The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is a practical and flexible degree program culminating in a capstone experience which aligns to a student’s area of emphasis.

Curriculum

Beginning in the fall of 2023, the MAT program will consist of:

  • 30 credits
  • Culminating in capstone, with potential for individualized action research

Master of Arts in Teaching students will complete:

  • 6 core courses with their cohort (18 credits total)
  • 12 elective credits (may transfer in 10-graduate level credits; FasTrack licensure candidates may transfer in Ed-courses)

Core Course Sequence

For new cohort beginning in fall 2023:

Fall 2023 Semester

Course 1: (ED 6100: Ed Research I – 3 credits) – Introduction to academic research and writing, reading and understanding different methods of researching, with preparation for completing action research at the end of the program. (Taught first 8 -weeks of term)

Course 2: (ED 6102: Making Education Data Meaningful – 3 credits) – Understanding and using student assessment and quantitative and qualitative assessment data to inform instructional practices. (Taught second 8-weeks of term)

Spring 2024 Semester

Course 3: (ED 6113: Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Pedagogy – 3 credits) – a deep dive into inclusive, student-centered and culturally responsive/sustaining pedagogy and instructional practices. (Taught first 8-weeks of term)

Course 4: (ED 6120: Critical Issues in Education – 3 credits) – examine enduring critical issues in education, identify an area of interest and explore that critical issue resulting in completed literature review. (Taught second 8-weeks of term)

Fall 2024 Semester

Course 5: (ED 6750: Educational Research II – 3 credits) – complete project proposal approved by instructor and student’s capstone committee. Students conducting action research will collect data prior to enrolling in ED 6850. (Taught full 16-weeks of term.)

Spring 2025 Semester

Course 6: (ED 6850: Capstone – 3 credits) – Complete the capstone project research and final project writing/presentation. (Taught full 16-weeks of term.)

Electives

Usually completed during summer term and same term as course 5 and 6.

Elective courses could include standards of effective practice (SEP’s), which are courses leading to a secondary education teaching license. Current licensed teachers may choose another option to enhance their teaching career; i.e. Reading, Special Education Licensure, Math, etc.

Please note: the MAT by itself is not a licensure-granting degree, but students may complete additional coursework in one of our licensure-only programs (i.e. FasTrack or Special Education Licensure) to become professionally licensed. For complete options, contact the Program Coordinator.

For complete current program requirements, please go to the current catalog; select Graduate Programs located on the right side.

Admission Process

Review the admission requirements and deadlines for the Master of Arts in Teaching.

Application Deadlines

Open enrollment; Fall semester and Summer Session applicants should submit their application and additional materials by April 1 for preferred consideration.

Application Requirements

  • Graduate Application for Admission
  • Official transcripts of bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Overall undergraduate GPA: 3.00
  • Two letters of recommendation from a previous employer/professor
  • Copy of Teaching license requested (if unavailable please contact us)
  • One-page letter of intent answering the following (limit each response to 50 words):
    • Why do you want to be in the graduate program?
    • Explain your background in education or in your current degree field.
    • What do you plan to use this degree for?

International Students

  • Please note that graduate students enrolled in an online program are not eligible for an I-20 to study within the United States.
  • International students must also provide Proof of English Proficiency.

Tuition & Aid

We offer in-state/reciprocity tuition rates to all of our graduate students. Please visit the Financial Aid website for more information on options for funding your education.

Some students may qualify for a graduate assistantship, which includes a tuition waiver and stipend. GAs, in return, are expected to complete certain teaching and/or research assignments for the department.