Teaching children during their formative years of adolescence is a challenge that can be personally and financially rewarding. In this profession you will serve as both mentor and coach—imparting academic knowledge and helping to shape students' views of their own self-worth and their roles in the world around them. If you are ready to experience the tremendous satisfaction that comes from preparing adolescents for the future, the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Kaplan University is designed to help you develop the necessary professional competencies to teach grades 5 through 12.

The Iowa certification track is designed for professionals either living in the state of Iowa or in close enough proximity to be able to conduct weekly field experiences in an Iowa school. Candidates who successfully complete all program and graduation requirements will be recommended for Iowa licensure.*

 Program Highlights 

This teacher certification program is based on national professional standards for beginning teachers. Through a unique combination of online coursework and practical teaching experience, you will have an opportunity to:

  • Explore the reflective decision-maker model and other research-based theories of learning with an emphasis on student diversity
  • Evaluate current issues in educational psychology and philosophical viewpoints that can affect teaching priorities and strategies
  • Develop skills for effective teaching, including designing curricula, organizing and managing a classroom, building literacy, and assessing secondary student learning
  • Complete a methods course to develop teaching proficiency in one of the following content areas: math, science, English, foreign language, visual and performing arts, or social studies

Real-World Teaching Experience

If you enroll in the Iowa certification track, you have the option of completing student teaching as the program's culminating experience or, if eligible, a year-long internship after the second term.† Student teachers will progress from observing classroom dynamics to leading small-group instruction to assuming full responsibility for the classroom. Both student teachers and interns will have many opportunities to interact with professional mentors, supervisors, and colleagues as they refine their philosophy of education and develop proficiency in teaching.


Prepare for Licensure

In Iowa, in order to meet the licensing requirements to teach grades 5 through 12, candidates must successfully complete the Master of Arts in Teaching coursework, 100 hours of fieldwork, a portfolio, and either a supervised student teaching or internship experience.

  

 Curriculum for the Master of Arts in Teaching—Iowa Certification Track 

    Courses Credits
    Educational Psychology 4
    Teaching Methods Through Differentiated Instruction 4
    Child and Adolescent Development 4
    Reading in the Content Areas 4
    Research on Effective Teaching 4
    Secondary Student Assessment 4
    Perspectives on Diversity 4
    Education and Psychology of Exceptional Children 4
    History and Philosophy of Education 4
    Secondary Classroom Management 4
    Student Teaching/Internship I 5
    Student Teaching/Internship II 5
    Choose one that matches your area of certification
    Methods of Teaching Secondary English Language Arts 4
    Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics 4
    Methods of Teaching Secondary Science 4
    Methods of Teaching Secondary Social Studies 4
    Methods of Teaching a Foreign Language 4
    Methods of Teaching Visual and Performing Arts 4
    Total Program Requirements 54

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

In Iowa, secondary teaching job prospects are expected to be favorable as an increased percentage of teachers become eligible for retirement.‡ In addition, fields like math and science in urban and rural schools often have fewer applicants.§ Kaplan University’s Master of Arts in Teaching—Iowa Certification track is designed to help qualify you to work as an Iowa teacher in public secondary schools (grades 5 through 12).# Upon successful completion of the program, you could be eligible to pursue further doctorate-level studies.**

 Let Us Evaluate Your Transcripts 

If you already have applicable experience or course credits earned at another institution, you may qualify for transfer credit that can be applied toward your master's degree requirements at Kaplan University. Transfer credits can save you time and money, allowing you to earn your master's degree faster. Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$385.00
Total program requirements54
Total cost of tuition$20,790.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

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*Kaplan University cannot recommend students outside of the state of Iowa for licensure. Graduates who successfully complete all the requirements of the Iowa certification program will be recommended for licensure; however, Kaplan University cannot guarantee a graduate will receive a teaching license.

†The teacher internship required to complete the Iowa certification track must be conducted in Iowa. Finding and obtaining an internship is the responsibility of the student. Contact us for more information.

‡The State of Iowa Department of Education, “Iowa Department of Education Releases Condition of Education Report,” November 20, 2009, on the Internet at www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=6117 (accessed September 2009).

§Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm (accessed May 2008).

#Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.

**Although this program is designed to prepare you to pursue further studies, the University cannot guarantee that you will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.