University of Central Arkansas

Graduate Bulletin

Document Number 3.02.06

[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 become teachers in an expeditious fashion. The MAT is a 36-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 24-hour core plus 9 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, fee, 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).

Programs in the PEU that lead to licensure/certification relating to P-12 schools require a passing score on the appropriate Praxis exam (s) and satisfactory completion of all key assessments identified by the program area.  Candidates cannot complete their program unless both of these criteria have been met.  Individual programs may have additional exit requirements.

[3] Programs of Study

[3.1] MAT Core Courses (24 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     6311   Classroom Assessment

MAT     6312    Classroom Assessment

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 (3 courses - 9 credit hours)

MAT     6314   Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties

MAT     6338   Advanced Instructional & Assessment Strategies for Young Children

MAT     6374   Curriculum Rationale in Early Childhood Education 

[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

[3.4] Middle/Secondary/P-8 & 7-12 Track (3 courses - 9 credit hours)

MAT     6302   Models of Teaching

MAT     6320   Literacy Seminar for Teachers

MAT     5303   Middle School Psychology, Philosophy, & Organization

             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)

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

Follow this link for MAT course descriptions: course link.

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

Follow this link for ASTL course descriptions: course link.

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

Follow this link for ECSE course descriptions: course link.