ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
PETERSON HALL
206.281.2214
GRADADMISSIONS@SPU.EDU

Program Overview

For an overview and important information, including application information, about outcomes for graduate students in the master of arts in teaching degree program, click here.

Master of Arts in Teaching

The master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.) combines a program for elementary/middle-level and secondary teacher certification with a master of arts degree in the elements of teaching. The degree is designed to be completed on a part-time basis. The certification component is completed in two years; the master's component may be done concurrently with the certification component, or it may be completed after the student has begun a teaching career.

The M.A.T. is designed to prepare students who already have a bachelor's degree to teach. Satisfactory completion of the certification component of the M.A.T. will qualify an individual to apply for a Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate. An additional 15 credits of non-certification classes will complete the master's degree portion of the M.A.T. Note: Students who already have a master's degree when entering the program will need to complete only the certification component to receive a second master's.

Students receive a broad base of information about education, the nature of students, society, and the teaching profession as a whole. In addition, they gain skills and knowledge in the use of instructional and management strategies. Students will participate in various field experiences, culminating in an extended school-site teaching experience in the Spring Quarter of the second year.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The master of arts in teaching program begins once a year during Autumn Quarter. Application materials should be submitted early during Winter Quarter so students may be informed of final decisions by Spring Quarter. The following items are required for application review:

1. A .
   
2. A $50 processing fee. (Make checks payable to ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.)
   
3. A transcript from each college/university where a degree was obtained, a professional certification program was completed, and where any graduate coursework was taken. These must be official transcripts and remain sealed in the original envelopes. Transcripts may be mailed directly to The Graduate Center at SPU.
   
4. Scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Official results must be sent directly to The Graduate Center at SPU. Test scores must be less than five years old to be valid.
   
5. A personal statement. This should be one to two pages, double-spaced, and address the following areas relative to your decision to pursue a teaching career: personal strengths, knowledge of the subject matter, interest/experience in teaching, ability to be a positive role model for students, and leadership skills. It should also summarize previous experience of working with children or adolescents in a school or other setting.
   
6. Two letters of recommendation.
   
7. The Moral Character and Personal Fitness Policy (available from the School of Education Administration Office, Peterson 300).
   
8. The Character and Fitness Supplement (available from the School of Education Administration Office, Peterson 300).
   
9. Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) scores. (Passing scores on reading, writing, and mathematics subtests of Praxis I or CBEST may be substituted for the WEST-B.)
   
10. Endorsement Exam. You must pass the WEST-E (Praxis II) in your desired endorsement area before enrolling in MAT classes.

The applicant must also have a personal interview with the School of Education faculty. In addition to the general requirements of the University, specific program admission requirements include a score of 385 or better on the MAT, or 950 or better on the GRE (verbal plus quantitative).

In addition to the above prerequisites for admission, each applicant must have completed the content requirements for an endorsement in a subject area approved by the state.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO CERTIFICATION

An alternative route to certification based on the master of arts in teaching is also available. Contact The Graduate Center for the most up-to-date information.

Admission and application information can be obtained from The Graduate Center at 206.281.2091 or 800.601.0603, or email gradadmissions@spu.edu. You may also apply online.

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