For students who dream of becoming middle school, high school or K-12 teachers, the path to the classroom doesn't have to begin with an undergraduate education degree. Instead, University of Missouri-Kansas City's 4+1 Master of Arts in Teaching program allows students to earn a bachelor's degree in the subject they want to teach before completing a Master of Arts in Teaching, also known as a MAT, in just one additional year.
The 4+1 program is available to students pursuing bachelor's degrees in content areas that align with Missouri teacher certification, including subjects such as English, history, mathematics, biology, chemistry, art and music. Students apply to the program during their undergraduate studies, complete prerequisite coursework and maintain the required academic standing before transitioning into the MAT program during their fifth year.
The program is specifically designed for students pursuing secondary education careers, allowing students to build expertise in the subject they want to teach before seamlessly transitioning into graduate-level teacher preparation.
That flexibility attracted students like Benjamin Lewis, who is pursuing a career as an art teacher through the 4+1 program. By majoring in art before entering the MAT program, Lewis is developing both the artistic foundation and classroom skills needed to inspire future students.
“Originally, I thought I was going to have to take a nontraditional route and get an alternative certification later,” Lewis said. “I heard about the 4+1 program while I was working as a student ambassador in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. My supervisor at the time heard about what my goals were and told me that’s exactly what the 4+1 program can do for me, and I was immediately set on it.”
During their undergraduate studies, students complete coursework in their designated major while fulfilling requirements for the 4+1 pathway. After earning their bachelor's degree, they spend one additional year completing the Master of Arts in Teaching program, where they receive advanced instruction in curriculum, the science of teaching and classroom practice, before entering the profession.
Because students specialize in the subjects they plan to teach, the 4+1 program offers faculty expertise and coursework tailored to their discipline during their graduate courses. Whether preparing to teach visual arts, science, mathematics or social studies, students learn teaching strategies designed for their specialized field, helping them connect their expertise to effective classroom instruction.
"Our students don't have to choose between studying what they love and becoming a teacher," said Sara R. Helfrich, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences. "They graduate with a strong academic foundation in their discipline and the teaching skills they'll need to lead a classroom."
As school districts continue seeking qualified teachers across a wide range of subject areas, the 4+1 pathway offers an efficient and intentional route for students who want to share their passion with the next generation.