Master of Arts in Teaching
MAT Mentoring Program
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Professional Mentoring program is now available to students. Read more about the program and eligibility requirements. Applications are now being accepted and will continue to be accepted at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for students who wish to earn secondary teacher certification. Successful completion of the program entitles a candidate to be recommended for Maryland Teaching Certification in specific subject areas, including: earth/space science, physics, English, mathematics, history, social studies, chemistry, biology, computer science, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian, and Arabic. Focus is on producing teacher candidates who can demonstrate research-based and practice validated strategies for teaching and learning, teach subject matter to a diverse student body, analyze their practice for effectiveness in promoting student learning and integrate technology to promote personal and student growth.
Note: Students interested in teaching in other states should contact their state department of education for certification requirements. See an overview of existing interstate agreements.
Articulation Agreement
Students who complete the bachelor's degree from UMUC in an appropriate major (computer science, English, history, or social science), and other students who have the appropriate coursework (including biology, mathematics), can reduce the total coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching graduate degree by up to 12 credits (two courses) and complete both degrees with a total of 138 credits of coursework. More information is available in the Articulation Agreement.
Career Path
- Secondary school teacher, licensed in the state of Maryland
Admission Requirements
Review admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching.
Program Options
UMUC also offers a Master of Education (MEd) in Instructional Technology and a Master of Distance Education (MDE). These programs do not lead to teacher certification. The MEd focuses on integrating technology to strengthen teaching and learning in the K–12 schools; the MDE focuses on managing the distance education enterprise within educational, business, government, and nonprofit organizations. A Teacher Education Reading Strand: Reading Courses in Elementary and Secondary Education is also available.
Program Requirements
The Master of Arts in Teaching requires the successful completion of 30 credits, including 6 credits of professional internship.
Program Rules
- Courses must be taken in order.
- Students must pass the university required content assessment prior to the student teaching internship and register for the Praxis II pedagogy exam prior to graduation. Students must provide evidence of passing the university required content assessment and registering for the Praxis II pedagogy exam. Additionally, students must successfully complete a performance-based teaching portfolio and action research project.
- As a student in the Graduate School's Department of Education MAT or MEd program, you will be required to purchase a one-time $100 subscription to TK20 HigherEd before your first class begins. This is a comprehensive assessment and management system, which will support all students and programs within the department. Learn more.
- Each course in the MAT program requires field experiences that may require access to a local secondary school to complete observations.
Recommendations
Students who wish to improve their graduate writing skills may take COMM 600 Academic Writing for Graduate Students.
Required Courses**
USCP 615 Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC (0), to be taken within the first 6 credits of study
- EDTP 600 Foundations of Teaching for Learning (6)
- EDTP 635 Adolescent Development and Learning Needs (6)
- EDTP 639 Reading and Multiple Literacies (6)
- EDTP 645 Subject Methods and Assessment (6)
Required Internship
- EDTP 650 Professional Internship and Seminar (6) *
* Required ONSITE Internship and Seminar:
The onsite internship and seminar requires a minimum of 16 weeks and is offered only during the Fall and Spring semesters.
**NOTE: Students who began the MAT program prior to Summer 2011 must also take EDTC 615, Using Technology for Instructional Improvement: Research, Data and Best Practices (3).
Partnerships
School or district administrators who are interested in developing a cohort program for their school(s) should contact the UMUC Education Department at 240-684-2488.
Dual Degree
Enhance your credentials! Graduates of the Master of Arts in Teaching program can elect to pursue a dual degree with the Master of Education in Instructional Technology.
Master of Arts in Teaching/Master of Education in Instructional Technology (MAT/MEd)
Students must complete all requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching before beginning the Master of Education in Instructional Technology.
Required Courses
UCSP 615 Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC (0), to be taken within the first 6 credits of study
- EDTC 610 Web-Based Learning and Teaching: Design and Pedagogy (3)
- EDTC 620 Technology in K–12 Education: Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Multimedia Technologies (3)
- EDTC 630 Administration of Technology Initiatives: Planning, Budgeting, and Evaluation (3)
- EDTC 640 Technology Change Management in Schools (3)
- EDTC 645 Integration of Technology: Global Perspectives (3)
- EDTC 670 Integrative Capstone Project (3)
Field Experience and Student Teaching Internship
Each student is responsible for arranging field experience, student teaching internships and classroom observations with the school district of his/her choice. While UMUC is able to provide support and assistance in securing field experience, the university cannot guarantee that all school districts will grant permission to enter the classroom. Additionally, states and local school districts have varying regulations and policies regarding student teaching. Please remain informed about the student teaching requirements in your state, locality and/or the Department of Defense.
Certification
Students are responsible for remaining informed about the teacher certification requirements of the state in which they seek to become certified. Teacher certification requirements are constantly evolving in many states. Please be sure to confirm the requirements and any reciprocity arrangements with the state's certifying agency. State specific information is available through The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification's Web site.
Note to Students Who Wish to Teach in North Carolina
Graduates of UMUC’s MAT program who want to receive certification to teach in North Carolina must submit the following documentation to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
• Completed Form A—Application for a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License
• Copy of your Maryland teaching certificate, or verification that you have graduated from the MAT program and met all Maryland requirements
• Official college transcripts and North Carolina-required test scores
For additional information about applying for teacher certification in North Carolina, please make sure you review the “Steps to a NC Professional Educator’s License.” Please note that North Carolina does not have 100% reciprocity with any state. You must complete all steps noted.
