Degree Requirements: 45 Credit Hours

Program Intent and Admission Requirements:

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Elementary Education (P-5) and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

The program of study is designed to meet all content and methods requirements for initial certification in 45 credit hours. Candidates are required to complete supervised field experiences in Georgia schools to meet certification requirements.

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

1. Complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Present a cumulative 2.50 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
3. Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
4. Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate (see Certification section in the Graduate Catalog).
5. Submit a letter of intent that identifies the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study and describes their commitment to explore, acknowledge, and appreciate the home and community culture of their future students, and explains their desire to learn strategies that integrate cultural experiences, values, and understanding into the P-5 teaching and learning environment.
6. One (1) Initial Disposition Assessment. Assessment to be completed by the applicant.
7. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
8. International applicants and U.S. citizens whose native language is not English must demonstrate competence in English. Applicants must take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The official TOEFL score may not be more than two years old. Those who do not meet the minimum proficiency standard may be recommended for enrollment in University English courses or for English courses offered by the English Language Program (ELP) on campus prior to admission to the program.

Program of Study

Admission criteria to the Teacher Education Program (TEP), must be met for progression in Program of Study

Upon successful completion of the required courses for certification, (Steps 1-6), successful completion of the GACE content assessment, and successful completion of the state-required Educator Ethics Assessment (if not completed for program admission), candidates may apply for a level 5 Induction Certificate.