Elementary Education Specialization, M.A.T.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Tracy Hargrove

The Master of Art in Teaching with specialization in Elementary Education (K-6), is designed as a four semester, 39-hour intensive program for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree, but have little or no background in education. Successful completion of the program and licensure requirements will lead to a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and an M-Level North Carolina teaching license. The program prepares educators to be highly effective elementary classroom teachers in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.

Classes are typically offered two evenings per week (fall, spring) and three evenings in one summer session. Please see website or contact the Program Coordinator for details. Field experiences are required each semester and culminate in a full-time internship in which the candidate works with one partnership teacher in an assigned elementary classroom.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the graduate MAT in Elementary Education, the candidate should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a depth and breadth of general knowledge in the field of Elementary Education.
2. Skillfully articulate knowledge of K‐6 learning communities.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills that can be utilized when interacting with
students, colleagues, administrators, and families.
4. Design, implement, and assess effective instruction, with particular emphasis on integrated
curriculum, inquiry and active learning strategies.
5. Utilize assessment/evaluation to inform teaching and enhance learning.
6. Establish a classroom environment sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of all students.
7. Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of elementary students.
8. Demonstrate effective leadership within the school environment.
9. Demonstrate ability to use reflection, problem solving and critical thinking in the teaching and learning process.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university completed before graduate study begins.
Official copies of transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate). Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended.
Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields.
A letter of interest describing your interest in pursuing teaching as a profession, why you consider yourself a strong candidate for the program, and your commitment to working with children.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (39 total credit hours)

EDN 550 - Nature and Needs of Children with Exceptionalities Credits: 3
LIC 500 - Advanced Elementary Grades Education, K-6 Credits: 3
LIC 501 - Research-based Instructional Design and Integrated Curriculum Credits: 3
LIC 519 - Advanced Diverse Learners, K-6 Credits: 3
LIC 522 - Advanced Mathematics Methods, K-6 Credits: 3
LICL 531 - Field Experience in the Public School Credits: 1 (3 credit hours required)
LIC 534 - Advanced Social Studies Methods, K-6 Credits: 3
LIC 536 - Advanced Science Methods, K-6 Credits: 3
LIC 540 - Advanced Language and Literacy I, K-6 Credits: 3
LIC 548 - Advanced Language and Literacy ll, K-6 Credits: 3
LIC 560 - Internship, K-6 Credits: 9

Exit Requirement

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