Dr. M. J. Herzog's Web Page

Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

(MAT)

General Information Page

So, you think you want to become a high school teacher

or a music, art or TESOL teacher?

Do you have a college degree in

Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Social Science,

Art or Music or in a closely related discipline?

Have you had rewarding experiences working with adolescents? Do you love your subject?
Do you want to be a positive influence on young people and the future?

Western Carolina University may be just the place

for you to get your Master's in the Mountains!

MAT Student Handbook

Important Notices for MAT Students

Program Coordinator's Homepage

Program Assessment Features

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a degree and licensure program for students who have a bachelor's degree and want to become teachers. The MAT is offered by several different departments for licensure in various subjects and grade levels. The information on this page is for students who have a bachelor's degree in one of the following majors: art, biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, music, history or political science. Of these majors, all result in a North Carolina license to teach high school, grades 9 - 12, except music and art, which spans grades K-12. The social science concentration is for students with history or political science majors.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in the major (or closely related discipline) of the concentration and must meet the prerequisite requirements of the department housing the concentration. (The TESOL program is an exception to this general rule and does not require a specific undergraduate major.) Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a major other than the MAT concentration may not qualify for the MAT and are subject to prerequisite course requirements as determined by the faculty in the department of the concentration. Prerequisite requirements will vary by department and depend on the credentials presented by the candidate. See admission requirements at the graduate catalog at this link. Students who have to take prerequite courses may have to do so prior to admission to the graduate school. More graduate catalog information is linked here.

Attention prospective students.

After reading this page and browsing the linked materials, if this program seems to be what you are looking for, call (828.227.3327) or email the program coordinator with your questions. The graduate school application process is simple and straightforward. An interview is required. Applications are available on line at this link; scroll down to application materials.

Attention new students.

Please click on the Student Handbook, read about program requirements and policies, and download the Student Checksheet to see a list of required courses. One of the first courses a student should take is the teaching methods course, EDCI 617 , and it is required for all MAT Secondary & K-12 Music & Art. It is a general methods course, and in addition to teaching the basics of curriculum, instruction, and classroom management, it also requires students to do a practicum in the public schools. In the practicum, students do some classroom observations and some guided teaching. Students should take this course prior to taking the specialized methods course in their concentration. It will be offered in Cullowhee in the fall, and Asheville in the spring semesters on a regular basis.

Check with your concentration advisor for courses in your concentration. If you have not had an interview, contact Dr. Mary Jean Herzog to make an appointment. See below for advisor contact information.

Graduate Assistantships.

If you are interested in applying for a graduate assistanceship in the Department of Educational Leadership & Foundations, please contact Carol Oxendine. The Department phone number is 227-7415.

Internships.

The program requires students to complete a semester-long, full-time internship. Mr. Ken Hunt is the Director of Field Experiences and is in charge of Internship Placements. Applications for internships should be in the Office of Field Experiences, Killian 228, early the semester before the internship to meet the college deadlines each semester (September 22 for Spring; February 3 for Fall).

Health Form. The public schools require all employees, interns, etc. to have an updated health examination. Here is a health form (pdf) you can use or you can get one from your doctor.

Criminal Background Check.

Applicants for the MAT should be aware that they will have to sign a form related to a criminal background check as part of the NC licensure process on NC Form A. Information about how to go about this process is linked here.

Successful completion of the MAT degree leads to a NC graduate level teaching license in the following academic concentrations (links go to departments):

Grades 9 - 12 - Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Social Science

Grades K - 12 - Art, Music, TESOL