Master of Arts in Teaching with a Concentration in Music (PreK-12) (M.A.T.)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree provides an avenue of entry into the teaching profession through graduate level study. It is intended for persons with a baccalaureate degree who desire to become certified to teach in a content area in which they hold a major or the equivalent in one of the areas where the degree is offered. M.A.T. degrees are currently offered in the fields of English, mathematics, science and social studies, leading to certification in grades 9- 12, and in art and music, leading to PreK-12 certification.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Program

Design and implement effective lessons based on knowledge of students, curriculum, and best pedagogical practices.

1. Integrate technology to improve teaching, learning, and professional productivity.
2. Adapt learning environments, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques to meet the needs of culturally and developmentally diverse students.
3. Demonstrate leadership behaviors and dispositions in professional contexts.
4. Engage in reflective practice to improve teaching and learning.

Graduate Applications

Applications for graduate study should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies at Coastal Carolina University.

Admission and Degree Requirements

Students who currently are enrolled at Coastal Carolina University majoring in one of the areas of M.A.T. degree preparation, and who desire to enter the program upon graduation to pursue a master’s degree and certification in teaching, may enroll in up to two courses of the M.A.T. program prior to receiving a bachelor’s degree. Students are advised that additional requirements may be added to the program of study to support needed background in a discipline and/or general education.

The PRAXIS II content knowledge examination must be successfully passed prior to entry into the Internship semester (Spring of each year). Students will not be placed in the Internship experience until a passing score on the PRAXIS II exam has been verified by the Spadoni College of Education.

Portals identify four key stages for this graduate program. The requirements for entry into each of the four portals are listed below:

Portal I. Admission to the Graduate Program

For admission to the Graduate Program, students must:

• Submit an application for graduate study to the University with the $45 application fee (check or money order) enclosed. Applications are due March 1 for each cohort.
• Submit official transcripts reflecting an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the content area AND one of the following: 2.75 GPA overall, OR report of minimum scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (minimum score of 286 with no less than 146 on the verbal and 140 on the quantitative portions), OR report of a minimum score (388) on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
• Provide two letters of recommendation (on forms provided) supporting the applicant’s academic qualifications.
• Following the completion of this process, the M.A.T. Graduate Admissions Committee (GAC) will evaluate the applicant’s file. All applicants will be informed in writing of the Committee’s decision.
• Following a review of applicant’s transcript(s), the M.A.T. adviser may identify deficient content area coursework. Those identified content areas or courses must be completed prior to entering the M.A.T. program of study or taking courses toward graduation. These deficient courses may extend the program of student completion timeline.

Portal II. Continuation in the M.A.T. Program and Admission to the Professional Program in Teacher Education (determined at the conclusion of Summer II)

Students must:

• Attain and maintain a GPA of 3.0 for the two education courses and two content area courses taken in Summer I and Summer II, with no grades below “C”.
• Receive satisfactory recommendations from professors.
• Receive approval of the M.A.T. Portal Committee.
• Students who do not meet the minimum required 3.0 GPA but have a GPA between 2.99 and 2.75 may be placed on probation for one semester if recommended by the M.A.T. Portal Committee. During this probationary period, students must increase their cumulative GPA to at least 3.0 and successfully pass the specified South Carolina content area PRAXIS II examination(s) in order to be approved for Internship and continuation in the M.A.T. Program.
• Students who do not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA and have a GPA below 2.75 will be removed from the program until their cumulative GPA reaches a minimum of 3.0.

Portal III. Admission to Internship

Students must:

• Complete 24 semester hours in the graduate program, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in content area courses and overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, with no course grade less than “C”.
• Complete practicum experiences with satisfactory recommendations from both cooperating teachers and University supervisors.
• Receive approval of the adviser and the M.A.T Portal Committee.
• Successfully pass South Carolina content area PRAXIS II examination(s). Fulfill the fingerprinting and background check requirements.

Portal IV. Graduation

• Complete all course work with a 3.0 GPA overall and in the content area with no course grade less than “C”.
• Complete Internship with satisfactory recommendations from the cooperating teacher and the supervisor.
• Receive satisfactory recommendations from professors.
• Receive approval of the adviser and M.A.T. Graduate Admissions Committee.
• Submit passing score on Principles of Learning and Teaching (P.L.T.).

Post-Graduation

• Provide contact information to the Spadoni College of Education and complete an evaluation of the program.