Elementary Education Specialization, M.A.T.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Amy Senta

The Master of Arts in Teaching with specialization in Elementary Education (K-6), is designed 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 offered in the evenings to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Hands-on learning experiences occur each semester through authentic field placements. During the final semester, students participate in a full-time student teaching internship in an elementary classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and faculty supervisor. Please see website or contact the Program Coordinator for additional details.

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 (42 total credit hours)

EDN 550 - Nature and Needs of Children with Exceptionalities Credit Hours: 3
LIC 500 - Advanced Elementary Grades Education, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LIC 501 - Research-based Instructional Design and Integrated Curriculum Credit Hours: 3
LIC 519 - Advanced Diverse Learners, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LIC 522 - Advanced Mathematics Methods, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LICL 530 - Education Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
LICL 531 - Field Experience in the Public School Credit Hours: 1 (2 credit hours required)
LIC 534 - Advanced Social Studies Methods, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LIC 536 - Advanced Science Methods, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LIC 540 - Advanced Language and Literacy I, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LIC 548 - Advanced Language and Literacy ll, K-6 Credit Hours: 3
LIC 560 - Internship, K-6 Credit Hours: 9
LIC 562 - Graduate Colloquium in Elementary Education Credit Hours: 3

Internship course for non-Licensure Option (requires program approval)

EDN 530 - Non-Licensure Student Internship Credit Hours: 3 to 9

Exit Requirement

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