MA in Teaching

45–47 credit hours | 1.8 years

Why study the MA in Teaching at TGS?

If you want to make a difference in the lives of students, the MA in Teaching degree is just what you’re looking for. In only three semesters of course work and one semester of clinical practice, you will be able to earn your Illinois teaching license, specializing in elementary or secondary education. 

Trinity’s MA in Teaching program is specifically designed to serve the unique educational characteristics and scheduling needs of adult learners. Classes meet one evening a week, and small cohort groups provide mutual support throughout the program. The MA in Teaching program allows you to continue to work full-time until you begin clinical practice.

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES
FOR ADMISSION TO THIS PROGRAM?

In addition to candidacy requirements outlined under “Academic Policies,” MA/T students must be officially admitted into the Division of Education (Gate 1). Following successful completion of 12 hours with a GPA of 3.0 or above, students will be admitted into the Division of Education and accepted for candidacy based on a successful Division of Education entrance interview and completion of all state and institutional requirements as outlined in the Academic Handbook.

In addition to the General Admissions requirements for all applicants to Trinity’s master’s programs, prospective MA/T candidates should be aware of the following:

• An education advisor will analyze the transcripts of all prospective candidates. It may be necessary to meet with an advisor to develop a personal plan for completion of state standards-aligned certification requirements. Advisors are available in Trinity’s Division of Education (847.317.8070).
• All prospective candidates are urged to take the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or ACT plus Writing prior to the start of the cohort program. This test must be passed prior to Gate 1: Admission to the Division of Education.
• Secondary candidates (Type 09) are urged to take the appropriate Illinois Content Area test for middle grades or high school grades or both prior to the start of the cohort program (Science: Biology, English with Language Arts, Social Science: History, or Mathematics). At least one of these tests must be passed prior to Gate 1: Admission to the Division of Education.
• Students whose undergraduate course work does not fully meet Illinois state standards or program requirements will be required to take additional courses to augment their content knowledge. These will be determined in consultation with the education advisor at the time of application.
• An interview may be requested by the program director as a part of the application process.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

The MA in Teaching offers two tracks for students looking to be licensed as teachers in Illinois. Students may choose between a focus in elementary or secondary education depending on their career goals. Choosing the elementary track leads to licensure to teach 1st through 6th grades. Those choosing the secondary track may choose to pursue licensure in middle grades (5th through 8th) or high school grades (9th through 12th) or both. All course work integrates biblical principles with training in educational best practice. Students are trained to think holistically about the classroom, engaging students in culturally sensitive ways.

In order to receive licensure in the state of Illinois, all students are required to take the relevant state tests, including the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the TAP and direct any questions to your Admissions Counselor.

All students in the MA/T program will take the following courses.

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