The online Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency (MATLCC) gives you the knowledge and teaching strategies to tackle today’s key education challenges. You can personalize your degree with electives that fit your work and career goals—all in a flexible, affordable program created by teachers for teachers.
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Customizable online program
Earn an advance degree entirely online in as little as 20 months.
Maintain your licensure
Iowa teachers can apply MATLCC credits to ongoing learning requirements for maintaining licensure.
Prepare for NBPTS certification
Teachers who complete the MATLCC program are well-prepared for the critical reflection necessary for NBPTS certification.
Program Features
Complete in as few as 20 months
Start in Spring, Summer, or Fall
8-week courses
Courses satisfy Iowa continuing education requirements
No GRE required
MATLCC Degree Requirements
- 21 semester hours of core courses, encompassing current issues, technology, diversity and identity, and more.
- 9 semester hours of electives selected from these areas:
- English Language Learners
- STEM
- Talented and Gifted
- English Language Arts
- Additional topics
- 3 semester hours capstone school-based action research project
Frequently Asked Questions
What services and support do I have access to as an online student?
Students admitted and enrolled in program coursework are supported through program advisement and financial aid services and have access to the University of Iowa Library Services and IT Support Services.
- Remote access to UI Libraries’ subscription databases and research collections
- Research assistance by phone, email, or online meeting
- Book delivery (within the U.S.)
- Scanning and delivery of articles and book chapters
- Resource guides and recommendations for research tools
What are the technology requirements?
Online students have access to free software and technical assistance to ensure they meet the minimum system and connection requirements. Please visit the University’s technical support site for more information.
Is the University of Iowa accredited?
Yes. The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Can I apply if my GPA is lower than 3.0?
Yes, however, you will be asked for additional information to support your application to the program.
Will my degree indicate that I completed coursework online?
No, the expectations of graduates from this program are no different than any other graduate from the University of Iowa. The only difference is in the method of program delivery.
Does this program offer licensure in Iowa or any other state?
No, this program does not offer initial licensure in Iowa or any other state. Depending on which electives you choose, you may be able to complete a large number of requirements toward the State of Iowa endorsements in Talented and Gifted, STEM, or ESL with your electives. Candidates seeking an endorsement may need to complete additional coursework before applying to the BOEE. This only applies to teachers in Iowa. Students residing in other states need to review the requirements in their state.
For more information, please see the University of Iowa's Professional Licensure Information web page.
Is the GRE or any other examination required?
No, the GRE or other test scores are not required.
Can I take the MATLCC courses out of sequence or start at a later date?
This program is designed to allow maximum flexibility. Students generally begin with Issues in US Schools (EDTL 5095), but occasionally scheduling may require a different sequence. Conducting School-Based Action Research (EDTL 5099) is typically the final course in the program.
Can transfer credits from another college/university apply toward program requirements?
Yes, up to 9 semester credit hours of graduate coursework can be transferred into the program if approved by the program director in conjunction with the faculty lead for the course being substituted. Candidates seeking transfer credits must provide a syllabus for the course completed to be used for the course review process. Official transcripts will also be required for any institution where transfer credits were earned. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Admissions, 108 Calvin Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242 or adm-transcript@uiowa.edu. Do not send unofficial copies to this account. Official mailed records must be received in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution.
How are the courses delivered?
All courses are delivered entirely online through Canvas. Courses are typically 8 weeks in length.
Do I qualify for financial aid?
Students who want to apply for financial aid should complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The financial aid office at the University of Iowa will work with students to determine options for funding university coursework based on FAFSA results. Iowa’s FAFSA code is 001892. Learn more on our tuition and financial aid page.
Students with specific questions about financial aid may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid by email at financial-aid@uiowa.edu or by phone at 319-335-1450. For more information, visit the financial aid website.
Your Online Experience
The degree carries the same prestige as a degree earned on campus, without the need to relocate or commute. You can focus on one subject at a time in our well-designed 8-week courses while keeping up with your job and other life commitments.
Support services for online students
Students admitted and enrolled in program coursework are supported through program advisement and financial aid services and have access to the University of Iowa Library Services and IT Support Services.
Technical support services include access to free software and technical assistance to ensure students have the minimum system and connection requirements. Please visit the technical support page for more information.
Library support services include:
- Remote access to UI Libraries’ subscription databases and research collections
- Research assistance by phone, email, or online meeting
- Book delivery (within the U.S.)
- Scanning and delivery of articles and book chapters
- Resource guides and recommendations for research tools
Request Information
If you are interested in learning more about the Master’s in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency, please complete the form.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about this program in accordance with University of Iowa privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
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Application and Admission
The admissions process for the fully online MA in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency is streamlined to allow busy professionals to advance their careers quickly.
| Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | November 17, 2025 | January 5, 2026 | January 20, 2026 |
admission
Minimum Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements for the Graduate College:
- Complete the online application.
- Submit official transcript of bachelor’s degree from the institution where the Educator Preparation Program was completed (for initial teaching licensure). This transcript must be from a regionally accredited American college or university or international equivalent. The cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher. This transcript is not needed if this degree was conferred from the University of Iowa.
- Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for application review, but official transcripts must be submitted upon acceptance to the program and before the student’s first start date.
- Official transcripts can be received via post or email. Instructions for requesting official transcripts will be listed in MyUI after the application is submitted.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to graduate programs at the University of Iowa. Students with an undergraduate GPA which is lower than 3.0 are not eligible for admission, but may be considered upon exception.
- Submit proof of a teaching license from a US state, or teaching credential either domestic or international, or evidence of teaching/engagement with K12 youth. Applicants do not need to be currently teaching or working with youth.
- International applicants must also:
- Take the TOEFL exam. Acceptable TOEFL score is a minimum of 600 (250 computer-based test or 81 internet-based test) or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with no sub score lower than 6.0).
- Follow the steps outlined for the degree/transcript translating services at https://www.boee.iowa.gov/licauthorization/international-exchange-teaching-license so that the university can analyze coursework for state minimum requirements. This may include Praxis II testing (regardless of program completion date) to meet the ESSA federal requirements to be highly qualified.
- Pay a $100 application fee when submitting the online application.
Transfer Credits
Applicants seeking to transfer graduate credits (up to 9 semester credit hours) must also provide transcripts from those regionally accredited institutions. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for credit transfer review, but official transcripts must be submitted upon acceptance to the program and before the student’s first start date. Transfer credit requests will be reviewed for approval by the program director and the faculty lead for the course being substituted. Candidates seeking transfer credits must provide a syllabus for the course(s) completed to be used for the course review process.
Admission & Application Questions
Anne Sparks
Graduate Student Affairs Manager
anne-sparks@uiowa.edu
319-335-2146
Tuition and Financing
The University of Iowa prides itself on offering a world-class education at an affordable rate. With tuition and fees among the lowest in the Big Ten, Iowa has been ranked a “Best Buy” by the Fiske Guide to Colleges for 12 years in a row. Tuition and fees are the same for Iowa and out-of-state students, and you may qualify for federally funded student loans.
Tuition & Fees
| Iowa Online Education Degrees | 2025-2026 Academic Year |
|---|---|
| Cost Per Semester Hour | $615* |
| Application Fee | $60 for domestic students $100 for international students |
| One-Time Documents and Records Fee | $250 |
| Technology Fee Per Semester | |
| 1-7 Semester Hours | $155.50 |
| 8+ Semester Hours | $233.25 |
*Tuition and costs effective as of September 8, 2025. Tuition rates are not inclusive of textbooks and fees. Tuition and costs are subject to change and should be confirmed on the University’s official tuition listing at tuition.ais.its.uiowa.edu/rates.
Financial Assistance
If you wish to apply for financial aid, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as early as possible. The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid will work with you to determine options for funding university coursework based on FAFSA results. Iowa’s FAFSA code is 001892.
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website for more information.
Military and Veteran Students
The University of Iowa is proud to serve our veteran students by providing the support services that ensure a clear path to academic and professional success. Recognized as a 2016 Military Friendly School, the University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows veterans pursuing a degree to qualify for additional support if they are eligible for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
Our Military and Veteran Student Services staff are here to help you take advantage of VA education benefits, awards, grants and scholarships.
First in the state
The University of Iowa is not only the first college founded in the state. We’re also proud to be ranked the #1 Best College in Iowa, and the #31 Best Online Master of Education by U.S. News & World Report. With more than 175 years of innovative excellence behind us and a clear eye trained on the future, Iowa continues to lead in teacher education.
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U.S. News and World Report
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U.S. News and World Report