At a glance
Delivery
Blended
Finish in as few as
17-23 months (plus a thesis)
Estimated tuition
$20,916-$21,497
Contact us
Request information
Interested in learning more about Bethel's M.A. in Teaching program? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
- Earn additional licenses. If you have a license and are looking to add additional teaching licenses, explore our teaching license programs.
- Expand your skills. If you're already a licensed teacher, you might be interested in expanding your skills and taking the next step in your career through our M.A. in Education K-12 program.
Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Program highlights
Field experiences and student teaching
You’ll take part in field experiences in both elementary and secondary schools to explore fit, observe current practices, and confirm that education is the right career choice for you. Then you’ll complete an extended student teaching experience for several months, guided by both a school mentor teacher and a Bethel supervisor. Their coaching will help you apply coursework and theory in real classrooms and prepare you to teach in your own classroom upon program completion.
Innovative professors
While you earn your master's degree in teaching, our instructors model innovative strategies and excellent teaching skills—the same cutting-edge practices you’ll bring to your future classrooms.
Unique licensure options
Our unique licensure options include the opportunity for dual licensure, allowing you to prepare in two content areas and stand out in both public and private schools. All pathways are aligned with Minnesota state licensure standards to ensure your preparation meets rigorous expectations.
Student success
Caring advisors and professors will support you at every step, ensuring you have the guidance and resources you need to succeed. You'll also have access to graduate scholarships and tuition resources.
Flexible course options
Our blended program—combining online learning with face-to-face courses—is designed for working professionals who balance jobs, families, and community commitments. Along with the traditional 23-month timeline, you can pursue a fast-track option and finish in as few as 17 months, plus a thesis.
Christian and diverse perspectives
Courses are taught from a foundation of faith, which adds meaning and integrates a Christian worldview into your preparation. You’ll also explore educational theory and practices from national and international viewpoints to learn best practices of K-12 education in Minnesota’s public and private schools.
Our mission
In our adult-undergraduate and graduate education programs, we lead in faith-based teacher preparation and are committed to evidence-based innovation in education. We prepare educators like you to implement academic excellence in K-12 classrooms and beyond while valuing the unique qualities of each individual, understanding that everyone is made in God’s image (Imago Dei). This Christian worldview is integrated throughout coursework and classroom preparation. Learn more about our program's mission.
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Our program is built around Minnesota state licensure standards, ensuring your preparation meets rigorous expectations. We also bring added value: our faculty teach from a foundation in the Christian faith, which is woven into every course. With this approach, our program develops teachers who are knowledgeable, collaborative, and caring—reflecting a strong moral framework of integrity and compassion.
Through Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching, career changers gain the opportunity to complete the requirements for an initial Minnesota teaching license while earning a graduate degree. Along the way, you’ll be supported by professors who mentor you both academically and personally, preparing you to serve with excellence in today’s diverse classrooms.
85%
of recently licensed graduates receive job offers within 1 year of graduation
All Bethel teaching students participate in Level 1 ENVoY classroom management training.
While I originally selected Bethel's grad program for its affordability, it was Bethel's faith-based learning and remarkable instructors that affirmed I made the right choice. The professors demonstrated relevant and cutting-edge strategies that really helped me distinguish myself as a leader!
Mandira Randall '16Middle School Physical Science Teacher
Bethel's M.A. in Teaching program prepared me for teaching in today's challenging and ever-changing educational landscape. The instructors were caring and encouraging and the courses were very hands-on and engaging. I LOVE my job as a teacher. Thank you, Bethel!
Theresa Anderson '13Current job: Teacher
Bethel University and the instructors in the graduate school program are very supportive and give real world examples. I have been able to change my career and transition into a new industry because of the Masters in Teaching program.
Lawton Burgstahler '15Current job: Buffalo Lake Hector Stewart High School Business Teacher
Bethel's Masters of Education/Initial Licensure program was great because it allowed me to work my full time job while taking classes before successfully transition into my new career of teaching, all within 18 months.
Travis Birklid '12Current job: Roseville Area High School Business Education Teacher
At Bethel, I learned from faculty who were not only well grounded in theory, but had practical experience in the classroom. The cohort I was a part of provided a rich educational experience, with people who have become lifelong friends.
Seth Hinrichs '177th Grade ELA Teacher, Anoka Middle School for the Arts
Bethel allowed me to complete my teaching license and thesis on my own timeline. As a wife and mother, I needed flexibility. They also never gave up on helping me be successful and finishing! Love Bethel!
Rebecca Andreasen '17Science Teacher, Brooklyn Middle School ISD 279
The graduate school teaching program gave me the opportunity to pursue my true passion of teaching. Bethel provided me with real world examples and resources that I could directly use in my own classroom. This program is flexible yet challenging.
Lawton Burgstahler '15Current job: Buffalo Lake Hector Stewart High School Business Teacher
After over 20 years in financial services I decided to make a big career switch to teaching Spanish. I couldn't have made a better choice to prepare me than Bethel's MAT program - great instructors, support, and curriculum!
Brian Murphy '14Current job: Spanish Teacher at Parnassus Preparatory School
I graduated in December 2013 with a M.A. in Teaching. Now I teach for Austin Adult Learning in Austin, Minnesota. Not only did the program at Bethel fit my schedule, but the teachers and administrators also worked with me individually to help me meet my goals.
Judi Needham '13Current job: Teacher at Austin Adult Learning
Career Outcomes
Outcomes
Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching program prepares you for a successful teaching career and supports you in completing the requirements for an initial Minnesota teaching license. Graduates consistently demonstrate strong preparation, reflected in high pass rates on Minnesota licensure exams. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident teacher equipped to serve kids, families, and communities in today’s complex and changing educational environment.
Skills
Graduates demonstrate:
- Capacity to integrate values and ethics into teaching
- Ability to plan standards-based instruction
- Application of evidence-based strategies
- Aptitude to design assessments that teach and measure performance
- Ability to differentiate instruction based on students’ unique needs
- A commitment to culturally responsive teaching strategies
- Comfort with educational technologies
- Professionalism in working with schools, teachers, students, administrators, families, and communities
- Strong research skills to craft and defend a master’s thesis
Careers
Our graduates pursue careers in a variety of educational settings, including:
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Teaching in traditional middle or high school classrooms in Minnesota public, charter, or private schools
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Leading in technology education
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Serving in educational leadership roles
Start your journey
Apply now
You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.
Explore related programs
Frequently asked questions
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A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a graduate program designed for individuals who want to become licensed teachers—especially those transitioning from another career. At Bethel University, the MAT program allows you to earn an initial Minnesota teaching license and a master’s degree at the same time, even if your bachelor’s degree is in a different field.
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Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching program is ideal for career changers. It’s designed for working professionals who want to move into teaching while keeping their current jobs. The blended format allows you to balance work, family, and community commitments while completing your degree. You’ll also gain mentorship from caring faculty, extended classroom experience, and a Christ-centered perspective that emphasizes service and leadership.
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Through Bethel’s MAT program, you can earn initial Minnesota teaching licensure in these areas:
- Business (5-12)
- Communication Arts and Literature (5-12)
- General Science (5-8)
- Chemistry (9-12)
- Life Science (9-12)
- Physics (9-12)
- Math (5-12)
- Social Studies (5-12)
- English as a Second Language (K-12)
- Visual Arts (K-12)
You can also choose a dual licensure option to earn licenses in two areas, which makes you more marketable in both public and private schools.
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Most students finish in 17 to 23 months, plus a thesis, depending on their pace and course load. Bethel offers both a traditional timeline and a fast-track option.
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The program is offered in a blended format—primarily online with occasional on-campus Saturday sessions in the Twin Cities. This flexible approach makes it easier to fit graduate school into your schedule.
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Yes. Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching program is designed for working adults. Many students maintain full-time jobs while completing the program thanks to the flexible course structure and faculty support.
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You’ll begin with early field experiences in both elementary and secondary schools to explore fit and observe best practices. Later, you’ll complete an extended student teaching placement, guided by both a school mentor teacher and a Bethel supervisor. This hands-on training prepares you to be confident and classroom-ready.
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Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching is for individuals who want to transition into teaching and need to complete the requirements for an initial teaching license. The M.A. in Education K-12 is for already licensed teachers who want to expand their skills, add endorsements, or move into leadership roles.
