Degree Requirements: 33-45 Credit Hours

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is a professional degree approved and
accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to prepare individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher degree in a non-teaching field) for initial teaching certification in the following fields: elementary, health and physical education, middle grades, secondary, special education, or Spanish.

Please see each concentration area for admission requirements, program of study, and other specific program requirements. 

Candidates are required to complete supervised field experiences in Georgia schools to meet certification requirements.

Choose from the following Concentration Areas

• Teaching MAT-Concentration Elementary Education: 45 credit hours
• Teaching MAT-Concentration Health and Physical Education P-12: 36 credit hours
• Teaching MAT-Concentration Middle Grades Education Grades 4-8: 42 credit hours
• Teaching MAT-Concentration in Secondary Education Grades 6-12: 39 credit hours
• Teaching MAT-Concentration in Spanish Education P-12: 33 credit hours
• Teaching MAT-Concentration in Special Education P-12: 45 credit hours

Specific requirements by concentration below.

Teaching M.A.T. - Concentration in Elementary Education P-5 (Online)

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. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
6. 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.

Other Program Requirements

• Per the Georgia Professional Standards Commission Rule, candidates must earn a minimum grade of “B” in SPED 6130 .
• Candidates must successfully complete key assessments at each program transition point.
• Candidates must successfully complete all field experiences.

Teaching M.A.T. - Concentration in Health and Physical Education (Online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Health and Physical Education (P-12) 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 36 credit hours.

The MAT in Health and Physical Education is a fully online program and will have an enrollment maximum of 15 candidates due to program resources.

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 work combined.
3. Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
4. Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate.
5. 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.
6. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
7. 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.
8. 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

• All new MAT candidates must attend an online orientation meeting in order to meet registration requirements.
• Candidates must successfully complete assessments identified at each program transition point.
• Candidates are required to complete supervised field experiences in Georgia schools to meet certification requirements.
• Candidates must successfully complete all field experiences.
• Candidates must pass GACE content test and Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment (if not required for program admission) to enroll in ESED 6796 or ESED 6799.
• Candidates must earn a grade of “B” or higher in KINS 6234: Adapted Physical Education Methods.
• Candidates enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching program can only accept employment in a Georgia school that meets the GaPSC requirements.
• Candidates enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching program and are hired by a school system as a teacher of record, must be teaching in the content area of the certification they are seeking.
• Candidates enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching program and hired by a school system as a teacher of record must be teaching full-time in the content area of the of the certification they are seeking during their semester of clinical practice/internship.

Teaching M.A.T. - Concentration in Middle Grades Education Grades 4-8 (Online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Middle Grades Education (4-8) and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Candidates must complete one teaching concentration from language arts, science, social studies, or mathematics.

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.

Teaching M.A.T. Concentration in Secondary Education Grades 6-12 (Online)

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.

Teaching M.A.T. - Concentration in Spanish Education P-12 (Online and Hybrid)

The Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish Education program (MAT Spanish Education) leads to initial teaching certification in Spanish Education (P-12) and a Master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program is for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. If the applicant holds a degree in another field, the applicant must have 21 credit hours (of which at least 12 credit hours must be 3000-level and above) in SPAN (Spanish) content courses or successfully complete a Spanish oral and written proficiency exam. To arrange for this exam, candidates should contact the Program Director or the Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures. In addition, candidates must visit the Graduate Academic Services Center website for MAT transcript evaluation information.

The total credit hours for the degree are dependent on previous course work completed in the area of certification.  A transcript evaluation by the College of Education’s Graduate Academic Services Center is required.  Prerequisite content course work, based on the transcript evaluation, must be completed as a non-degree student before admission to the program.  

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

1. Complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Present a transcript evaluation by the College of Education’s Director of the Graduate Academic Services Center, and completion of a specified prerequisite content course work.
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 all teaching field course work.
5. Candidates are not required to take either the MAT or the GRE; rather, they must pass an Oral Proficiency Interview and a Writing Proficiency Test in Spanish at the ACTFL-defined IH or above (tests administered by the Department of World Languages and Cultures).
6. Submit a passing score on the GACE Content Assessment in the area for which one is seeking certification.
7. Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
8. Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate
9. 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.
10. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
11. International applicants and U.S. citizens whose native language is not English must demonstrate competence in English. Applicants must pass an Oral Proficiency Interview and a Writing Proficiency Test in English at the ACTFL-defined IH or above (tests administered by the Department of World Languages and Cultures).
12. 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

• Per the Georgia Professional Standards Commission Rule, candidates must earn a minimum grade of “B” in SPED 6130.
• Candidates must successfully complete assessments at each program transition point.

Teaching M.A.T. - Concentration in Special Education P-12 (Online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Special Education General Curriculum (P-12) and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree in counseling, child and family development, English, mathematics, psychology, science, social science, or a closely-related field from a regionally accredited institution.

The Total Credit Hours for the degree are dependent on previous course work completed in the area of certification. A transcript evaluation by the College of Education’s Graduate Academic Services Center is required. Prerequisite content course work, based on the transcript evaluation, must be completed as a non-degree student before admission into the program.

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. Present a transcript evaluation by the College of Education’s Director of the Graduate Academic Services Center with completion of specified prerequisite content coursework for one or more 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 all teaching field course work.
5. Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
6. Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate (see Certification section in the Graduate Catalog
7. 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.
8. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
9. 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.
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

Other Program Requirements

• All new MAT candidates must schedule and meet with their assigned Special Education Advisor for a brief advisement orientation meeting prior to entering Step Two of the program in order to meet registration requirements.
• Candidates must take courses in sequenced order (steps one-six) to meet Special Education Program Key Assessment criteria. The need to repeat or skip a course may delay program completion.
• Candidates are required to complete 900 clinical hours to meet certification requirements. These clinical hours are included in the courses in this program of study.
• Must successfully complete assessments identified at each program transition point.
• Must earn a minimum grade of “B’” or higher in Introduction to Special Education (SPED 6130 )

Advisement

Graduate students are advised by their program. Graduate students should reach out to their graduate program director for information regarding the structures in place to facilitate advisement. For more information visit Graduate Academic Advisement.

Graduate students can also contact the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies for more information about their program director.
Phone: 912-478-COGS (2647)
Email: gradschool@georgiasouthern.edu