Academic Programs

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT degree is offered in art, elementary education, general curriculum special education (K-12), middle/secondary content-areas, and world languages (French or Spanish). The program is planned for students who have never been licensed as well as those teachers who wish to add new teaching areas to existing areas of expertise. Candidates enrolled in the MAT programs typically qualify for initial licensure (A-level) after Phase 1. Students may earn advanced licensure upon successful completion of Phase 2. Candidates who complete all licensure requirements are “highly qualified” to teach.

The MAT programs for elementary education or special education require a total of 48-57 hours including Phase 2X, 57-66 hours including Phase 2L with add-on licensure in AIG. The MAT programs for art, French, Spanish, and middle/secondary grades require 42-51 hours (plus possible content area hours) including Phase 2X or 51-60 hours including Phase 2L with add-on licensure in AIG. All MAT initial licensure candidates (Phase 1) must complete the TAP Seminar with a grade of P. All MAT advanced competency licensure candidates (Phase 2) must complete the Professional Research Seminar semester with a grade of PASS.

The MAT program may be completed on a full or part-time basis in day and/or evening coursework. Phase 1 is generally completed in 18 months to two years of day and/or evening coursework. Phase 2 may be completed during the candidate’s first year(s) as a classroom teacher in one or two years of evening coursework.