Morehead State’s MAT Program Becomes Kentucky’s Most Affordable
Morehead State University has launched a new tuition model for its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, making it the most affordable MAT option in Kentucky and expanding access to teacher certification for aspiring and career‑changing educators statewide.
This new tuition approach reduces per‑credit‑hour costs and eliminates application and required testing fees, lowering financial barriers for students seeking to earn a master’s degree and Kentucky teacher certification through Morehead State’s MAT program.
MSU’s MAT program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field who want to transition into teaching. The program serves as an alternative pathway into the profession, helping working professionals enter the classroom while addressing the ongoing teacher workforce needs of Kentucky’s school districts.
Delivered fully online, the MAT program offers flexibility for working adults while incorporating embedded field hours in schools. Students receive personalized advising throughout the program, ensuring clear guidance from enrollment through certification.
“Kentucky schools need great teachers. Our new tuition discount with personalized advising is just one of the many ways that MSU prepares great teachers for our schools,” Dr. Nicola Mason (Class of 2007), dean of the Volgenau College of Education. “MSU is committed to supporting school districts across the Commonwealth by providing affordable and flexible teacher certification.”
In addition to its affordability, MSU’s MAT program now offers expanded concentration options in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Middle Grades, and Secondary Education. Beginning this fall, MSU will add new concentrations in Elementary Education and Special Education and expand opportunities in agricultural education and music education.
All MAT students are supported by the program’s dedicated coordinator, who provides one‑on‑one advising and mentorship to help students navigate certification requirements and career goals.
"MSU's MAT is designed to provide a clear, supportive, and flexible pathway to teacher certification. Our goal is to help candidates move efficiently through a high-quality online program while receiving strong advising and personal support along the way," said Stephanie Akers (Class of 2014), MAT coordinator. "Even in an online format, students build meaningful connections with peers and faculty and become part of a supportive learning community."
Morehead State's MAT program is one of several graduate-level education programs recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Education Schools in its 2026 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools. MSU was among the Top 4 education schools in the state for its graduate-level education programs.
Under Kentucky’s Option 6 pathway, MAT candidates may work full time as teachers of record while completing coursework online.
“The Option 6 pathway provides you with the ability to earn a full‑time salary while completing a master’s degree tailored to your expertise. This personalized experience is one of the reasons MSU’s MAT program is so appealing,” Mason said. “With this new tuition model, the pathway is not only flexible, but more accessible than ever before.”
Find out more about MSU's MAT program by contacting MAT coordinator Stephanie Akers at mateaching@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-9365.
