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 professional licensure in the following areas: Elementary; Middle and Secondary—Biology, English, Foreign Literature and Languages (French, Portuguese, Spanish), History, Mathematics and 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.
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 3.00. 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 two people familiar with your work or potential as a teacher
- A personal statement describing your beliefs about teaching and learning, and your reason(s) for entering the teaching profession
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
Sheila Macrine, PhD
508-999-8262
smacrine@umassd.edu
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300