Master of Arts: Excellence in Teaching program

Continue your growth as a professional educator while remaining in the classroom. With this fully online degree, choose courses of interest to you, your unique situation and aspirations. Note that this program has recently been reduced to 30 hours.

The Master of Arts: Excellence in Teaching is open to candidates nationwide!

Individualized degree plans
15 hours of core education classes
15 flexible/elective hours
Multiple areas of study available
Comprehensive exams not required for completion

Learn more about Graduate Studies in Education

Why study Excellence in Teaching at Harding?

Flexible Program

100% online; individualized degree plans based on your interests and goals; multiple endorsement areas available

Accessible instructors

Your instructors are also practitioners and in the schools. They will provide practical content that you can immediately use in your classroom.

A Christian Perspective

Touching hearts and challenging minds through Christ by preparing professionals for Christian service to children, families and communities.

More Information

Upon completion of the appropriate courses, a candidate can add an endorsement recognized and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education to a current educator license. Endorsment programs that fit with this degree include:

Dyslexia (Reading) endorsement*
Early childhood/special education integrated birth-K endorsement*
Gifted and talented endorsement*
Special education K-6 and 7-12 resource endorsement*
Teaching English as a second language endorsement

*Program fully online

Candidates not interested in a specific education endorsement can use the flexible/elective hours in this degree to sample topics of interest in education, art, history and more.

Application Requirements

Complete the online application.
Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu.
*Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.
Request recommendations from three individuals who can address the applicant’s professional/academic background and potential for success in the program.
Upload a copy of your Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record.
Upload a copy of your current educator license.

Additional Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or 2.75 on the last 60 hours.
Cumulative GPA for provisional admittance: 2.35 (must maintain a 3.0 on the first 12 hours of coursework).

Please direct questions to:

Harding University
Graduate Studies in Education
Phone: 501-279-4315
Email: onlinema@harding.edu

For additional information about this program, scroll toward the bottom of this page for a link to view the catalog. Some possible elective courses for the degree are also listed in the catalog.

For current course schedules, please visit the Graduate Studies in Education page.

1. You must complete the 30-hour program of study.

2. You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all graduate work with no grade lower than a C.

3. You may have a maximum of two C's.

4. You must complete a minimum of 24 hours of your graduate work with Harding University.

5. You must complete all requirements within eight years from the time coursework is started.

6. Complete the College of Education's Petition for Graduation before you expect to graduate.

7. Complete the Online Graduation Application.

Request for information

Or contact us directly:

Master of Arts: Excellence in Teaching

Thornton Education Center 126

Dr. Clay Beason, Chair of Graduate Studies in Education

Phone: 501-279-5831

Fax: 501-279-4083

onlinema@harding.edu

What can you do with a Master of Arts: Excellence in Teaching?

Teach K-12

With a Master of Arts: Excellence in Teaching (MA:ET), teachers can elevate their careers by moving into advanced or specialized roles within the classroom. This degree equips educators with deeper knowledge of pedagogical theories, curriculum development and instructional strategies, enabling them to teach more effectively and engage students at higher levels. Teachers with this advanced degree are also better prepared to implement innovative teaching methods and technologies, which can significantly enhance student learning outcomes.

Teach English as a second language

An MA:ET with an emphasis in teaching English as a second language (TESL) equips educators with specialized skills and methodologies to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. This advanced degree covers essential areas such as linguistics, second language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching practices. Educators in TESL are prepared to design and implement engaging, student-centered lessons that address the unique language needs of English language learners.

Teach special education

A master's with an emphasis in special education provides in-depth training on specialized instructional strategies, individualized education plans and legal requirements associated with special education. Special education teachers are adept at designing and implementing effective interventions and supports tailored to each student's unique learning challenges. Additionally they are equipped to collaborate with parents, general education teachers and other professionals to create inclusive classroom environments that promote the academic and social development of all students.

Contact Information

Graduate Studies in Education

graded@harding.edu

Mailing address:

Harding University
Graduate Studies in Education
HU 12261
Searcy, AR 72149-5615