Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the M.A.T. program offer?

Students who successfully complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program will receive a Master of Arts in Teaching degree (M.A.T.) and be eligible for North Carolina master’s level teaching licensure in English, Latin, mathematics, science, or social studies subject content areas for grades 9-12; OR K-12 North Carolina teaching licensure in French, Spanish, German, Japanese or music.

Who should apply for the M.A.T. program?

Students with a B.A. or B.S. in an area relevant to one of the M.A.T. content areas, and who want to teach English, Latin, mathematics, science, or social studies in high school, or teach music or French, German, Japanese, or Spanish in elementary, middle, or high school, may apply for the M.A.T. program.

Should an applicant have a teaching license or substantial teaching experience in schools in order to qualify for this program?

No. This program is for people who are seeking initial teaching licensure.

Can I work while being a student in this program?

The M.A.T. program is a full-time program with a demanding schedule; therefore, you definitely cannot hold a full-time job. Furthermore, it is rare that students are able to successfully meet program requirements and maintain a steady part-time job. Some students are able to find jobs with very limited flexible hours, such as tutoring. The spring semester, with full-time student teaching and evening meetings, is the most demanding.

How long does it take to complete the M.A.T. program?

One year. Cohorts begin taking classes in the Summer II session following admission (approximately the third week of June) and finish the program at the end of the Summer I semester (approximately the middle of June).

For example, a candidate beginning the program in 2007 will be enrolled continuously from the second summer session of 2007, through Fall 2007, Spring 2008, and finish in the first summer session of 2008.

However, students do not officially graduate or have a degree officially posted until the university confers summer degrees which is approximately the second week of August.

Can I enter the program in semesters other than Summer II?

No. All students admitted to this program must begin in Summer II and follow the cohort schedule, taking the required courses in sequence. Since the M.A.T. program is organized in cohort format, all courses are designed specifically for meeting the needs of students in this program and all courses are only offered once a year.

Will courses taken at another institution of higher education transfer to fulfill the EDUC courses in the M.A.T. program?

All courses in the M.A.T. program are designed specifically for meeting the needs of students in this program and the standards for NC teaching licensure at the master’s level, therefore no courses may be waived or substituted.

What are the differences between this program and the M.Ed.?

The M.A.T. program is for people who are seeking initial licensure as teachers. The Master of Education for Experienced Teachers (M.Ed.) program is for people who earned their initial licensure at the bachelor’s level and seek to achieve master’s level licensure.

What is the advantage of an M.A.T. over Teach for America or lateral entry programs?

The M.A.T. includes extensive hands-on practice and prepares candidates for work with students before they enter the classroom. Students who obtain an M.A.T. degree are not teaching and taking licensure coursework simultaneously. Therefore, they can focus completely on developing their expertise as a teacher and on students' learning. Additionally, M.A.T. graduates begin their career with licensure at the master's level, which elevates their salary from the outset.

Can I qualify for licensure in more than one area through the M.A.T. program?

The M.A.T. program offers licensure in one content area. However, candidates who have obtained initial licensure in one content area may qualify for add-on licensure by taking and passing the PRAXIS II exam in other subject areas.

What are the career prospects for M.A.T. graduates?

Most of our M.A.T. graduates are teaching or have gone on to be public school administrators. Some of our alumni are currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs at other professional schools or have become professors/instructors in teacher education programs at colleges and universities.