Middle Grades Education M.A.T (Online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree with a major in Middle Grades Education and concentrations in Mathematics and Science Education provides initial teacher preparation at the master's degree level for qualified candidates who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The core program is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate degrees did not include professional education preparation and is comprised of a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate course work in professional education. Successful completion of the M.A.T. with a major in Middle Grades Education (grades 4-8) leads to a T-5 Georgia Certification in Middle Grades Mathematics and Science.

Program Admissions Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, with an earned 2.75 or better GPA
• Two  professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Verification of immunization (pdf) for students enrolled in a face-to-face program
• Obtain a Georgia pre-service certification (www.gapsc.com) , which includes
  • Obtaining a MyPSC account with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
  • Submit to a background check and receive acceptable results. (This process will be done during the application process.)
  • Pass (or exempt) the GACE Program Admission Assessment (Exemption scores are SAT 1000 or higher; ACT combined English and math 45 or higher) 
  • Complete the Ethic 350 Assessment through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
  • Submit a copy of your driver’s license or other official identification

Program of Study

The Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Grades Education requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work. The degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of coursework. Candidates may be required to take additional semester hours in order to qualify for certification in a particular content area. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Up to nine (9)- graduate credit hours may be substituted with the approval of the advisor prior to course enrollment. The appropriate form and documentation must be submitted with your request. Also, there is a required orientation (either online or face-to-face, based on the program) that is held at the beginning of the program.

Total Credit Hours: 36

NOTES:

• A candidate who has not fulfilled minimum certification requirements in the teaching field is required to take additional work in the content area.
• Course will not be counted for graduation credit if a grade of less than a C is earned, the exception being EDEX 6111. The candidate must earn a grade of B or better (HB 671).

Advisement

The Program Coordinator, in cooperation with the admission’s committee and the Department Chair, assigns each fully admitted student to an Advisor. It is the responsibility of the candidate to meet with this Advisor and remain in contact throughout the program.

Dismissal Policy

Violation of the Georgia Code of Ethic is grounds for dismissal from the program. Lack of progress toward attaining the program dispositions as determined by the secondary MAT leadership team may result in the candidate's receiving a developmental plan. Continued failure to meet expectations on program dispositions may result in the candidate's dismissal from the program.  Candidates who do not maintain a 3.0 overall average will be placed on academic probation or may be dismissed from the program, per the guidelines of the Graduate catalog.

Exit Requirements

• The M.A.T. requires an overall 3.0 GPA for graduation
• Successful completion of an electronic portfolio.
• Pass the GACE content examination
• Submit an EdTPA portfolio
• Pass Ethics 360 with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

Obtaining Initial Certification

• Pass the GACE content examination at the induction level or professional level

• Obtain a teaching position within the state of Georgia
• Pass edTPA
• A recommendation from the GCSU certification officer.