Program Overview

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts (MAT) in Teaching degree will lead to initial teaching certification in Georgia and is inappropriate for teachers who already hold clear renewable certificates. The MAT is the degree for someone who wants hands-on teaching experience and likes to work in the classroom directly with students. The MAT focuses heavily on advanced coursework in a specific subject to enhance expertise.

The M.A.T. in Teaching is standards-based and meets the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC) requirements and the Georgia Board of Regents. At Bagwell College, innovative teacher preparation programs are designed to fulfill state education teaching needs and contribute to the learning and achievement of Georgia's increasingly diverse public-school population.

Coursework is diversified and will be taught by faculty in the College of the Arts, the Bagwell College of Education, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science and Mathematics, in collaboration with master teachers and administrators in local schools. Coursework will emphasize scholarly rigor through research-based practices and engagement in a variety of field-based projects as well as supervised clinical experiences. Technology and multicultural considerations are infused throughout the program.

Concentrations

Students will choose one of five concentrations within the Master of Arts in Teaching program to complete their degree:

• Secondary English (6-12): The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary English program leads to a Master's degree and a teaching certificate (grades 6-12). The program is currently 15-18 months in length and enrolls in both spring and summer semesters.
  • The program comprises 39 total hours, including at least 9 hours of professional sequence courses and 30 hours of teaching field courses.
  • Depending on previous coursework, students can substitute elective courses from the TESOL concentration and take coursework to earn their ESOL or Reading Endorsements.
• Secondary Mathematics (6-12) or Secondary Science (6-12): The secondary mathematics or science concentration emphasizes advancement of understanding adolescent development, educational psychology, curriculum, assessment, and teaching strategies particular to teaching secondary mathematics or secondary science.
  • Through a year-long clinical experience, students will apply what they learn to impact the learning of all their students.
  • The secondary mathematics or science coursework is designed to be completed in four semesters for those who want an accelerated path to teaching.
  • The M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics or Secondary Science leads to initial certification in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics grades 6-12.
  • The program comprises 36 total hours, including at least 12 hours of professional sequence courses and 18 hours of teaching field courses.

Program Snapshot

• Program Format: Online and Face-to-Face, Varies by Concentration
• Number of Credit Hours: 36-45 Total Hours
• Entry Terms: Spring, Summer
• Time to Complete: Four Semester to Two-year Program
• Application Deadlines:
  • Spring, November 1st
  • Summer, March 1st

Admissions Requirements

• Online Graduate Application: There is a non-refundable application fee.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended.
• Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment: More information can be found.
• Personal Statement: Should be 1-2 pages and explain what has led to the decision to become an educator.
• Resume: Should document education, any teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments, and record of leadership activities.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Can be sent electronically through the online application.
• Interview: An interview may be required.

Additional Requirements for Certain Concentrations

• Secondary Science: Complete the appropriate GACE Content Assessment for the desired subject area.

Teaching Degree Benefits

A Master of Arts in Teaching degree can lead to various professional jobs, such as:

• High School Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher
• Superintendent
• Standardized Test Developer
• Educational Consultant
• After-School Program Director
• Homeschool Consultant
• Recreation Director

Master of Arts in Teaching Salary and Career Information

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree offers a range of career opportunities and salary potential.

Related Degrees & Programs

• Elementary and Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Teacher Leadership

Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

The Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education at Kennesaw State University offers innovative teacher preparation programs designed to fulfill state education teaching needs and contribute to the learning and achievement of Georgia's increasingly diverse public-school population.