Secondary Education Specialization, M.A.T.

Program Objectives

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

1. Demonstrate breadth of content knowledge, as well as depth of content knowledge, in the selected discipline area  necessary for effective instructional decision making.
2. Demonstrate a well-articulated knowledge of leadership communities, and issues that impact teaching in a high school setting.
3. Demonstrate effective instructional practices including working with the developmental and learning needs of individuals, including adolescents with special needs and ESL/ELL populations.
4. Establish a classroom climate conducive to the learning, social and emotional needs of adolescents.
5. Choose objectives consistent with state and local curriculum guidelines, the learning needs of students, and guidelines established by learned societies.
6. Demonstrate effective teaching using appropriate assessments and evaluative procedures, positive impact on student learning, self-reflection, and appropriate professional dispositions.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program with specialization in Secondary Education are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission.
2. Bachelor’s degree, earned from a regionally accredited institution, completed before graduate study begins.
3. Official copies of transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate). An undergraduate grade average of “B” or better is required.
4. Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields.
5. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.
6. In addition to materials required as part of the Graduate School application process, candidates for the M.A.T. program also must submit a letter of interest that describes their commitment to the teaching profession, recent experience working with teenagers, and their philosophy of teaching and learning – see below for fuller description and explanation.
7. It is recommended that you take the PRAXIS II - Licensure Area Content test prior to applying. A passing score on a discipline-specific PRAXIS II Exam as approved by NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) in the applicant’s concentration area and the pedagogy (PLT) required for teacher licensure.

Final selection for admission is based upon consideration of academic record, letter of application, and recommendations. An interview with a committee of Watson College of Education faculty and public school personnel also may be required.

Students who seek professional improvement or licensure renewal but do not intend to pursue a degree may register for undergraduate courses through procedures established for non–degree students. NOTE: Licensure requirements change and requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new mandated competencies and guidelines.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)

The program leading to the Master of Arts degree (M.A.T.) with specialization in Secondary Education provides professional preparation for individuals seeking high school teacher licensure in English, social studies, mathematics, or science. The MAT program is a full time, “one-year” program, based on a cohort model. The program is comprised of a core of professional studies with extensive time in the field for the integration of theory and practice.