & Secondary includes a 75-hour part-time practicum. EDC6406 Secondary Education Clinical Practice is the culminating 14-week full-time student teaching placement — preceded by a required 100-hour component — where you teach your content area in a real K–12 school with a cooperating teacher and GCU faculty supervisor. GCU’s director of field placement coordinates your placement, working to match your content specialty, grade level preference, and community.
All candidates must pass state regulatory exams (P&H, HIB, CARE) and achieve a passing score on the relevant Praxis II content area examination before advancing to full-time clinical practice.
GCU’s M.A.T. in Teacher of a Specific Subject is a great fit if you:
Middle and high school teachers with content expertise and TOSD endorsements are consistently in demand across New Jersey — particularly in STEM fields, English, and social studies.
Common content areas: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English Language Arts, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Spanish and other world languages
| Entry Level (Step 1, MA Column) | NJ Median — Secondary Teachers | Experienced (10+ Years) |
|---|---|---|
| $54,000–$64,000 | $78,580 | $92,000–$125,000+ |
Holding an M.A.T. (master’s degree) places you on the MA salary column from day one — typically $3,000–$8,000 higher per year than the BA column. STEM teachers in particular may be eligible for additional state stipends in certain NJ districts.
Job Outlook
Middle and high school teacher positions generate approximately 70,000 job openings per year nationally. In New Jersey, demand is especially strong for certified teachers in mathematics, science, and English Language Arts — and the addition of a TOSD endorsement makes candidates eligible for a broader range of secondary positions.
Contact Graduate Admissions at 732-987-2770 or [email protected]
Graduates of the K–12 Subject Teacher M.A.T. will demonstrate:
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