--- title: Dordt University expands MAT program with new discipline offerings date: 2024-12-17T08:34:00-06:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-expands-mat-program-with-new-discipline-offerings" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) [Education](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=education) [Graduate Programs](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=graduate-programs) Dec 17, 2024 # Dordt University expands MAT program with new discipline offerings Dordt University has expanded its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to include new endorsement areas for grades 5-12. The 35-credit, fully online program offers advanced training and licensure, allowing non-traditional students to become Christian educators in various content areas. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/abby-degroot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=b610625e&v=783ede26388c86639ae8a2a7efae1a19fea1c9deac7aa8428639dee3cc6368d8) ![]()Dordt University is expanding its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. In addition to STEM-focused tracks, the MAT program now offers advanced training and licensure in several required content areas as well as electives. The new MAT offerings include: - 5-12 Art - 5-12 Business - 5-12 English - 5-12 History: American, World, and/or Government - 5-12 Physical Education - 5-12 Spanish “These new offerings align with one of Dordt’s original reasons for starting the institution: to train teachers,” says Joe Bakker, dean of online, graduate, and partner programs at Dordt. “The new endorsement areas in the MAT now allow non-traditional students to earn a teaching license and enter the teaching profession.” Dr. Abby De Groot, director of the teacher preparation program at Dordt, is excited about the opportunity to prepare more teachers. “They already have the content knowledge they need to teach well, and this program will give them the opportunity to develop their pedagogical knowledge, or ‘how to teach.’ We want teachers in classrooms who have both, and this program is a great way to fill that gap.” ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/abby-degroot2.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=6093f3eb&v=e7ee850d075c7bc163ad1e6c290df81121b537534d0c16aee3ea9662ba2c041f) The 35-credit program can be completed in as little as 16 months, based on each student’s undergraduate coursework and preferred timeline. All courses are 100% online with no travel or on-campus residency required. In addition to filling an educational need, the MAT will also equip candidates to teach Christianly, adds De Groot. “The program will explore students as image-bearers—fallen yet creative, responsible, and curious people—and how to faithfully teach them in a variety of contexts.” Dordt’s MAT program has received approval from the Iowa Department of Education and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more about the MAT program at . **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2022-09-08_000811.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=5ab3fa19&v=3596a29a290a6d8baa894cea7d52ef2fe4625423931db6ecfd960c3f35edf0e5) Academics Education Jan 03, 2025 ## Dordt education professor publishes book on teaching Christianly Dordt University Professor Dr. David Mulder's new book, Always Becoming, Never Arriving, encourages Christian educators to shrink the gap between their beliefs and teaching practices, helping them to reflect on how faith influences their classroom decisions. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-education-professor-publishes-book-on-teaching-christianly) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/iatdordtsnow.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=e037041b&v=8c30d54b1695021c5b465e2c5f779a450227d4386f1d1992770b1460be834d14) Worship Arts Dec 16, 2024 ## Dordt Worship releases original Christmas song Dordt Worship released a new Christmas song, "O Come All Ye Faithful (Hallelujah)," featuring an original chorus celebrating the offering of praise to Christ. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-worship-releases-original-christmas-song) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>