Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2013-2014 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Middle Grades Education, M.A.T.


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Kathleen Roney

Admission Requirements


To ensure that prospective teachers applying to the M.A.T program offered by the Watson College of Education know the content they will be teaching, applicants seeking admission to the M.A.T program in middle grades education are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission
2. Official copies of transcripts of college work (graduate and undergraduate)
3. Official scores on Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
4. Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields
5. In addition to materials required as part of the Graduate School application process, a letter of interest describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with young adolescents, prior experiences in middle level schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning

Candidates for the M.A.T program are strongly urged to have teaching experience documented before they apply in order to be knowledgeable about education in middle level schools and working with young adolescents. Such experience may include substitute teaching, part-time teaching, or volunteer work. An undergraduate grade average of “B” (GPA = 3.0) is a minimum requirement for graduate admission. However, admissions decisions are based upon several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criterion in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university must be completed before graduate study begins. The admissions process for this program may require an interview. Final selection will be based upon consideration of academic record, test scores, writing samples, recommendations, and possible interview performance. Applications must be submitted and complete before the published deadline.

NOTE: Licensure requirements change and requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new mandated competencies and guidelines.

Degree Requirements


The program leading to the Master of Arts degree (M.A.T.) in middle grades education seeks to prepare candidates for teaching young adolescents and addresses the North Carolina professional teaching standards, the masters/advanced competencies which include standards in instructional expertise, knowledge of learners, research expertise, connecting subject matter and learners, and professional development and leadership, as well as the North Carolina standards for middle school teachers. In addition, the program addresses the National Middle School Association’s (NMSA) programmatic standards for initial teacher preparation. Finally, the program incorporates the conceptual framework which is common to all teacher education programs at UNCW:

The mission of the Watson College of Education is to develop knowledgeable and proficient education professionals dedicated to improving schools and society. We address this mission by:

• Providing academically rigorous programs;
• Producing and using meaningful scholarship;
• Partnering with schools, organizations and diverse communities;
• Advancing the profession.

 

Core Courses (37 total credit hours required)


Leads to the North Carolina Level “A” license (22 credit hours)


All courses with the LIC prefix offer parallel graduate sections for existing undergraduate courses. The graduate sections incorporate a level of critical analysis appropriate for an advanced degree. In order to accomplish this level of critical analysis, graduate students complete additional assignments that engage them in research and critical thinking. They are also expected to take on leadership roles in the program.

Additional Requirements (15 credit hours)


Courses necessary to complete requirements for the M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education. These focus on advanced professional understandings and content specialty.

  • Credits: (3) and
  • Additional six hours in content specialty area (approved by advisor) and
  • Additional six hours in candidate’s desired area of study (approved by advisor)
  • EDN 500-599

  • EDL 500-599

  • MIT 500-599

  • EVS 500-599

  • BIO 500-599

  • CHM 500-599

  • GGY 500-599

  • HST 500-599

  • SOC 500-599

  • ANT 500-599

  • ECN 500-599

  • ENG 500-599

  • LIC 500-599

  • MAE 500-599

Exit Requirement


A comprehensive exit portfolio to address the standards for undergraduate and graduate Teacher Education is required for graduation and licensure.

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