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2012-13 Catalog 
    
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2012-13 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is offered in two formats: the full-time program, which is a thirteen-month program beginning in June and ending the following July and the two-year program, which is a twenty-one-month program beginning in June. Students progress through the program in a cohort arrangement: they enter together, enroll in the same classes, and finish together as a community of learners. In addition to receiving the MAT degree, students who complete the program are eligible to teach at one or two of the following authorization levels:

Early childhood (age 3–grade 4)

Elementary (grades 3–6)

Middle school (grades 5–8)

High school (grades 8–12)

At the start of the program, students choose the two adjacent authorization levels in which they intend to be licensed. The three options are as follows:

  1. Early childhood and elementary school
  2. Elementary and middle school
  3. Middle school and high school

Admission Requirements

1.

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in a field appropriate to the endorsement area and authorization level. These requirements do not specify a particular undergraduate major for the early childhood/elementary authorization level. Applicants to the elementary/middle school authorization level must select one or more core subject areas and show competency in their area by completing a major in the subject area or passing the appropriate National Evaluation Series (NES) Specialty Area Test. Those applying to the middle/high school authorization levels should complete an undergraduate major in the subject they plan to teach (e.g., English or math). In addition to a major, specific courses in the subject area are required. Please contact the School of Education for the appropriate list of courses.

2.

Applicants to the early childhood/elementary and elementary/middle school authorization levels are required to earn 12 credits (C- or better) in each of the following areas: a) social studies with at least one course in each of the following: history, geography, and a behavioral science; b) sciences with at least one course in the following: a biological science and a physical science; and c) language arts with at least one course in the following: communication, writing, and English literature.

3.

Applicants to the program are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of undergraduate work. Applicants to the middle/high school authorization levels must also have at least a 3.0 GPA in all graduate and undergraduate coursework in their endorsement area.

4.

Admission requirements include a passing score on a basic skills test. Students may choose the Essential Academic Skills Test (EAST), California Basic Skills Test (CBEST), or the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).

5.

Individuals planning to apply for early childhood/elementary and elementary/middle school levels must complete MTH 211 , 212 , 213  before entering the full-time program or the second year of the two-year program.

6.

The program requires applicants to document successful experiences working with children or adolescents in small or large group settings, preferably within public schools. This is a very important requirement for program admission. The School of Education recommends that students consider taking one or two undergraduate courses related to education. Courses such as ED 251  and 252  offer academic and field-based opportunities for students to explore interest in the teaching profession.

7.

Specialty subject knowledge tests are required for licensure and program completion. Passing scores on the appropriate test may be used for admission into the program in lieu of a basic skills test.  Please contact the School of Education for details.

Sequence of Courses and Fieldwork

The first and last stages of the program take place during the summer and consist primarily of instruction. Fall through spring terms comprise field experiences and courses on campus. The curriculum is a combination of theory, research, pedagogy, content, and process, all of which are woven throughout the program.

MAT Instructional Courses

(41–45 credits)

MAT Field Experience

(27 credits)