Graduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.02.06

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

[1] Objectives

The College of Education offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program created especially for individuals without teaching credentials who have earned baccalaureate degrees in specific content areas and want to be come teachers in an expeditious fashion. The MAT is a 33-hour graduate degree program with two tracks: P–4 Early Childhood and Middle/Secondary/P–8 & 7–12. Tailored to accommodate most working students’ schedules, this program involves a 21-hour core plus 12 hours of required courses within the selected track that can be completed in five semesters including fall, spring, and summer sessions.

[2] Guidelines for MAT

In addition to the general application and GPA requirements of the UCA Graduate School, applicants must complete a separate MAT application and supply evidence of the following items. Specific instructions can be found on the MAT application.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 overall or a 2.50 overall with a 3.0 on the last 60 hours. (official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework must be submitted from all institutions attended).
Completion of UCA’s graduate school application and qualify for graduate admission.
Completion of the MAT application.
Scores from the GRE by the end of the first semester unless using GRE scores to replace Praxis I scores.
Passing UCA minimum Praxis I scores (Mathematics 171, Reading 172, Writing 174) or established cut scores on the GRE (Verbal 370, Quantitative 370, and Analytical Writing 4.5). Candidates must meet minimum requirements on all parts of one of these assessments.
Minimum state scores on the Praxis II content area examination (by end of the second semester).
Two professional references.
Petition of Candidacy (after 9 hours).
A satisfactory Criminal Background Check (if teaching while completing initial licensure).
ADE Non-Traditional Licensure application (if teaching while completing initial licensure). .

[3] Programs of Study

[3.1] MAT Core Courses (21 credit hours)

MAT 5310   Analysis and Practice of Teaching

MAT 5320   Theory and Practice of Classroom Management

MAT 6310   Pedagogy for Diverse Student Populations

ASTL 6380 Research Methods

MAT 5390   Practicum

MAT 6699 Internship

All candidates regardless of licensure level will complete the core courses. Candidates will then select either the P-4 Track or the Middle/Secondary/P-8 & 7-12 Track and complete requirements for that track as indicated below.

[3.2] P-4 Track Courses (4 courses - 12 credit hours)

ECSE 6314   Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties

ECSE 6338   Advanced Instructional & Assessment Strategies for Young Children

ECSE 6374   Curriculum Rationale in Early Childhood Education

ECSE 6386   Principles of Child Development and Learning in ECE

[3.3] Note: The following additional coursework is required for Arkansas State Licensure

HIST 3310   Social Science Concepts in Arkansas History OR

HIST 5355   Arkansas History

ECSE 5320 Principles & Practices of Reading and Writing Strategies

ASTL 6310   Integrating Media & Technology into Teaching & Learning OR Competency Test

[3.4] Middle/Secondary/P-8 & 7-12 Track (4 courses - 12 credit hours)

ASTL 6305   Classroom Assessment

ASTL 6302   Models of Teaching

ASTL 6320   Literacy Seminar for Teachers

ASTL 5303   Middle School Psychology, Philosophy, & Organization

             OR

ASTL 6321   Foundations of Education

             OR

A Specialized Content Methods/Curriculum course from an academic department approved by MAT advisor

[3.5] Note: The following additional coursework is required for Arkansas State Licensure

HIST 5355   Arkansas History (Middle Level Licensure and Secondary Social Studies)

ECSE 5320   Principles & Practices of Reading and Writing Strategies (Middle Level Licensure)

ASTL 6310 Integrating Media & Technology into Teaching & Learning (or competency test)

ECSE 6386   Principles of Child Development and Learning in ECE

[4] Graduate Courses in Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Follow this link for MSTS course descriptions: course link.

[5] Graduate Courses in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL)

Follow this link for ASTL course descriptions: course link.

[4] Graduate Courses in Early Childhood and Special Education (ECSE)

Follow this link for MSTS course descriptions: course link.

Comments or questions about the Graduate Bulletin? E-mail