How to Become a Teacher with a Master's Degree
If you’ve ever dreamed of making a lasting impact in the lives of young children, but your career path led you elsewhere, it’s not too late to pivot. Whether you’re coming from the corporate world, healthcare, social work, or other fields, the demand for skilled early childhood educators has never been higher.
Northwestern College’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Early Childhood Education is designed specifically for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree but are not yet licensed to teach. This flexible, fully accredited program offers a direct route to licensure and equips you with the tools to support and educate children from birth through third grade.
In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of pursuing this degree, from licensure and flexibility to career outcomes and the deep personal fulfillment that comes with shaping the early years of a child’s development.
Transition into Teaching with Confidence
Career changers without a teaching license can seamlessly step into education through Northwestern’s M.A.T. program. It leads to a birth through grade 3 inclusive teaching license, including special education endorsement, enabling graduates to teach students with and without IEPs. This comprehensive licensure bundle is rarely offered outside traditional education pathways.
Fully Online & Flexible Format
With 100% online, asynchronous courses, you maintain your current job and schedule. Classes start every 8 weeks, letting you take just one course at a time and complete the 33–44 credit program in around two years.
Affordable & Financially Supported
Northwestern offers a competitively priced program with additional financial incentives including:
- TEACH Grant eligibility for those pursuing high-need roles
- Alumni Grant providing the first class tuition-free to NWC alumni
Grounded in Research & Best Practices
The program’s curriculum is built on proven early childhood education research:
- Technology teaching and learning strategies support students to effectively use technology in classrooms to enhance learning, engagement, and communication
- Focused child development courses equip you to support typical and atypical growth in cognitive, emotional, and physical domains
- Literacy strategies emphasize early reading and language acquisition essentials
Practical, Workforce-Ready Training
Beyond theory, the M.A.T. includes a student teaching block (4–14 credits, based on previous field experience) that provides real classroom experience under guidance. Graduates are ready to step into roles as licensed teachers on day one.
Meet a Nationwide Demand
There’s increasing demand and improved state support for early childhood educators. Iowa recently raised teacher salaries, demonstrating growing investment in quality education. Graduates enter the field with credentials aligned to both licensure requirements and community needs.
A Supportive Christian Academic Community
Northwestern College is an accredited institution rooted in Christian values, with strong faculty mentorship and flexible scheduling tailored for adult learners. The institutional focus on fostering close-knit interaction and personal growth alongside professional development is unmatched.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt a pull toward education, especially guiding young children during their formative years, Northwestern College’s online M.A.T. in Teaching in Early Childhood is your bridge to meaningful, impactful work. You’ll earn licensure, gain practical experience, and join a profession that both nurtures children’s futures and answers your call.
Ready to begin? Classes start every 8 weeks with rolling admissions and no GRE or application fee. Learn more here or contact your enrollment counselor here to start your next chapter.
