MAT Degree - Question

Anyone have experience getting their Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT)? This degree is specifically for graduate students who did not undergrad in education .... I am looking for someone who didn't do their undergrad in 'Liberal Arts' either, but rather a different program like Business, Journalism, Communications, etc ...

Has anyone done this or know of someone that did? I have a few questions ...

thanks!

Re: MAT Degree - Question

I had an English degree and went into a Master of Science in Secondary Education program, but there were many people in my program who had business degrees and other non-liberal arts degrees. We were all pre-service.

Most of those people had to make up so-called "undraduate deficiencies" by taking undergrad courses in their subject. I'd think, even in an MAT program, that you'd have to do the same if needed, because that's a state cert requirement, not a degree requirement.

The requirements have changed a lot- when I did my degree you needed 36 undergrad credits in a subject, even for elementary. nysed.gov has all the current info.

Hope this helps- I think what I am trying to say is that you aren't limited to MAT programs- I did look into those when I was looking at grad schools, but there didn't seem to be a difference between those and a regular MS in Education for pre-service teachers.

Message edited 5/16/2008 7:07:00 PM.

Re: MAT Degree - Question

you can also do an MSEd... which gives you a LOT more leeway in terms of areas to focus on. you could get an MSEd in special education, counseling, ESL, etc. etc. I believe an MAT is rather general, which in this job market, i don't think you want. you can easily get into an MSEd program with an unrelated bachelor's degree. good luck!

Re: MAT Degree - Question

also want to add that if are interested in a secondary subject - queens college offers a certification program.

Re: MAT Degree - Question

Here's the issue.

I have my undergrad in Business and I was looking at the Queens College program. It says you can only do a MATdegreet amd that the MAT is 45 credits, but if you have a business degree you need 30 credits of 'liberal arts' in addition to the 45 credit masters.

I would be going to school at night to get my degree and I cannot imagine having to take 30 extra credits on top of a 45 credit masters program. It seems like A LOT of extra classes. It's not like I didn't take liberal art classes in undergrad. I took them all - English, Math, Arts, Science, Sociology, Social Studies, etc ....

Re: MAT Degree - Question

I am finishing up a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics. TALK ABOUT OFF TOPIC FOR TEACHING! I could kick myself for it now but being in the military, it interested me and was a real benefit there.

I am not looking forward to being released from Active Duty and going into teaching. I am not a NY resident anymore and am throroughly looking into obtaing a MAT.

The program I am looking into is through University of South Carolina and they offer completion with a total of 36 credit no matter what your undergrad degree is in.

30 credits on top of 45 seems like a whole other Masters Degree to me! That is tons of time and $$$$.

Re: MAT Degree - Question

I did an MAT progam. My undergrad was in Exercise Science and I got my MAT in Physical Education. It was closely related so there were a bunch of credits I did not have to take.

Re: MAT Degree - Question

Posted by Elbee

Here's the issue.

I have my undergrad in Business and I was looking at the Queens College program. It says you can only do a MATdegreet amd that the MAT is 45 credits, but if you have a business degree you need 30 credits of 'liberal arts' in addition to the 45 credit masters.

I would be going to school at night to get my degree and I cannot imagine having to take 30 extra credits on top of a 45 credit masters program. It seems like A LOT of extra classes. It's not like I didn't take liberal art classes in undergrad. I took them all - English, Math, Arts, Science, Sociology, Social Studies, etc ....