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. GC offers the M.A.T. in the following areas:

• M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education (path to Teacher T5 certification)
• M.A.T. in Kinesiology/Physical Education (path to T5 certification)
• M.A.T. in Secondary Education (path to Teacher T5 certification)
• M.A.T. in Special Education (path to Teacher T5 certification)

Prerequisites

1. 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 Science or Mathematics and M.A.T. in Secondary: Minimum GPA 2.5

   For M.A.T. in Special Education: Minimum GPA 2.25

2. M.A.T. in Middle Grades Science or Mathematics and M.A.T. in Secondary only - Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant content area.

Admission

In order to be admitted to any of the M.A.T. programs, the applicant should complete and submit the following:

1. University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable
2. Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format
3. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
4. Verification of immunization (pdf)
5. M.A.T.-Secondary Only: Submit GACE Content Assessment Scores
6. M.A.T. Middle Grades Science and Mathematics Only: Submit passing scores on either the Middle Grades Science or the Mathematics GACE Assessments
7. Submit to a background check and receive acceptable results. (This process will be done during the application process.)
8. Pass an on-site writing assessment (http://www.gcsu.edu/education/writing.html)
9. Pass (or exempt) the GACE Basic Assessment

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 or Mathematics cohorts begin in the summer semesters only. The M.A.T. Special Education cohorts begin in the spring semesters only.

Completion Checklist

1. Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all work attempted.
2. Submit an application for graduation by the deadline posted on the University academic calendar.
3. Successfully complete the degree requirements.
4. 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.