Submit the following to apply to the master of arts in teaching degree program at UP:

1. Master of Arts in Teaching statement of goals
2. Current résumé
3. Two MAT recommendation letters (one from a supervisor in a professional/academic capacity and another that exhibits evidence of experience with children/youth).
4. Official transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions).
5. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Portland
6. Attended a K-12 school for at least one year in the United States or volunteered at least 30 hours in a K-12 classroom in the United States
7. An undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
8. Student Teaching Background Information Form
9. Desired Teaching Level/Subject Form
10. Official Test Scores: Multi-Subject (Elementary):
    1. ORELA Elementary Education Subtests I and II
11. Official Test Scores: Single-Subject (Secondary):
    1. ORELA Subject Area Test
12. International Applicants
    • All foreign transcripts will be evaluated by International Student Services prior to an admission decision
    • An official score from the TOEFL (minimum score of 88), IELTS (minimum score of 7.0), or Duolingo (minimum score of 110) exam is required.
    • Proof of financial support will be required to attend the University of Portland, but it is not required for application review.

University of Portland’s MAT tuition package is one of the lowest in the metropolitan area. In addition to a 'no fee required' application, tuition and fees are locked in for each cohort. Our comprehensive MAT tuition package incorporates many of the additional or hidden fees added to the cost at other institutions. Tuition rates are the same for both Oregon and out-of-state candidates.

Students are assessed with no added course or field experience fees, and mandatory fingerprinting and background checks are conducted on campus for student convenience. There are no prerequisite courses required or added to program costs. State testing is completed as an application requirement, providing you the advantage of immediate state certification upon meeting program requirements in May. This schedule helps candidates avoid additional testing fees and delays in certification due to testing retakes. We advocate for a transparent and affordable tuition package for your planning convenience and professional plans.

Learn more about the MAT tuition package.

In addition to offering one of the lowest total MAT tuition packages in the metropolitan area, we provide a number of tuition remission scholarships based on financial need and merit. We believe that higher education, like our master of arts in teaching program, should be accessible to anyone who desires it.

Learn more about priority scholarship deadlines and complete a common application form on our graduate programming scholarships page.

The state of Oregon testing requirements for initial teacher licensure are listed below. Candidates should register for the exam(s) for the teaching level in which they are admitted. If you need assistance identifying which tests you are required to complete, please contact pilotsteach@up.edu. 

Admitted candidates must complete their testing by June 1.    

Multi-Subject (Elementary/Grades K-5) Testing Requirements: 

ORELA Elementary Education Subtests 1 and 2 

Single-Subject (Secondary/Grades 6-12) Testing Requirements: 

ORELA Subject Area Test