Master of Arts in Teaching | Teacher Education | School of TWU (2024)

Master of Arts in Teaching | Teacher Education | School of TWU (1)

If you’re looking for a career change and are interested in becoming a teacher, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) could be the answer.

Teachers are in demand

Teaching could not only be a rewarding career for you personally, but also could fill a great need for teachers throughout Texas and the nation. Reportsindicate the national teacher shortageis growing larger. In Texas, the state education agency has identifiedteacher shortage areas — most of which are options in both the MAT and Certification-only programs — as well as loan forgivenessopportunities.

MAT Degree Program

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you can gain initial teacher certification and earn a graduate degree at the same time. The MAT degree meets teacher certification standards set by theTexas State Board for Educator Certificationand is accredited by theTexas Education Agency.

TWU provides a high-quality education within a flexible framework in the MAT program, enabling you to balance demands of both your personal and professional life.The MAT is highly flexible to meet student's needs. There are options to take courses in a hybrid model or even fully online.

All courses are taught by faculty members who have years of experience in every aspect of teaching. The program produces teachers who have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills by focusing on:

  • Multiple roles of a teacher as a researcher/scholar/practitioner
  • Theory- and research-based practices for curriculum and instruction
  • Increased content knowledge needed for instruction
  • Applying appropriate technology in education
  • Assessment of teaching and learning
  • Socio-cultural and learning differences among students
  • Collaborative leadership to improve schools

Program of Study and Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.A.T. (Interdisciplinary)

Program Contact

Jean Joest
MAT Program Director
940-898-2258
MAT@twu.edu

Application Deadlines

Fall –July 15
Spring –November 1
Summer – April 1

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
    • a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought, unless certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; and the content requirement of 12 semester hours will be determined by the Certification Officer or MAT Program Director; or
    • 15 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought if the certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7 and the content requirement of 12 semester hours will be determined by the Certification Officer or MAT Program Director.
    • a passing score on the appropriateTX PACT examination
  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;
  • A 2.75 cumulative GPA on all courseworkon the last conferred bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 on the last 60 hours of coursework (includes all coursework taken even if it did not count for your initial degree);
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling one of the following requirements;
    • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including US Territories;
    • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher educationin acountry outside of the United States approved by the State for Educator Certification (SBEC); or
    • Verification of minimum scaled scores on theTest of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFLiBT).To have scores submitted directly to TEA use the agency code 8225. Minimum scores: Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
    • Background checks will be required for early field experiences, student teaching experiences, and for certification in the state of Texas. Teacher candidates pay all fees incurred. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony must identify themselves on the criminal background application form. Applicants who fail to disclose a personal felony conviction will be removed from the educator preparation program.If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and would like to check your eligibility for teaching, you can go to the Texas Education Agency (TEA)website. On this page, you will finda PreliminaryCriminal History Review for Educator Certification Candidates for a non-refundable fee. This service will allow those individuals who are contemplating obtaining a Texas Teacher Certificate in the future, the opportunity to have a review of an existing criminal history performed by agency staff.

Failure to provide any documentation upon request by an agency, program, or school mayresult in the candidate’s inability to complete field experiences and the requirements for the TWU Educator Preparation Program Education.

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programsvia the TWUOnline Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See theInformation on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by aNACESorAICEmember evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See theInternational Admissions websitefor more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Submit all program requests for Resume, Statement of Purpose, Artist or Research Statement, Scholarly Writing Sample, Custom Essay, Portfolio Document, Video Submission, Licensure, Department Specific Application, Teaching Service Record, Teaching Certificate, etc. following submission of your application fee.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

MAT Degree Plan

Certification

Colleges and universities recommend individuals for teacher certification, but certification is granted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Requirements for initial teacher certification in Texas include earning a baccalaureate degree, completing an approved educator preparation program, passing a minimum of two examinations — one in content and one that covers instruction and professional responsibilities (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility exams) — and being recommended by an approved educator preparation program.

The teacher certification process in Texas is an online system; paper applications are not accepted. Please note: It is your responsibility to apply for certification through TEA. It cannot be initiated by the university. This should be done toward the end of your final semester in the MAT program, just prior to graduation.

MAT Certification Options

Elementary School Options

  • EC-6 Core Subjects
  • EC-6 Core Subjects with Bilingual
  • EC-6 Core Subjects with English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • EC-6 Core Subjects with Special Education

Middle School Options

  • 4-8 Core Subjects
  • 4-8 Core Subjects with Bilingual
  • 4-8 Core Subjects with English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • 4-8 Core Subjects with Special Education
  • 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading
  • 4-8 Math
  • 4-8 Social Studies
  • 4-8 Science

Grades 6-12 Options

  • Dance
  • Family & Consumer Science
  • Physical Science

Grades 7-12 Options

  • Composite Science
  • English Language Arts and Reading
  • History
  • Life Science
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies

Grades 8-12 Options

  • Hospitality, Nutrition, Food, and Science
  • Human Development and Family Studies

All-level Options

  • Art
  • Physical Education
  • Theatre Arts

NOTE: For EC-12 Music, contact Vicki Baker (vbaker@twu.edu) in the music department for details.

Contact

Jean Ann Joest, PhD
MAT/PBITC Program Director
940-898-2258
MAT@twu.edu

Disclosure statement(s) for licensure and certification (English Education)

Disclosure statement(s) for licensure and certification (Art Education)

Page last updated11:38 AM, August 22, 2024

Master of Arts in Teaching | Teacher Education | School of TWU (2024)

FAQs

Is a Masters of Arts in teaching worth it? ›

Although specific amounts vary from one school district to the next, many districts offer increased compensation for advanced-degree holders. According to Pepperdine University, teachers with master's degrees can expect a 10-15% average increase in earnings, although this varies between states.

What is the difference between Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education? ›

The Bottom Line

a Master's of Education. The main difference lies in the career opportunities they offer; while an MAT prepares you for various teacher roles, an MEd program prepares you for administrative roles within the field of education.

What is a Master's degree in the art of teaching? ›

A Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to give current and prospective teachers the hands-on, practical skills they need to be effective in the classroom. If you are currently teaching and wish to gain additional subject-specific skills and strategies, an MAT offers many opportunities to focus on: Childhood Education.

Is a Master's in education useful? ›

Benefits of a Master's in Education

A master of arts in education degree can help you hone existing skills, whether built on years of classroom experience or through other employment, as well as develop new skills to further your career.

Do you get paid more if you have a masters in teaching? ›

On average, teachers with master's degrees can expect an average increase in earnings of about 10-15%. However, the actual increase can range from as little as a few thousand dollars per year up to $20,000 per year.

Is a Masters in teaching a real Masters? ›

The Master of Arts in Teaching (sometimes called a Master's in Teaching) is a degree program centered on practical skills and subject-specific information. A traditional MAT program takes two years to complete and may position students to earn initial state teaching certification.

What is the best masters degree for a teacher? ›

Master of Arts in Education

An MA in Education is an ideal option for someone who wants to work in educational reform, diversity and inclusion in schools, educational research or pursue a terminal degree. Depending on the university, an MA program may also focus on teaching the liberal arts and humanities.

Is a masters in education the same as a teaching credential? ›

I have a master's degree in the subject I wish to teach. Do I just need to pass the CBEST in order to teach in a K-12 classroom? In order to teach, you must obtain a teaching credential; a master's degree is not sufficient.

Which is better, MEd or MAT? ›

The choice between MAT and MEd depends on career goals. MAT programs focus on practical teaching skills suitable for classroom educators, while MEd programs offer a broader perspective, preparing graduates for diverse roles in educational leadership and policy-making.

Does a Master's degree qualify you to teach? ›

You will need to complete a teacher credentialing program even if you are currently enrolled in or have completed a bachelor's or graduate degree program in education. Programs culminating in only a degree do not authorize teaching in California public K-12 schools.

What is a teachers masters degree called? ›

There are four main types of degrees: Master of Education (M. Ed.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.), Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

How many years is a Master's degree in education? ›

Typically, a master's degree in Education can take anywhere from one to three years to complete. It does largely depend on the number of credits required, which can range from 30 to 60. For example, if you take a full course load and do not take any terms off, you can complete 30 credits in a year.

Is a master of arts in teaching worth it? ›

Higher Salary

Many public school districts (and private schools) offer a higher base salary to teachers who hold a master's degree compared to those with only a bachelor's degree. This is because a MAT signifies advanced knowledge and skills, which are often rewarded with higher pay.

How hard is it to get into a Masters of education program? ›

Admission Requirements for a Master's in Education

Specific requirements vary by institution, but application requirements usually include the following: A minimum GPA. Many programs only consider applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA, but there are exceptions.

What letters go after your name with a Master's degree in education? ›

Master of Education / M. Ed.

What kind of Master's degree should a teacher get? ›

A Master of Science in Education program, like a Master of Arts in Education program, combines courses in the concentration's content area with classes in teaching methods that will help degree seekers understand the pedagogical approaches they need to be effective classroom teachers.

Are teachers with masters degrees more effective? ›

Among the many empirical papers that explore this relationship, most demonstrate that teachers with masters' degrees are, on average, no more likely to raise student test scores than those without master's degrees, all other factors held constant.

Is Master of Arts a good degree? ›

Skill Development: Students typically develop transferable skills in research, analysis, writing, communication, and problem-solving. Career Versatility: Graduates are equipped to advance in diverse careers in many fields, including education, business, government, non-profits, and the arts.

Do you need a masters to teach in MA? ›

To get an Initial License, you must: Hold or earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Pass the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator License (MTELs) or other MA ESE-approved tests (see our MTEL resources and support)

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