College of Education


Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program at Towson University!

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for those without formal training in the field of education who wish to enter the teaching profession. It is well suited to recent graduates and to those seeking to change careers.

Programs of Study

A graduate of this program will be eligible for initial teacher certification within the General Education Tracks of Early Childhood (ECED), Elementary (ELED), or Secondary Education (SCED). A student may also choose the Special Education Track in Early Childhood, Elementary/Middle, or Secondary Education. In addition to completing the MAT program requirements, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requires that all applicants for state teaching licensure successfully complete the PRAXIS II exam in their area of specialization.

Program Tracks

There are two program tracks available – General Education and Special Education. Students in the General Education Track have two options for program completion – One-Year and Extended Year. The One-Year option requires a full-time commitment to courses and field placement. This program encompasses a summer semester, fall semester and an extended spring semester. This program begins only in the summer semester.

The Extended Year option allows students to design a course of study to fit their schedules (generally one, two or three evening courses per semester). Participation in the Extended Year option requires students to complete all MAT program requirements within seven years.

The Special Education Track is only available as an Extended Year option.

General Education

  • Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach grades preschool–3
  • Elementary Education prepares students to teach grades 1–6
  • Secondary Education prepares students to teach grades 7–12 in:
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Chinese Language
    • Earth-space Science
    • English
    • Modern Foreign Language
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Social Science

Special Education

Field Placements and Internships

Field placements and internships are completed in local public professional development schools in partnership with the university. All placements must be completed in subject areas and grade levels appropriate to the declared MAT certification track.

Understanding of assessment literacy, application of effective instructional strategies, demonstrated evidence of preK–12 student learning and development of essential dispositions for educators are integrated throughout the program and assessed in the final term. The development and presentation of a portfolio that demonstrates attainment of national performance standards will take the place of a master’s thesis. Guidance in portfolio development is an integral part of the program.

A History of Teacher Leadership

Towson University is a flagship institution for teacher education and a national leader in innovative approaches to preparing educators and administrative leaders. Towson's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning includes improving the educational experience of those with disabilities and unique instructional needs.

 

College of Education
Hawkins Hall, Room 222

Phone: 410-704-5388
Fax: 410-704-2733


Best Graduate Schools 2011


Towson University’s graduate programs in education have been ranked in the 2011 education rankings of U.S. News & World Report.



 

MAT Program Director
Judy Reber
410-704-4935
jreber@towson.edu

MAT Program Coordinator
Sarah Yost
410-704-5388
syost@towson.edu

MAT Elementary Education Director
Robert Blake
410-704-6299
rblake@towson.edu

MAT Early Childhood Education Director
Edyth Wheeler
410-704-2460
ecedgrad@towson.edu

MAT Secondary Education Director
R. Mark Herzog
410-704-5896
rherzog@towson.edu

MAT Special Education Director
Rosemary Rappa
410-704-3835
rrappa@towson.edu

Shady Grove Campus
Graduate Program Coordinator
Judy Webster
301-738-6326
jcwebster@towson.edu

 

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