Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching (MAT)

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a 36 hour alternate certification program for candidates who currently hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education. The MAT program focuses on providing the pedagogical knowledge and skills needed for secondary instruction to those with sufficient content knowledge. MAT candidates may apply for certification in English, math, science (biology, chemistry, physics) or social studies. After the initial summer training consisting of three courses, MAT candidates are certified teachers and able to pursue employment to teach grades 7-12.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet these requirements:

• Undergraduate degree with significant coursework in the subject you wish to teach.
• 3.0 GPA overall or on last 60 hours of undergraduate work
• 21 ACT composite score, or 990 SAT composite score, or passing scores on the Praxis Core test (Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math 150)
• Passing score on the Praxis II test in the subject area you wish to teach (Priority for admission given to those who pass by March 1 deadline)
• Writing sample that responds to the following prompt:
  1. What do you view as the greatest need in education and what characteristics do you possess that would allow you to address this need?
  2. What would you like to have accomplished after five years in the teaching profession?
• Pass Transcript Analysis
  • The Transcript Analysis requirements will be based on Specialized Professional Association (SPA) recommendations for required content area preparation. If an applicant does not pass the transcript analysis, the applicant can still be conditionally admitted and a plan for remediation will be developed with the program coordinator.

Application deadlines:

• March 1

See the Graduate Handbook for information on completing the application process.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares candidates with sufficient preparation in science (biology, chemistry, and/or physics), mathematics, English, or social studies for teaching positions in the secondary classroom (grades 7-12).

Online/Regional Campus Options

The program of study for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is available online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is MAT?

   MAT is an alternate-route teaching certification program for people possessing an undergraduate degree with significant coursework in the subject you wish to teach. After the initial summer training, participants are certified teachers and can teach grades 7-12 in Mississippi.

2. What are the goals of the program?
   • To provide certification and support to participants as they teach and earn a master’s degree.
   • To provide quality teachers for the state of Mississippi.
3. What are the requirements?

   View the Admissions Requirements listed above.

4. What are the advantages/incentives for students who are in this program?
   • Students can become licensed teachers after the initial summer training and can pursue employment to teach grades 7-12 at any school in Mississippi.
   • There are scholarship opportunities for students who meet certain criteria.
5. What sources of scholarship funding are available for students?
   • Noyce can provide up to $20,000 a year for up to a total of three years for teachers of math and science. Email April Kilpatrick for more information on this.
   • The University of Mississippi offers a minority tuition scholarship is administered through the Graduate School and is valued at 75 percent of regular graduate tuition (and a 44 percent nonresident scholarship for non-Mississippi residents). The minority tuition scholarship is available to graduate students who are enrolled part-time. This scholarship is available to African-American, Hispanic-American and Native American students.
   • The state of Mississippi provides a scholarship for people who are interested in becoming teachers.
6. What can I do if I want to learn more?

   Questions can be directed to the program coordinator using the contact information listed below. You can also schedule a face-to-face meeting to discuss the program.

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