Instruct, inspire, and influence students in grades 6–12 with a secondary education master’s degree
Teaching is one of the most important and impactful professions. Teachers help their students grow socially, emotionally, and psychologically every day. When you earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education at Mercer, you will be prepared for initial teacher certification so you can step into your classroom and support the academic and personal growth of students in grades 6–12.
Pursuing a secondary education master’s degree at Mercer means studying advanced topics and designing and implementing inclusive classrooms for an increasingly diverse world. And it means gaining field experience in teaching and working alongside other professionals.
When you earn your master’s degree in secondary education, you will work with accomplished faculty who bring educational and professional experience into the classroom to prepare you for teaching. You will enjoy the flexibility of online and in-person blended courses at Mercer’s Macon and Atlanta campuses.
Format: Blended (combination of online and on-campus instruction) • Start Terms: Atlanta | January, March, May, August, and October; Macon | January, May, and August • Application Deadlines: Atlanta | December 1, March 1, May 1, August 1, and October 1; Macon | January 1, May 1, and August 1 • Course Length: 8 and 16 weeks • Field Experience: 13 hours • Completion Time: 18-24 months |
Your Mercer secondary education master’s degree experience
As you earn your secondary education master’s degree at Mercer, you will immerse yourself in the world of education through practical projects and experiential learning environments.
Day field experience
In Mercer’s secondary education master’s degree, students will apply classroom knowledge and benefit from hands-on field experiences to gain experience working with students in grades 6–12. Students complete a sequence of field experiences in diverse settings. Students in the secondary education program who are currently on a provisional license can complete this item in their own classroom. View program requirements to learn more about field placement for the secondary education master’s degree program. Field experiences are coordinated through the Office of Field Placement.
Explore master’s degree in secondary education courses
Students studying secondary education at Mercer take engaging courses covering topics such as child development, teaching exceptional learners, and culturally responsive education. As you earn your Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education, you will learn to incorporate research, assessment, and technology into your teaching methods.
Mercer’s pedagogy-only M.A.T. provides an opportunity to earn your master’s degree in secondary education sooner. Students are required to complete and pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessment in the area in which they are seeking certification. This means that content concentration courses are not required, so you can get in the classroom sooner. For more information, view a complete list of secondary education fields in the master’s degree in secondary education program.
Students who are new to teaching or who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in education will take three foundational courses to build a solid base of pedagogical resources. These courses may be waived for students with approved undergraduate or graduate equivalent classes or experience—enabling you to earn your master’s degree in secondary education sooner.
Courses in Mercer’s secondary education master’s degree program include:
- Child and Adolescent Development and Learning
- Educational Assessment and Research
- Literacy in the Disciplines
View course descriptions and program requirements for secondary education master’s degree courses.
What can you do with a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education?
Jobs for secondary education teachers are expected to grow by 5% by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education will prepare you to meet the increasing need for qualified educators and make an impact by helping future leaders and change-makers find their voice and grow as individuals.
Learn more about our M.A.T. in Secondary Education
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your personalized admissions appointment or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6062 or MercerEducation@mercer.edu for more information.
Learn from experienced faculty
Studying secondary education at Mercer gives you the opportunity to learn from highly credentialed faculty mentors who have dedicated their careers to researching and practicing the latest and most effective pedagogical strategies. Our professors have vast experience teaching in elementary, middle, and high schools around Georgia and the nation.
Find your purpose with Mercer
Take the next step toward earning your secondary education master’s degree and making a positive impact in the lives of students and families. Schedule your personalized admissions appointment, or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6084 or MercerEducation@mercer.edu for more information.
Professional licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.