Master of Arts in Teaching

• Overview
• Curriculum Summary
• Course Descriptions
• Spring 2012 Course Schedule
• Summer 2012 Course Schedule
• Admission Information

Overview

Belhaven offers a challenging educational experience for aspiring teachers who desire to enhance their knowledge and skills. Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing professional educators who can provide distinctive Christian leadership and service in the classroom, the school, and the community. The goal of graduate teacher education is to prepare competent teachers who demonstrate both academic excellence and professional knowledge while providing distinctive Christian leadership and service to students, parents, and communities.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for students who have a non-education undergraduate degree. The Master of Arts in Teaching program outlines the licensure path for persons holding a baccalaureate degree who desire a teaching license. The State of Mississippi requires unlicensed degree holders who wish to be licensed to enroll in a M.A.T. program or another approved program. A qualified candidate must take EDU 501 and 506, pass the Praxis I and II to apply for a three year provisional Class A license. After completing 1 year of teaching and EDU 502 and 503 a candidate may apply for a Class A standard (5 year) license. If a candidate completes the MAT program, they would then apply for a Class AA standard license. 

 

Curriculum Summary

Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary
	*REQUIRED CORE (12 credits):
EDU 501	Measurement and Evaluation Strategies
EDU 502	Dimensions of Learning I
EDU 503	Dimensions of Learning II
EDU 506	Classroom Management and Organization
	REQUIRED COURSES (12 credits):
EDU 602	Psychology of the Exceptional Child
*EDU 610	Research Methods and Procedures
*EDU 620	Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
EDU 623	Technology
	ELEMENTARY 4-6 CONCENTRATION 9 credits):
EDU 611	Children’s Literature
*EDU 614	Effective Strategies – Elementary
EDU 622	Teaching Reading Skills and Comprehension
Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary
	*REQUIRED CORE (12 credits):
EDU 501	Measurement and Evaluation Strategies
EDU 502	Dimensions of Learning I
EDU 503	Dimensions of Learning II
EDU 506	Classroom Management and Organization
	REQUIRED COURSES (12 credits):
EDU 602	Psychology of the Exceptional Child
*EDU 610	Research Methods and Procedures
*EDU 620	Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
EDU 623	Technology
	SECONDARY 7-12 CONCENTRATION (6 credits):
EDU 612	Curriculum Planning and Organization
*EDU 615	Effective Strategies – Secondary
	SECONDARY ELECTIVE COURSES (3 credits):
EDU 617	Teaching Reading in the Secondary School
EDU 621	Assessing Student Learning
EDU 634	Designing Instruction
* ALL required core courses must be completed before beginning the comprehensive exam process.

 

Course Descriptions

See University Catalogue for Masters of Arts in Teaching course descriptions.

 

Admission Information

Offered to students who hold non-educational undergraduate degrees and want to pursue the alternate route license at the graduate level (see steps to alternative teacher certification), or who currently hold an alternate license and desire a master's degree and standard certification. MAT graduates can teach in the elementary setting, grades 4 through 8, or in the secondary setting, grades 7 through 12. If you have any questions about admission, contact gradadmission@belhaven.edu or 601-968-8947. Admission requirements are as follows:

1. COMPLETE the APPLICATION for Admission

• Pay the $25 application fee through the online payment form.
• If you prefer not to fill out the application online, you can download it and mail/fax it in: application for admission
• Baccalaureate degree from regionally-accredited institution of higher learning required.

2.  TRANSFERRING CREDITS

• Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided.  See Transferability of Credit Notice.
• GPA of 2.8 or higher on one of the following: Cumulative from undergraduate/graduate degree granting institution or cumulative on last 60 hours of undergraduate work

3.  PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION

• A letter to the Dean and two recommendation forms may be submitted voluntarily by the student or may be requested by the admission office if student does not meet minimum requirements for acceptance.
• Your admission representative will work with you to determine what, if any, additional items may be required to present your application package to the Admission Committee.
• A veteran who wishes to be assessed for military credit or who will use veteran benefits must submit a copy of Form DD214 and/or DD295 to Belhaven University.

4.  SUBMIT TEST SCORES

• Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) scores (scores on all subtests must meet Mississippi licensure requirements).  See PraxisTest Information.
• Praxis II Specialty Area Test score (score in content area must meet Mississippi licensure requirement)
• Proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States or by a minimum score of 550 paper-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In registering for the TOEFL, note the Belhaven TOEFL code number is 1055. All international students must provide an official guarantee of funds (Affidavit of Support) for the first academic year of attendance. Medical Insurance is also required.

5.  FINANCIAL AID

• Apply for Federal Assistance by filing the Free Application for Federal Assistance (FAFSA) on the Internet at  www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to list Belhaven University as one of the colleges to receive the results of your evaluation. Our code number is 002397. Do not mail the form before January 1 but applying early improves your opportunities for the best aid package.
• Visit the Belhaven University Financial Aid Web Site.

Please return all application materials and fees to:

Belhaven University
Office of Graduate Admission
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 266
Jackson, MS, 39202
phone: 601-968-8947
fax: 601-968-5953
gradadmission@belhaven.edu

Non-Degree Students

Students who are in need of classes for licensure renewal or for alternate route licensure that leads to Class A licensure can enroll as non-degree seeking students in the Graduate Teacher Education Program. Admission requirements are as follows:

• Completed application for admission
• $25 application fee – online payment form
  
• Or if you prefer not to fill out the application online, you can download it and mail/fax it in: application for admission
• Official transcript from undergraduate or graduate degree granting institution. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided.

Belhaven University does not discriminate in the administration of its education policies, applications for admission, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and extracurricular programs. The rights, privileges, programs and activities at Belhaven University are made available to all students who are enrolled regardless of sex, religion, color, national origin, handicap or age.