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Master of Arts in Teaching Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics and/or have a provisional teaching certificate. Admission to the MAT program requires an earned baccalaureate degree in mathematics (or a closely related field) from an accredited college or university. The program will consist of content specific classes, professional studies classes, content methods courses, and field-based and clinical experiences. Additional courses will emphasize use of technology and action research with pupils in diverse school settings. 

This program will offer evening courses for a cohort of part-time candidates but will become full-time during student teaching. Full-time student teaching status will be given to candidates who are teaching with a provisional certificate in a public school system. 

The curriculum will be delivered over four semesters beginning with Spring I Summer, Fall, and ending with Spring II. The MAT program is designed to provide courses and field experiences to support candidates' educational foundation theory and knowledge during spring one, and content and pedagogical knowledge, skills and dispositions with practica and internship experiences during fall and spring II. Faculty in the Departments of English, Mathematics, Biology, and History will teach content courses. All professional education courses and clinical and internship experiences will be taught and supervised by education faculty and public-school mentor teachers. Our partnership school districts serve as collaborative sites for field experiences and internships. 

The objectives of the program are to: 

  • Provide an alternative route for initial certification for those who have a bachelor's degree, but do not hold a teaching certificate; 
  • Respond to Georgia's need for more quality mathematics and English teachers; 
  • Produce highly qualified collaborative, reflective professional educators who are competent, caring and committed. 

The Clayton State University Teacher Education Unit has defined its theme through the Conceptual Framework. The Conceptual Framework promotes reflective practice, with an outline for preparing quality teachers who are competent, caring, committed, collaborative and culturally responsive. 
 
In particular, program graduates should be able to: 

  • diagnose student needs; 
  • plan for student learning; 
  • facilitate student learning; 
  • demonstrate appropriate content knowledge; 
  • foster student well-being to promote learning; and 
  • assume the role of professional teacher. 

Yes. Learn how you can set up a payment plan

Yes, Clayton State University offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for students. Visit the Financial Aid Office website for more information.  
Be sure to note the difference between graduate and undergraduate scholarships. For further information contact the School of Graduate Studies