Master of Arts in Teaching
Overview
WHAT FACULTY & STUDENTS SAY
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 Mississippi Teacher Certification. 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.
Online Option Available
All MAT students have a choice of taking EDU 501 and EDU 506 either online or live in a classroom setting. This will allow for greater flexibility in scheduling. All other courses in the MAT program are only taught in a live classroom setting.
Curriculum Summary
Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary |
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| Required Core: | |
| EDU 501 | Measurement and Evaluation Strategies |
| EDU 502 | Dimensions of Learning I |
| EDU 503 | Dimensions of Learning II |
| EDU 506 | Classroom Management and Organization |
| EDU 602 | Psychology of the Exceptional Child |
| EDU 610 | Research Methods and Procedures |
| EDU 620 | Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum |
| EDU 621 | Assessing Student Learning |
| Required Courses for Elementary Concentration (Grades 4-8): | |
| EDU 611 | Children’s Literature in Elementary Reading |
| EDU 614 | Effective Teaching Strategies in Elementary School |
| EDU 622 | Teaching Reading Skills and Comprehension |
| EDU 623 | Technology in Education (elective) |
| Required Courses for Secondary Concentration (Grades 7-12): | |
| EDU 612 | Curriculum Planning and Organization |
| EDU 615 | Effective Teaching Strategies in the Secondary School |
| Elective Courses for Secondary Concentration (3 credit hours selected from the following): | |
| EDU 617 | Teaching Reading in the Secondary School |
| EDU 623 | Technology in Education |
| EDU 630 | Diagnostic & Remedial Strategies in the Content Areas |
| EDU 634 | Designing Instruction |
| NOTE: Students seeking teaching certification must assume responsibility for fulfilling all state requirements. See Jackson Campus website for all licensure requirements. Completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching does not guarantee licensure. See teacher education handbook for specific requirements for comprehensive exam process and licensure. | |
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 jackson@belhaven.edu or 601-968-5988. Admission requirements are as follows:
1. COMPLETE the 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. We will submit that to all colleges/universities you have attended and pay for the transcript request fee for you. 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
- 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.
3. PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION
- The student may be asked to submit an essay or recommendations for review by the program committee.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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.
