MAT Program: Overview

 

Application and admission to the Secondary/Multi-age MAT program involves two complementary but distinct phases.

The first phase involves admission as a post-undergraduate non-degree student. A content evaluation (transcript review) completed by the Graduate Academic Advisor in EHHS (unless noted) determines what prior coursework, if any, can be applied to the intended content area/licensure. The remaining undergraduate content area coursework required for licensure is taken prior to beginning the coursework in the MAT program at your own pace. Almost all potential MAT candidates can expect that they will need additional prerequisite undergraduate courses prior to the MAT. It is a matter of how many hours are required, and this is dependent upon coursework taken in your prior degree program and how closely these courses align with the content courses required in your intended content area/licensure concentration. Most candidates can expect 2-4 semesters of content coursework prior to admission to the 11-month MAT program. In part, this is because the licensure requirements for most degrees prepare educators to teach more than one subject in a discipline - for example, integrated social studies teachers are licensed to teach geography, economics, government, psychology, political science, sociology and history. There is coursework related to each of these disciplines to fulfill the licensure requirements. This is true in the other integrated and multiage licenses, as well.

The second phase of admission is the formal application to the master’s degree program. A detailed description of the steps needed for completion of the application can be found on the page MAT Program: Application Process and Admission Requirements.

 

Teaching fields

The MAT program offers Adolescent / Young Adult Education licensure (grades 7-12) in the following teaching fields:

  • Integrated Social Studies
  • Integrated Language Arts
  • Integrated Mathematics
  • Integrated Science (licensure in all science areas)
  • Life Sciences (biology)
  • Life Sciences / Chemistry (dual licensure in biology & chemistry)
  • Chemistry / Physics (dual licensure)
  • Earth Sciences

In addition, multi-age licensure (pre-K through grade 12) is available in these areas:

 

Outline of the eleven-month intensive program

Note: All content coursework must be completed before the start of master's classes.

Summer consists of 13 graduate hours. This coursework prepares students in the background in educational foundations, Educational Psychology, and general methods required to be successful in the classroom. In addition, 30 hours of field experiences in school settings will occur.

Fall semester consists of 13-16 semester hours of courses, focused on teaching specific content (for example, mathematics or art). In addition to these courses, there is a 100-hour field practicum required at a school, which is arranged by a faculty advisor and the Office of Clinical Experience (student teaching) at Kent State University.

Spring semester consists of full-time student teaching and 3-6 hours of courses (12-15 hours total). During student teaching, students assume the classroom responsibilities of their mentor teacher. The mentor and KSU student work together to discuss planning, classroom management, and professional development issues. In addition to student-teaching, students take two college courses: Seminar in Secondary Education and Research in Secondary Education.

Download the Secondary MAT Prospectus - 11-month program (PDF)

 

Outline of the two-year program

Note: The final two semesters (Fall II and Spring II) require availability during daytime school hours.

Summer I consists of 7 hours of courses. These include coursework in principles of secondary teaching, educational psychology, and a seminar with field-based observations and teaching activities. In addition, undergraduate coursework to fulfill licensure requirements will be completed.

Fall I includes 3-6 hours consisting of theories and practices of teaching discipline specific literacies. In addition, undergraduate coursework to fulfill licensure requirements will be completed.

Spring I consists of 3 hours on differentiating instruction. Undergraduate coursework to fulfill licensure requirements will also be completed.

Summer II consists of 7 hours related to the cultural foundations of education and the role of culture in secondary school settings. Undergraduate coursework to fulfill licensure requirements will also be completed.

Fall II consists of 7-12 hours focused on teaching specific content (i.e., English, Math). All final undergraduate coursework to fulfill licensure requirements must be completed. In addition to these courses, there is a 100-hour field practicum required at a school, which is arranged by a faculty advisor and the Office of Clinical Experience (student teaching) at Kent State University. Field Practicum hours must be completed during daytime school hours.

Spring II semester consists of full-time student teaching and 3-6 hours of courses (12-15 hours total). Full-time study is required this term. During student teaching, students assume the classroom responsibilities of their mentor teacher. The mentor and the KSU student work together to discuss planning, classroom management, and professional development issues. In addition to student-teaching, students take two graduate courses: Seminar in Secondary Education and Research in Secondary Education.

Download the Secondary MAT Prospectus - 2-year program (PDF)

Dr. Todd Hawley teaching
Kent State MAT alumna teaching
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