MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (M.A.T.) IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in Secondary Education provides initial educator preparation at the master's degree level for qualified candidates who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a major in one of the content fields listed below, or in a related area that includes coursework that is the equivalent of a major in such an area. The degree program prepares persons for certification to teach in grades 6-12 in the fields of Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, English, French, Health, History, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, and Spanish; and for certification to teach in grades P-12 in Art. The program is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate degrees did not include professional education preparation. The program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework. The professional education component is a one-year, full-time experience which begins with a new cohort in June or July of every year and follows the public school calendar. A two-year evening program is also available for individuals who are currently teaching under non-renewable certificates. All professional education courses are field-based, and students spend a minimum of 20 hours per week with host teachers in a variety of public school placements. Spring semester coursework includes a ten week, full-time student teaching internship. A lab fee is associated with the student teaching internship. Infused in all coursework and field experiences are five strands of study: technology in the classroom, classroom inquiry, specific content area applications, teaching literacy skills, and diversity issues in the classroom including exceptionalities. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, a candidate may be recommended for a Level Five State of Georgia Educator Certification.

Graduate level courses are selected with the approval of the candidate's advisor to enhance content area preparation. A candidate who has not fulfilled minimum certification requirements in the proposed teaching field is required to take additional course work in the content area.