Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is designed for individuals who possess a baccalaureate degree from a four-year institution of higher education and who desire to attain an initial teaching license in a specific content area. The College of Education will recommend individuals who complete the degree program and licensure requirements successfully to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for a teaching certification.

Program Areas for the MAT

The College of Education at North Carolina A&T State University offers the MAT degree in 12 discipline areas. These areas are as follows:

• Biology Education (Grades 9-12)
• Business Education (Grades 6-12)
• Chemistry Education (Grades 9-12)
• Early Childhood and Family Studies (Birth to Kindergarten)
• Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
• English Education (Grades 9-12)
• Family and Consumer Sciences (Grades 7-12)
• Health and Physical Education (K-12)
• History Education (Grades 9-12)
• Mathematics Education (Grades 9-12)
• Special Education (Grades K-12)
• Technology Education (Grades 6-12)

Admission into the Master of Arts in Teaching program

Prospective candidates interested in the MAT degree must apply for admission via an application on the website of the Graduate College . Applicants will apply to the Graduate College through the Graduate Admissions Application Portal. Admission requirements include the following:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• 24 hours of content-related coursew ork at grades of C or higher
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.80 or higher from the undergraduate degree-granting institution
• Criminal background check from county of residency
• Completed Graduate College application, including officialtranscripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, letters of reference submitted online, statement of purpose, and application fee
• Complete and submit Supplemental Application/MAT Teacher Education Admission Statement

Residency License

North Carolina has a new alternate pathway to becoming a professional educator called the Residency License.  This route allows qualified individuals to obtain a teaching position and begin teaching right away as a Resident while obtaining a clear professional educator's license. North Carolina A&T State University's MAT Program is an approved NC DPI Educator Preparation Program and offers the Residency License in all 12 MAT concentrations. The Residency License requires the following: 

• Employment in NC public schools and enrollment in NC approved educator preparation program 
• Completed Residency License application submitted via the NCDPI Online Licensure system by an NC employing school system 

Contact Information

The Master of Arts in Teaching program is housed in the Department of Educator Preparation in the College of Education. Dr. Cailisha L. Petty, MAT Coordinator, is available to provide all MAT candidates and applicants with assistance and answer any questions about the application and/or teacher licensure process. Additionally, each concentration area has a program coordinator who advises MAT candidates in that area. To learn more about the Master of Arts in Teaching, you may contact the following persons by concentration area:

Financial Assistance

Some candidates enrolled in the MAT degree program may qualify for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which is funded by the United States Department of Education. The TEACH grant program was effective as of July 1, 2008, was established to benefit eligible North Carolina A & T State University students who have the desire to serve as teachers. Recipients of the TEACH Grant must agree to serve as a highly qualified full-time teacher in a high-need field in a low-income school for a minimum of four years. Learn more about the TEACH Grant here.

Other Financial Aid Options:

• UNIVERSITY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS 

Other financial awards may be available via the Financial Aid Office (336-334-7973), via the College of Education (336-334-7757), or through specific concentration coordinators. Please contact us to learn more.