Program Overview

Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (MATEE) program at Oakland University is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline and are now seeking a career in teaching. This 5-semester (20-month) teacher certification program will prepare individuals for a career in teaching at the elementary level. It is a dual certification program (grade bands PK-3 and 3-6) that combines teacher education coursework, three field placements in local schools, and a semester-long student teaching internship.

Program Description

The MATEE program is a comprehensive program that aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to become effective elementary school teachers. The program focuses on the development of teachers who are committed to the education of all students, regardless of their background or abilities.

Program Delivery

Courses are taken as a cohort with coursework beginning in the fall semester. All face-to-face classes are held on OU's main campus two weekday evenings per week and up to one Saturday a month. Some online coursework is required in addition to the in-person classes. Students are required to complete 120+ hours of field experiences prior to student teaching. During the field placements, students will actively engage in the classroom routines, observe instruction, work with small groups of students, and implement lessons.

Admission Terms and Application Deadlines

• February 15 (early), May 1 (regular), and July 15 (late) for the fall semester
• International applicants have different deadlines

Application Requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines. These include:

• Graduate Application Requirements
• Additional department application requirements:
  • Goal statement
  • Resume (Curriculum Vitae)
  • One online recommendation form must be from an individual in a supervisory relationship to the applicant
  • Official transcripts will be required demonstrating: a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better
  • Master of Arts in Teaching Graduate School Application Acknowledgement form
  • Individual interviews may be conducted in addition to these requirements

Admission Review and Assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. Each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 45 credits in an approved program of study. To be recommended for a Standard Michigan Teaching Certificate at the PK-3 and 3-6 grade bands, students must successfully complete requirements for the MAT in Elementary Education degree, earn a minimum grade of a B in EED 6950, and successfully pass the required MTTC exams.

Course Requirements (45 credits)

• Required courses:
  • EED 5600 - Foundations 1 (4 credits)
  • EED 5000 - Content for Teaching - Elementary (4 credits)
  • EED 5620 - Foundations 2 (3 credits)
  • RDG 5200 - Early Literacies (3 or 4 credits)
  • EED 5300 - Elementary Mathematics Methods 1 (4 credits)
  • RDG 5240 - Advanced Literacies (3 credits)
  • EED 5340 - Elementary Mathematics Methods 2 (3 credits)
  • EED 6600 - Foundations 3 (3 credits)
  • EED 5400 - Elementary Science Methods (4 credits)
  • EED 5500 - Elementary Social Studies Methods (4 credits)
  • EED 6620 - Foundations 4 (3 credits)
  • EED 6950 - Internship in Elementary Education (6 credits)

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student's successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Good Academic Standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Department Requirements

In order to remain in good standing, graduate students must earn a grade-point average of 3.0. No grade below 3.0 can be applied toward a graduate degree. Two-course grades below 3.0 or one below 2.0 automatically lead to an evaluation of progress and possible dismissal.

Related Program Information

Plan of Study

All accepted applicants will be provided with a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. This program runs as a cohort and has a predetermined course schedule. The plan of study must be approved by the student and program adviser, then submitted by the student to Oakland University Graduate School.