Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
The M.A.T. is a graduate program for students who do not hold a teaching certificate as well as for students who hold a conditional teaching certificate. Georgia College offers the M.A.T. in the following areas:
M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education leading to certification at the T5 level in
M.A.T. in Kinesiology/Physical Education leading to certification at the T5 level. This program is housed in the College of Health Sciences.
M.A.T. in Secondary Education leading to certification at the T5 level in
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Art
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Biology
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Business Education
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Chemistry
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English
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French
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History
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Mathematics
- Physics
- Political Science
- Spanish
M.A.T. in Special Education leading to certification at the T5 level
M.A.T. Prerequisites
- Meet minimal undergraduate cumulative grade point average on all coursework attempted, at each institution attended, in which letter grades were awarded
For M.A.T. in Middle Grades and Secondary: Minimum GPA 2.5
For M.A.T. in Special Education: Minimum GPA 2.25
- M.A.T. in Middle Grades and Secondary only - Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant content area.
M.A.T. Admission
In order to be admitted to any of the M.A.T. programs, the applicant should complete and submit the following:
- University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable
- Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Verification of immunization (pdf)
- M.A.T.-Secondary Only: Submit GACE Content Assessment Scores
- M.A.T. Middle Grades Science and Reading or Mathematics and Reading Only: Submit passing scores on either the Middle Grades Science or the Middle Grades Mathematics GACE Assessments
- Submit to a background check and receive acceptable results. (This process will be done during the application process.)
- Pass an on-site writing assessment (http://www.gcsu.edu/education/writing.html)
- Pass (or exempt) the GACE Basic Assessment (Exemption scores are SAT 1000 or higher; ACT combined English and math 45 or higher)
M.A.T. Program Orientations
A required orientation program for new students in M.A.T. programs is held prior to the start of the program.
Advisement
The Departmental Chairpersons, in cooperation with the departmental admission committees and program coordinators, assign each fully admitted student to a Mentor Leader of the M.A.T. cohort. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with this Mentor Leader.
Program of Study
The Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education and Middle Grades Education require a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work. The degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of coursework. Students may be required to take additional semester hours in order to qualify for certification in a particular content area. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the Department Chairperson.
The Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education requires a minimum of 45 semester hours of coursework. This degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of coursework.
Exit Requirements
All students must pass a comprehensive departmental exit requirement before completion of the program. Usually this exit requirement includes an electronic portfolio. Students should check with their assigned program advisor or the department chairperson for specifics. Students must pass this exit requirement to graduate.
Cohort Model
All the M.A.T. degrees are offered in cohort models in which groups of students begin and end programs at the same time. The M.A.T. Secondary Education and M.A.T. Middle Grades Science and Reading or Middle Grades Mathematics and Reading cohorts begin in the summer semesters only. The M.A.T. Special Education cohorts begin in the spring semesters only.
Completion Checklist
- Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all work attempted.
- Submit an application for graduation by the deadline posted on the University academic calendar.
- Successfully complete the degree requirements.
- Submit passing GACE certification test scores, The College Recommendation for Certification form, and all necessary documentation to the College of Education Certification Officer.
Graduate Assistantships
Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Details and an application can be found at http://www.gcsu.edu/education/assistantships.html
Transfer of Courses
M.A.T. Secondary: Nine semester hours may be transferred from other institutions, if prior approval is given by the advisor and if the coursework is no more than six years old at the time of completion of the graduate degree.
Advanced Certification
In order for the GaPSC to upgrade certificates, educators must complete advanced degree programs closely aligned with their fields of certification and educational roles. Please see the PSC page for further information: http://www.gapsc.com/CurrentEducator/takeCareYourCertificate/certificateUpgrade.aspx