Degree Requirements: 39 Hours

Program Intent and Admission Requirements:

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Secondary Education (6-12) and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree in English, mathematics, history, geography, economics, political science, chemistry, biology, geology, physics, or related field from a regionally accredited institution.

A transcript evaluation by the College of Education’s Graduate Academic Services Center is required. Prerequisite content course work may be required prior to admission into the program based on the transcript evaluation.

This is a fully online program. 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. Complete specified prerequisite content coursework for one or more associated content areas.
3. Present a cumulative 2.50 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all undergraduate and graduate work combined.
4. Present a total adjusted GPA of 2.75 or higher on content courses in the selected area of certification.
5. Submit a passing score on the GACE Content Assessment in the area(s) for which one is seeking certification.
6. Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
7. Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate
8. Submit a personal statement of purpose, not to exceed 200 words, that identifies the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study and how admission into the program relates to the applicant’s professional aspirations.
9. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
10. If an applicant was previously enrolled in an initial teacher preparation program, an interview must be completed with the Program Coordinator prior to admission to the program.

Other Program Requirements

• Preference will be given to applicants who are employed by a school system and seeking certification OR, if not employed, living within a 70-mile radius of Georgia Southern University, which allows for placements in local school systems. College of Education faculty will facilitate classroom observations, etc.
• Per Georgia Professional Standards Commission Rule, candidates must earn a minimum grade of “B” in SPED 6130 .
• Candidates are required to complete supervised field experiences in Georgia schools to meet certification requirements.
• Must successfully complete assessments identified at each program transition point.

Program of Study