Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching (39 credit hours) is designed to provide initial teacher certification at either the elementary or secondary level for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Prior to admission, previously completed coursework is evaluated in relationship to specialty content requirements. The evaluation determines what, if any, coursework will be required to meet specialty content requirements in addition to the education courses that make up the MAT program. Individualized plans of study leading to admission and program completion are then developed with each student.
The MAT program involves 33 credit hours of graduate coursework prior to student teaching. Graduate courses are generally scheduled one evening per week with online components and include field experiences in area public schools. MAT teacher candidates who are employed as long term substitutes or teaching on a provisional certificate in a public school may fulfill most field requirements in their own classroom.
After all required coursework has been successfully completed, MAT teacher candidates complete a 15-week full-time student teaching internship (6 credit hours). Teacher candidates teaching on a provisional certificate can work with the field placement coordinator to set up a schedule that allows the majority of the student teaching experience to be done in their own classroom while still fulfilling programmatic level requirements required for state certification.
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree involves state licensure and is subject to policies and procedures. Please see the MAT Program Handbook, EPP Student Handbook, and Practicum Manual for details.
M.A.T. students can pursue certification in the following areas:
Secondary Education
Elementary Education (K-6)