The MAT program is designed for students who are pursuing a career as a teacher who have already received a Bachelor of Arts or Science in a field outside of education. This program meets all the requirements for initial licensure in teaching.

The MAT program provides graduate level education for teachers who are already in the PreK-12 classroom or who would like to prepare to teach at the college level. Students in the MAT Specialization field may select to specialize in a field that complements their current degree, or, alternatively, students may choose to gain the required graduate credits and prepare to teach at the college level.

The WNMU College of Education offers a state approved alternative licensure program at its Silver City and Gallup campuses in elementary, secondary, and special education. The New Mexico State Legislature authorizes the Public Education Department to provide alternative routes to New Mexico teacher licensure for persons who hold at least a baccalaureate degree but who have not completed a traditional educator preparation program. Students in this program serve with an intern license for two years and must successfully complete the Alternative Licensure program within that time frame, although students are able to file for a one year extension.