Today’s teachers have more responsibility than ever before. To be an effective educator, you need to be able to understand and adapt to advances in digital technologies, increasingly culturally diverse student populations, and the evolving role of schools in modern society.
The University of Iowa offers a 100% online Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency (MATLCC) that prepares educators to become leaders in the field – transforming both schools and communities in the process. This unique program was recently ranked #24 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Education Programs in the Nation.
The MATLCC program is offered entirely online and allows working educators to complete their advanced degree in as little as 20 months. In addition to helping teaching professionals hone and improve their skills, the program’s curriculum is designed to ensure that teachers can pursue the master’s degree as part of their required professional obligation for continuing education. Iowa teachers can apply their MATLCC credits towards their ongoing learning requirements for maintaining licensure. The MATLCC program is also aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), ensuring that teachers who complete the MATLCC will be well prepared for the critical reflection necessary for NBPTS certification.
Explore Our Program
Questions?
Note: We are transitioning some of our enrollment and admissions processes over the winter break period. For immediate questions please reach out to Anne Sparks at anne-sparks@uiowa.edu. Again, please be advised that due to the holiday season and our systems transition there may be a delay in response.
Curriculum
This innovative program requires 24 credit hours in core courses and a minimum of 9 semester hours of specialization through electives. Elective courses address the unique needs of schools in the U.S. and cover topics such as STEM, Diversity in Schools, Talented and Gifted Programs, and English Language Learners.
Required Coursework
The online M.A. in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency (MATLCC) coursework is arranged into five sessions each year with a thoughtful eye on the PreK-12 school calendar. The minimum number of semester hours required to complete the degree is 33. Each course is typically only eight weeks in length. The curriculum has two parts: the program core and electives.
Program Core
24 Semester Hours
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Semester Hours |
|
EDTL:5095 |
Issues in US Schools |
3hrs |
|
EPLS:5090 |
Instructional Coaching for Teaching Excellence |
3hrs |
|
PSQF:4740 |
Issues in K12 Assessment |
3hrs |
|
PSQF:4750 |
Learning Environments: Design, Context, Activity |
3hrs |
|
EDTL:6483 |
Second Language Classroom Learning |
3hrs |
|
EDTL:5085 PSQF:4760 |
Technology Integration in the 21st Century K12 Schools: Generation Innovation or Participatory Learning and Media: Creating, Remixing, Making & Education |
3hrs |
|
EDTL:5090 |
Diversity and Identity in K12 Schools |
3hrs |
|
EDTL:5099 |
Capstone: Teaching, Leadership & Cultural Competency |
3hrs |
Electives
9 Semester Hours Students can choose electives in a wide variety of contemporary topics in education, including English Language Learners, STEM, Diversity in Schools, Literacy, Talented and Gifted/Exceptionality, Global Education, LGBTQ Issues in Education, and Technology. Students are not required to take all three electives in a single area, but rather can choose any elective options in the list below.
Current Elective Listings
Note: Listing is subject to change and updated regularly.
English Language Learners
|
Course Number |
Title |
|
EDTL:4467 |
Methods: ESL and Bilingual Education (4 semester hours) |
|
EDTL:4498 |
Language Structure for Teaching ELLs (4 semester hours) |
|
EDTL:6400 |
Fundamentals of Second Language Assessment |
STEM
|
Course Number |
Title |
|
EDTL:6761 |
STEM Research and Leadership Seminar |
|
EDTL:6762 |
STEM Experiential Learning |
|
EDTL:6563 |
STEM through Mathematical Modeling |
|
EDTl:4565 |
Math in Management & Social Science |
|
EDTL:6766 |
Physical Science Topics in STEM Education |
Talented and Gifted
|
Course Number |
Title |
|
RCE:4137 |
Educating Gifted Students |
|
PSQF:4121 |
Identification of Students for Gifted Programs |
|
EDTL:4066 |
Curriculum Concepts in Gifted Education |
Additional Elective Options
|
Course Number |
Title |
|
EDTL:5083 |
Reading Diagnostics |
|
EDTL:5091 |
LGBTQ Topics in Education |
|
EPLS: 6381 |
Analysis and Appraisal of Curriculum |
|
EDTL:5093 |
Teaching/Learning for Global Perspective |
Sample Course Sequence
33 Semester Hours (18-Month Program – August Start)
The following are examples of course sequences in the online M.A. in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency program. Course offerings in each session are subject to change based on various factors.
|
Sequence |
Course Title |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
1 |
Issues in US Schools (3hrs) |
August |
October |
|
2 |
Participatory Learning and Media |
October |
December |
|
|
Winter Break |
|
|
|
3 & 4 |
Diversity & Identity in K12 Schools (3hrs); Elective: STEM Experiential Learning (3hrs) |
January |
March |
|
|
Spring Break |
|
|
|
5 |
Multilingual Education & Applied Linguistics (3hrs) |
March |
May |
|
|
Early Summer Break |
|
|
|
6 & 7 |
Learning Environments: Design, Context, Activity (3hrs); Elective: LGBTQ Topics in Education (3hrs) |
June |
August |
|
|
Late Summer Break |
|
|
|
8 |
Issues in K12 Assessment (3hrs) |
August |
October |
|
9 & 10 |
Instructional Coaching for Teaching Excellence (3hrs); Conducting School-Based Action Research (3hrs) |
October |
December |
|
|
Winter Break |
|
|
|
10 & 11 |
Elective: Math in Management & Social Sciences (3hrs) |
January |
March |
33 Semester Hours (24-Month Program – August Start)
|
Sequence |
Course Title |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
1 |
Issues in US Schools (3hrs) |
August |
October |
|
2 |
Participatory Learning and Media (3hrs) |
October |
December |
|
|
Winter Break |
|
|
|
3 |
Diversity & Identity in K12 Schools (3hrs) |
January |
March |
|
|
Spring Break |
|
|
|
4 |
Multilingual Education & Applied Linguistics (3hrs) |
March |
May |
|
|
Early Summer Break |
|
|
|
5 |
Elective: STEM Experiential Learning (3hrs) |
June |
August |
|
6 |
Elective: LGBTQ Topics in Education (3hrs) |
June |
August |
|
|
Late Summer Break |
|
|
|
7 |
Elective: Language Structure for Teaching ELLs |
August |
October |
|
8 |
Learning Environments: Design, Context, Activity (3hrs) |
October |
December |
|
|
Winter Break |
|
|
|
9 |
Issues in K12 Assessment (3hrs) |
January |
March |
|
|
Spring Break |
|
|
|
10 |
Instructional Coaching for Teaching Excellence (3hrs) |
March |
May |
|
11 |
Conducting School-Based Action Research |
June |
August |
|
|
|
|
|
*For individuals completing the MATLCC program in mid-October, diploma is issued in December. For students who complete the program in mid-March, diploma will be issued in May.
Application and Admission
The admissions process for the fully online M.A. in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency is streamlined to allow busy professionals to advance their careers quickly.
admission
Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements for the Graduate College:
- Complete the online application. Note: We are transitioning some of our enrollment and admissions processes over the winter break period. For immediate questions please reach out to Anne Sparks at anne-sparks@uiowa.edu. Again, please be advised that due to the holiday season and our systems transition there may be a delay in response.
- 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.
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.
Application Questions?
If you have any questions about the University of Iowa online program admissions process, please reach out to Anne Sparks at anne-sparks@uiowa.edu.
A Quality, Affordable Education
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.
For more information on the funding options available and the application process, please contact the University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid.
|
M.A. Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency: |
$595/Credit Hour |
Fees for books and other course materials will vary by course. Note that tuition rates may change. Tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year will be $595.00 per credit hour, pending approval from the Board of Regents. The academic year begins August 2020.
Program costs also include an additional one-time $225 documents and records fee and a technology fee based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled each semester:
- 9+ credit hours/semester: $253.50
- 4-8 credit hours/semester: $190.25
- 1-3 credit hours/semester: $126.75
To make higher education more accessible, Iowa offers various financial assistance options. The Office of Student Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students navigate the financial aid process and take advantage of the resources available to them, including:
Federal Stafford Loans: Online graduate students may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans, which allow eligible students to borrow money to help cover tuition, living expenses, books, and other expenses.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: As a graduate student, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan. This low-interest, credit-based federal loan provides funds to cover additional educational expenses not met by other types of aid.
Employer Tuition Support Plan: If your employer reimburses you for all or part of your tuition costs after the end of each semester, you may be eligible for tuition deferment, allowing you to pay for your tuition upon receipt of funds.
Degree-seeking graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time (five semester hours during the academic year), or three semester hours during the summer session to qualify for financial aid.
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.
Request Information
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Contact Us
Program Questions
Will Coghill-Behrends
Program Coordinator & Clinical Associate Professor
william-behrends@uiowa.edu
(319) 335-5349
Admission & Application Questions
Anne Sparks
Office of Student Services Coordinator
anne-sparks@uiowa.edu
(319) 335-2146