Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education Concentration
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a concentration in Special Education provides individuals with any non-teaching baccalaureate degree a comprehensive background and state licensure in Special Education. The goal of the MAT 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, life-long learners who have an understanding of child development, content, and pedagogy. MAT licensure candidates must be able to use theory, research, classroom experience, and professional judgment to lead others in collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective instruction for students.
Master of Arts in Teaching Candidate Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education must provide evidence of a baccalaureate degree in a non-teaching field. Undergraduate transcripts from accredited institutions will be evaluated by a MAT advisor to determine appropriate completed coursework for the prerequisites for licensure being sought. Graduate courses taken at other accredited institutions in the last five years must be evaluated and approved by the graduate coordinator. A maximum of nine semester hours of transfer credit (with grades of B or better) may be applied toward the MAT degree program.
MAT licensure candidates will be expected to complete all prerequisite classes to be admitted to the MAT graduate classes (Metro State students may complete these requirements as part of their undergraduate program with a minor in education). The MAT program includes core classes and specified coursework in each licensure area.
Admission to MAT with Concentration in Special Education Licensure Program
Candidates must fulfill the following requirements for formal admission:
· Official Transcript indicating completion of a degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 might be admitted conditionally for two semesters if they meet the GRE requirement and have passed the Elementary Ed content test. They would have two semesters to secure a 3.0 GPA for work taken during those two semesters at Metro.
· Copies of all transcripts from institutions of higher education previously attended
· Minimum score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) of 400 Verbal, 400 Quantitative, and 900 on both combined, and a 3.5 on the Analytical Writing portion of the exam. Test scores are only valid for 5 years.
· Copy of vita or resume, including work experience
· One-to-two page typed personal statement in support of application, explaining decision to become an educator
· Recommendation form/comments from previous major or education faculty or a current supervisor
· Completed fingerprint card and processing fee, available though the Teacher Application Center at Metro
Other Considerations
· Experience with children and youth strongly recommended
· Interview with program faculty may be required
Licensure Requirement
· Provide proof of a passing score on the PLACE or Praxis II Elementary Education Content Area Exam
Standards for Continuing in MAT Program
Licensure candidates must maintain the following standards to remain in the MAT program:
· Maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester with a grade of “B” or better; exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis. No more than two grades of “C” will be accepted toward degree requirements.
Complete student teaching
Eligibility for MAT Student Teaching
MAT candidates begin the student teaching application process by completing the Student Teaching Meeting Part I (online) and attending the Student Teaching Meetings Parts II and III (in person). The application deadline is the third Friday of September (for spring semester assignments) and the third Friday of February (for fall semester assignments).
Licensure candidates must complete the following to be eligible to student teach:
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA in all MAT coursework
• Successfully complete all courses required for MAT licensure
MAT with Concentration in Special Education
The MAT licensure program in Special Education provides candidates with a case-based curriculum designed to prepare candidates 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 developing effective decision-making in diverse contexts.
Candidates who are interested in the program are required to have completed a baccalaureate degree. Candidates will meet with a MAT Special Education advisor to determine a program plan of study.
Prerequisites for MAT with Concentration in Special Education
COURSES ..…………………………………………………………SEMESTER HOURS
SED 3600 Exceptional Learners in the Classroom (see undergraduate catalog)………….3
Total ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
MAT Licensure with Concentration in Special Education**
** A completed fingerprint card and processing fee are required prior to initation of fieldwork.
MAT Licensure (Special Education Concentration) Total Hours …..36
MAT Core Classes in Special Education
Grand Total for MAT with Concentration in Special Education……..46
MAT Elementary Education Licensure
Candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education must provide evidence of a baccalaureate degree in a non-teaching field. Undergraduate transcripts from accredited institutions will be evaluated by a MAT advisor to determine appropriate completed coursework for the prerequisites for licensure being sought. Graduate courses taken at other accredited institutions in the last five years must be evaluated and approved by the graduate coordinator. A maximum of nine semester hours of transfer credit (with grades of B or better) may be applied toward the MAT degree program.
MAT licensure candidates will be expected to complete all prerequisite classes to be admitted to the MAT graduate classes (Metro State students may complete these requirements as part of their undergraduate program with a minor in education). The MAT program includes core classes and specified coursework in each licensure area.
Admission to MAT with Concentration in Elementary Education Licensure Program
Candidates must fulfill the following requirements for formal admission:
· Official Transcript indicating completion of a degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 might be admitted conditionally for two semesters if they meet the GRE requirement and have passed the Elementary Ed content test. They would have two semesters to secure a 3.0 GPA for work taken during those two semesters at Metro
· Copies of all transcripts from institutions of higher education previously attended
· Minimum score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) of 400 Verbal, 400 Quantitative, and 900 on both combined, and a 3.5 on the Analytical Writing portion of the exam. Test scores are only valid for 5 years.
· Copy of vita or resume, including work experience
· One-to-two page typed personal statement in support of application, explaining decision to become an educator
· Recommendation form/comments from previous major or education faculty or a current supervisor
· Completed fingerprint card and processing fee, available though the Teacher Application Center at Metro
Other Considerations
· Experience with children and youth strongly recommended
· Interview with program faculty may be required
Licensure Requirement
· Provide proof of a passing score on the PLACE or Praxis II Elementary Education Content Area Exam
Standards for Continuing in MAT Program
Licensure candidates must maintain the following standards to remain in the MAT program:
· Maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester with a grade of “B” or better; exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis. No more than two grades of “C” will be accepted toward degree requirements.
· Complete student teaching
Eligibility for MAT Student Teaching
MAT candidates begin the student teaching application process by completing the Student Teaching Meeting Part I (online) and attending the Student Teaching Meetings Parts II and III (in person). The application deadline is the third Friday of September (for spring semester assignments) and the third Friday of February (for fall semester assignments).
Licensure candidates must complete the following to be eligible to student teach:
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA in all MAT coursework
• Successfully complete all courses required for MAT licensure
MAT with Concentration in Elementary Education Licensure**
(see Undergraduate Catalog for Prerequisite course descriptions)
Required Content Prerequisites
COURSES……………………………………….…….……..SEMESTER HOURS
MTH1610 Integrated Mathematics I………..……….…………………..………..……3
HPS2130 Health and Physical Education for Elementary Teachers………………2
ARTH/MUS 3060 Art/Music for Elementary Teachers…….………………..……..…3
Required Licensure Prerequisites
COURSES……………………………………….…….……..SEMESTER HOURS
RDG3110 Foundations of Literacy Instruction in Grades P–6………………….…..3
SED3600 The Exceptional Learner in the Classroom…………..………..………..3
Total Pre-requisite requirements……………………………………….……..…….14
Suggested but not required
SCI 2610 Integrated Natural Science I………………………….……………..………3
SCI 2620 Integrated Natural Science II………………………………………..………3
ENG2460 Introduction to Children’s Literature for Non Majors…………….……….3
** A completed fingerprint card and processing fee are required prior to initation in fieldwork.
MAT Licensure Requirements
Total for licensure………………………………………..33
Grand Total for MAT with concentration in Elementary Education…..43
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