Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Towson University!

The MAT program 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.

All tracks require a part-time internship in the final fall semester of the program followed by a full-time internship in the final spring semester of the program. Internships are completed in public Professional Development Schools (PDS) in subject areas and grade levels appropriate to each MAT student. Students must complete all MAT program requirements within seven years.

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.

General Education

General Education has 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 option encompasses four semesters: summer, fall, minimester and spring semester. The One-Year option begins only in the summer semester.

The Extended Year option offers late afternoon to evening courses each semester, a majority of which begin at 4:20 p.m. During the final semester of the program, this option requires a full-time commitment to courses and field placement. This option begins any semester of the year (fall, spring or summer) and requires a minimum of two years for completion.

• One Year Option leads to teacher certification in one of the General Education concentrations
• Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach grades preK – 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
• French
• German
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Social Science
• Spanish

Special Education

Special Education is only available as an Extended Year option. However, two locations exist, the first on Towson’s main campus and the second at the Universities at Shady Grove.

Special Education offered on Towson’s main campus offers late afternoon to evening courses each semester, a majority of which begin at 4:20 p.m. During the final semester of the program, this option requires a full-time commitment to courses and field placement. This option begins any semester of the year (fall, spring or summer) and requires a minimum of two years for completion.

• Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach grades birth – 3
• Elementary/Middle Education prepares students to teach grades 1 – 8
• Secondary Education prepares students to teach grades 6 – 12 in:
• Biology
• English
• Mathematics
• Social Science

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