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Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D.

Appointed Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education

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Graduate Studies in Education

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Graduate Studies in Education
  3. Center for Gifted Education
  4. Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Gifted Education & Equitable Instruction

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Gifted Education & Equitable Instruction

Whitworth's gifted education programs focus on how to identify and respond to the needs of high potential learners, empowering all students to experience success. Enjoy the benefits and freedom of online classes taught by field experts. Whitworth's gifted education program is designed to help you develop effective differentiated instructional strategies and curricular solutions to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of gifted learners in ways that equitably challenge and serve all learners in the classroom. You’ll study research-based instructional techniques and practices, identification and assessment practices, and different program services and delivery models that support student growth, and develop differentiated curriculum that engages highly capable learners and enhances engagement for all students.  

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Cohort Model

  • Available entirely online
  • Whitworth is the only university in Washington with a master's degree in gifted education.
  • Learn from state and nationally recognized faculty who are experts or leaders in the field.
  • Complete your master's degree in just two years*
  • Complete your specialty endorsement in one year*

*Course completion depends upon available courses and how many courses students enroll in at one time; estimates based on no more than six hours of course credit per semester or summer. 

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Degree Snapshot
Credits 34
Average Completion Time 2 years
Class Format Online; some core courses outside of gifted may be available in person; all gifted courses are online.
Cost Per Credit $665* per credit hour (financial aid and scholarships available) 
Application Deadline- Rolling Applications are due four weeks prior to the start of the semester in which you plan to enroll.
Fall Term Start: Apply by first week of August
Jan Term Start: Apply by first week of December
Spring Term Start: Apply by first week of January
Summer Term Start: Apply by third week of April

*Tuition for the 2024-25 academic year

This program has given me the tools and background to better support and advocate for students, both in my own classroom and throughout Washington State. Our students have so much potential, I'm determined to help them get the opportunity to fulfill it!

Camille Jones Washington State's 2017 Teacher of the Year

Program Curriculum

As the only university in Washington with a master's degree in gifted education, Whitworth's 34-credit program is tailored to fit your interest in meeting the diverse and accelerated learning needs of students with potential. Each course is designed to enhance your teaching capabilities as well as your ability to have a positive influence upon those around you.

The integrity and knowledge of the professors challenged me to learn more about how I could make a difference for my community and the students we serve.

Jen Flo M.A.T. Gifted & Talented

During the required courses you'll discuss and research the characteristics and identification needs of gifted students from different cultural, economic, linguistic and diverse populations; explore best practices in designing curriculum and applying instructional strategies that enhance student learning; and understand a variety of program services that support the continuous growth of gifted students.

  • Required Core Courses – 10 credits - offered online 
  • Gifted Education Courses – 19 credits - offered exclusively online
  • Field Study and Action Research – 3 credits
  • Electives – 2 credits
  • Note: The majority of online courses are asynchronous; some synchronous courses may be required. 

For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this major please view the course catalog.

Note: The courses in this program are subject to change due to program updates. Please check with your advisor for current course offerings.

Gifted Education Specialty Endorsement: Online or On-Campus Options

You can earn your specialty endorsement as an endorsement-only option or concurrently with your M.A.T. in gifted education & equitable instruction or your M.Ed. in teaching & learning. To view more information regarding the specialty endorsement and required curriculum, please view the course catalog.