Teaching is one of the most impactful careers a person can choose. The right graduate degree shapes not just where you teach, but how well you connect with students. Arkansas State University’s master of arts in teaching programs span five distinct specializations, each designed for a specific grade level, subject area and career path.
Whether you are entering teaching for the first time or deepening your credentials, the specialization you choose shapes the classroom context you are prepared to lead in. This guide walks through all five tracks to help you find the right match.
What Is a Master of Arts in Teaching, and How Does It Differ from an MEd?
The MAT is a practice-focused master’s degree designed for those seeking initial teaching licensure or a content specialization, while the MEd focuses on educational leadership and administration. Both carry graduate-level standing, but they serve different career purposes.
The MAT develops instructional skills, deepens content knowledge, and leads to a teaching license in many states. The MEd prepares teachers for roles in curriculum design, school administration and policy. If your goal is direct work with students in the classroom, the MAT is the path built for that purpose. For a full side-by-side look at both options, see A-State’s guide to compare the MAT and MEd degrees.
What Are the 5 MAT Specializations at Arkansas State?
A-State offers five online MAT programs: Art K-12, Business Technology, Elementary Education K-6, Middle Level Education 4-8, and Special Education K-12 — all 100% online with no GRE requirement. Each carry the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation and is designed for a specific grade band or subject area.
A-State’s master of arts in teaching programs cover five grade bands and subject areas. The CAEP accredits all five. CAEP accreditation signals program quality to state licensing boards and employers. All five programs are fully online. Review the grade range, candidate profile, and career paths for each track below.
MAT in Art K-12: For Educators Passionate About Visual Arts
A K-12 art credential prepares you for teaching positions with kindergarten through Grade 12. Graduates can teach in elementary, middle, or high school arts programs — one credential, the full range. A-State’s online Art K-12 MAT is built for that breadth.
This track suits visual artists who want to shift to teaching. Current teachers seeking subject-area endorsement are also a strong fit. Career changers from arts-adjacent fields find the program accessible. Because it is fully online, working artists can continue their careers while earning the degree.
MAT in art education carries consistent labor market demand. The U.S. Department of Education has identified art teaching as a shortage area in more than 20 states, and the National Art Education Association has documented growing challenges recruiting and retaining credentialed art educators nationwide. Career paths include art teacher, visual arts curriculum specialist and school arts coordinator.
MAT in Business Technology: Teaching the Future of Work
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is one of the fastest-growing areas in U.S. secondary schools. A-State’s MAT in Business Technology prepares teachers to teach commerce, business and technology subjects in CTE and secondary settings. Demand for credentialed instructors in these areas is high and rising.
Business professionals, technology workers and accountants considering a move to teaching are the core audience. Current CTE instructors who want to formalize their credentials are also a strong fit. No traditional education background is required. A-State’s no GRE policy and pay-by-course structure keep the path open to career changers.
Career paths include business education teacher, CTE instructor, computer applications teacher and work-based learning coordinator.
MAT in Elementary Education K-6: Building Foundational Learners
The early school years are when students build reading, math and social skills. A-State’s MAT in Elementary Education prepares teachers for this work at the K-6 level. For those asking what grades elementary education covers, the answer is kindergarten through Grade 6.
This track is designed for aspiring elementary teachers without prior licensure. Paraprofessionals and aides ready to step into full certification are also a fit. Career changers drawn to working with young learners will find the program welcoming. The online format and 18–24-month timeline makes it useful to study while employed in a school setting. Master of arts in teaching elementary education graduates often become classroom teachers, literacy specialists, instructional coaches and early childhood coordinators.
MAT in Middle Level Education 4-8: The Often-Overlooked Teaching Stage
Middle school sits at a distinct junction in a student’s development. It is more academically complex than elementary and more personally formative than high school. A-State’s MAT in Middle Level Education prepares teachers mainly for Grades 4 through 8.
Middle Level Education is its own credential in most states. It is separate from elementary or high school licensure. That distinction has real market value. Employers recognize it as a signal of targeted preparation for this age group.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) documents teacher vacancies in the middle grades in both rural and urban districts. Demand for qualified middle-level teachers is consistent. Career paths include middle school teacher, department lead, literacy coach and academic interventionist.
MAT in Special Education K-12: Championing Inclusive Classrooms
MAT in special education is in high-demand and reflects a real national workforce gap. The Learning Policy Institute has tracked consecutive years of special education teacher shortages across U.S. school districts. Rising IEP caseloads and expanding inclusive education programs are driving the need.
A-State’s MAT in Special Education K-12 prepares teachers to serve students with disabilities across the full K-12 range. Graduates build skills in IEP development and implementation. They learn to lead both inclusive and self-contained classroom settings. Collaborative planning with general education teachers is also a core component.
The Council for Exceptional Children is the leading professional body in this field. It sets the competency standards that inform programs like this one. Master of arts in teaching special education graduates qualify for roles including special education teacher, IEP coordinator, inclusion specialist, behavioral interventionist and transition specialist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, special education teachers see strong continued demand as schools expand services for students with disabilities. National Center for Education Statistics data on special education enrollment growth reinforces this outlook.
Which MAT Specialization Is Right for You?
The right MAT specialization depends on three factors: the grade level you want to teach, your subject area passion and your long-term career goals. Aligning all three to a single program is the most direct path to the classroom context you are prepared to lead.
Start with grade level. Are you drawn to the foundational work of K-6, the distinct challenges of the middle years, or a K-12 credential that spans multiple levels? Then consider subject. Your interest in visual arts, business and technology, or working with diverse learners will point toward a track. Finally, think about career path. Staying in the classroom, moving into coaching or focusing on a high-need specialization all lead to different choices.
All five options are available through A-State’s online MAT programs. The comparison table below puts the key details in one view.
| Specialization | Grade Range | Ideal For | Key Career Paths | Subject Focus |
| MAT — Art K-12 | K-12 | Visual arts teachers, career changers | Art teacher, curriculum specialist | Visual arts pedagogy |
| MAT — Business Technology | Secondary+ | Business/tech professionals | Business ed teacher, CTE instructor | Commerce, technology |
| MAT — Elementary Ed K-6 | K-6 | Aspiring/current elementary teachers | Classroom teacher, instructional coach | Core subjects |
| MAT — Middle Level Ed 4-8 | 4-8 | Middle school-focused teachers | Middle school teacher, dept. lead | Adolescent learning |
| MAT — Special Education K-12 | K-12 | Inclusive ed advocates, IEP specialists | Special ed teacher, IEP coordinator | Diverse learners, IEPs |
What Can You Do with an Online MAT Degree from A-State?
Graduates can pursue state teaching licensure and roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach, special education specialist and curriculum coordinator — with salary data varying by specialization and state. High-need areas like special education and middle-level education carry the strongest hiring outlook nationally.
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook publishes dedicated salary and job outlook profiles for special education teachers, elementary school teachers, middle school teachers and career and technical education teachers — covering four of A-State’s five MAT specializations directly. An online master of arts in teaching from A-State is designed to position graduates for these licensed roles in both Arkansas and national hiring markets. For a full breakdown of career paths and pay by specialization, see A-State’s guide to career outcomes for MAT graduates.
Licensure requirements vary by state, so graduates should confirm their target state’s specific endorsement standards before enrolling. A-State’s program pages for each specialization include guidance on how the curriculum aligns with common state licensure frameworks.
Benefits of Earning Your Master of Arts in Teaching Online at Arkansas State University
A-State’s online MAT is built for working adults. Program features include 100% online coursework, an 18–24-month timeline, no GRE requirement and financial aid availability. A pay-by-course model keeps costs transparent and manageable. All five specializations carry CAEP accreditation — the national standard for educator preparation quality.
For those comparing MAT programs online, A-State offers a useful mix: CAEP accreditation, five subject-area options and per-course pricing. The fully online format means you can keep working — in a classroom, a business or another field — while building toward a teaching credential.
Whether you’re drawn to visual arts education, committed to serving students with diverse learning needs, or focused on the foundational K-6 years, A-State has a specialization built for your path. Explore A-State’s online MAT programs to review admission requirements, compare specializations and take the next step toward your teaching career.