The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares students for successful careers in education through high quality and accessible education. The goal of the program is to prepare teachers to make effective decisions in diverse classrooms. To accomplish this goal, emphasis is placed on producing master teachers who are self-reflective, lifelong learners who have an understanding of child development, content, and pedagogy. MAT licensure candidates must apply theory, research, classroom experience, and professional judgment to lead others in collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective instruction for students.
Students may choose from one of four areas of concentration:
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Elementary Education Alternative Licensure
- Special Education Alternative Licensure
Both areas of emphasis (elementary and special education) provide a comprehensive background in the discipline, along with all of the coursework and clinical experience required for state licensure.
Elementary Education Concentration
The MAT candidate in elementary education will complete requirements for licensure in the K-6 classroom. School of Education faculty members will examine undergraduate transcripts to determine if the candidate has completed the program prerequisite course for the program. MAT students must complete all licensure and all “Core” classes to complete the MAT degree and to be recommended for licensure.
Special Education Concentration
The MAT licensure program in special education provides candidates with a case-based curriculum designed to prepare them to meet the needs of children and adolescents with mild to severe disabilities. The professional education sequence for a special education generalist provides content that emphasizes the development of effective decision making in diverse contexts.
Candidates who are interested in the program must have completed a baccalaureate degree. Candidates should meet with an MAT Special Education Advisor to determine a program plan of study.
Elementary Education Alternative Licensure Concentration
The MAT/ALP candidate in elementary education will complete requirements for licensure in the K-6 classroom.
Candidates who are interested in the program must have completed a baccalaureate degree. Candidates will meet with the ALP Coordinator to determine a program plan of study. In addition to completing the Master of Arts in Teaching admission requirements, students seeking alternative licensure must:
- secure an Alternative License pending employment/program status from the Colorado Department of Education in elementary education, and
- secure full-time employment as an elementary education teacher with a Denver-metro public school district, charter school, or accredited private school.
Eligibility for Student Teaching
To be eligible to receive student teaching credit during the fourth semester of the program, alternative licensure candidates must complete the following requirements:
have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all MAT coursework, and
successful completion of all courses required for MAT licensure, except TEDM 6800 Capstone: Lesson Study for the Master of Arts Teaching Degree (may be taken concurrently with student teaching)
For additional information, please visit the Alternative Licensure Program website, msudenver.edu/alp.
Special Education Alternative Licensure Concentration
This concentration provides candidates with a case-based curriculum designed to prepare them to meet the needs of children and adolescents with mild to severe disabilities. The professional education sequence for a special education generalist provides content that emphasizes the development of effective decision making in diverse contexts.
Candidates who are interested in the program must have completed a baccalaureate degree. Candidates will meet with an Alternative Licensure Program Advisor to determine a program plan of study.
In addition to completing the admission requirements listed above, students seeking alternative licensure must:
- secure an Alternative License pending employment/program status from the Colorado Department of Education in special education, and
- secure full-time employment as a special education teacher with a Denver-metro public school district, charter school, accredited private school, or approved facility school.
Eligibility for Student Teaching
To be eligible to receive student teaching credit during the fourth semester of the program, alternative licensure candidates must complete the following requirements:
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all MAT coursework and
- successful completion of all courses required for MAT licensure, except TEDM 6800 Capstone: Lesson Study for the Master of Arts Teaching Degree (may be taken concurrently with student teaching)
Please call 303-615-0013 for additional information about the program, of visit the Alternative Licensure Program website: msudenver.edu/alp.
Licensure Requirement
Licensure candidates must provide proof of a passing score on the appropriate Elementary Education or Special Education licensure exam(s) required by the state.
Standards for Continuing in the MAT Program
Licensure candidates must maintain the following standards to remain in the MAT program:
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester by obtaining a grade of “B” or better in all coursework. No more than two grades of “C” will be counted toward degree requirements. No grade lower than “C” counts toward degree requirements. All grade records remain on the master’s transcript and count toward the GPA. A student who has received two grades of “C” will be placed on probation and required to meet with an advisor on a regular basis. A student who receives a third grade of “C” will be dismissed from the program.
- Complete student teaching.
Eligibility for Student Teaching
MAT candidates will participate in the student teaching application process required of all School of Education student teaching candidates. See the Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships website for details: www.msudenver.edu/ocep. Please note: ALP concentration students do not enroll in student teaching.
To be eligible to student teach, licensure candidates must complete the following requirements:
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all MAT coursework
- Successfully complete all courses required for the MAT licensure
For additional information, please visit the Office of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships website, www.msudenver.edu/ocep.
