Teaching, Secondary Education (Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T.)

Dr. Elizabeth Potts, Program Director
epotts@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-4300
missouriwestern.edu/education/mat

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)—Secondary is designed for the college graduate did not pursue an education degree as an undergraduate, but who now would like to enter the teaching profession.  An individual who earned a content area degree in a subject area offered at secondary schools at the undergraduate level is eligible for enrollment in this program.  The MAT degree program  the Master of Arts in Teaching-Secondary will provide such individuals with the training and field experience necessary to earn initial State of Missouri teacher certification in grades 9-12 or K-12, depending on the subject area.

Missouri Western offers the MAT in 13 different secondary curriculum areas.  Certification for grades 9 – 12 is available in eight areas:  biology, business, chemistry, English, health, mathematics, social studies, and speech & theatre.  Certification may be earned for grades K – 12 in five areas:  art, music-instrumental, music-vocal, physical education, and Spanish.  Students who are pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in the areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics, or Spanish might qualify for TEACH grant assistance.

All students who successfully complete the MAT program and meet the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education minimum requirements will earn an initial teaching license in the State of Missouri. This is one of the quickest ways available for content area college graduates to attain certification.  Simultaneously with the initial teaching license, individuals who successfully complete the Master of Arts in Teaching program will earn a master’s degree.

All coursework for the MAT program is offered fully on-line to maximize flexibility for working adults. In addition to the online format, the program includes numerous opportunities for face-to-face interactions with peers, colleagues, and professors. The program also includes a strong fieldwork component, through which students gain hands-on experience teaching and interacting with learners who are in diverse, inclusive, secondary or select K-12 classrooms.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching requires meeting all qualifications for acceptance to the Missouri Western Graduate School.

• Submission of application for admission to the MWSU Graduate School.
• Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree in one of the 13 content areas listed previously, or a closely related field
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (from undergraduate work)
• Passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MOCA) prior to admission or during the first two semesters of coursework.  Conditional admission is allowed, prior to the applicant earning a passing score on the MOCA).  Additional details will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
• Statement of purpose: A one-page narrative, which describes his/her purpose for seeking admission to a graduate program, as well as what he/she hopes to gain from the experience.
• No GRE is required.