Master of Arts in Teaching — Professional
UMass Dartmouth offers both Massachusetts Initial and Professional Teaching Licensure Programs at the graduate level. The University offers programs leading to licensure in the following areas: Elementary; Middle and Secondary—Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Literature and Languages (French, Portuguese, Spanish), History, Political Science/Political Philosophy, Mathematics, Physics, General Science (5-8).
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is committed to certifying teachers who are reflective practitioners engaged in better understanding the complex social contexts of learning, education, and schooling in both urban and suburban settings. In addition to a rigorous preparation in subject-matter fields, teacher candidates develop their ability to apply pedagogical theory to practice and to reflect on the complexities inherent in their craft. Teacher candidates are engaged in effective teaching practices that support students with a variety of learning styles and abilities. Our candidates value diversity including, but not limited to, racial, cultural, developmental, and learning differences.
Initial License Certificate, Post-Baccalaureate
The Department of Teaching and Leaning offers an opportunity to career changers and other potential teacher candidates, who already hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, to earn an initial teaching license. The course of study leading to an initial teaching license is described later in this catalogue in the chapter on post-baccalaureate certificates. UMass Dartmouth students who are issued an initial teaching license by the Massachusetts Department of Education are also eligible for licensure reciprocity in states that participate in the NASDECH Interstate Contract.
Professional License Certificate, Master of Arts in Teaching
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT) degree provides graduate students in possession of an initial teaching license the opportunity to obtain a professional license through an appropriate masters program.
Scheduling
In order to provide maximum scheduling opportunities to meet the time needs of working practitioners, most courses are scheduled in the late afternoon, evening, or weekends, and many are offered through Professional and Continuing Education.
Additionally, teachers may be eligible to participate in the SouthCoast Compact Education Tuition Waiver option, if they are employed in one of the participating SouthCoast School Districts. Please inquire at time of registration.
Admission Requirements
Applications are encouraged from individuals who demonstrate strong potential for a successful career in teaching. Minimum requirements for acceptance into the program include an appropriate bachelor’s degree and a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.7. Individuals who do not possess an Initial Massachusetts Teaching License must complete this prior to filing formal application to the MAT program.
Applicants for the MAT program must submit the required application materials to the Graduate Office. The MAT admissions committee will assess credentials in the following areas:
- Grades in undergraduate work
- Recommendations from three people familiar with your work or potential as a teacher
- A personal statement explaining your goals and background as a teacher
When space permits, individuals holding a bachelor’s degree may enroll in MAT courses as non-degree special students without applying for admission to the MAT program. To register as a non-degree special student, you will need an approval form available from the Office of Graduate Studies. A maximum of 15 credits toward the MAT degree (including 6 transfer credits) may be earned as a special student prior to formal application to the program.
Transfer Credits
Students may request up to six transfer credits from another program if the credits meet the following criteria: a) the courses are at the graduate level or the senior level of undergraduate studies; b) they are similar to courses in our MAT program; c) they were taken within the past five years; d) the grades are B or better; e) they were not credited toward any other degree. Additional options are possible by petition to the MAT Program Committee. Life or experience credits may not be translated into course credits.
Contact
MAT Program Director
Dr. Gerard Koot, Chancellor Professor of History
508-999-8305
gkoot@umassd.edu
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
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