Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education
Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education at the University of Georgia is designed for individuals seeking initial teacher certification in grades PK-5. The program blends theory and practice grounded in a shared philosophy of critical pedagogy. We prepare teacher-leaders who are capable of engaging culturally and linguistically diverse children, families, and communities.
The Summer-to-Summer program (four semesters) is flexible, accessible, and designed for working adults. The program offers online courses in content areas such as language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science, as well as courses in foundations of elementary education and learning ecologies; reading strategies; integrating curriculum and assessment; responsive teaching and environments; and arts-based pedagogies. The M.A.T. program offers theoretically and clinically rich experiences in diverse environments that encourage teachers to develop their identity as thought leaders and agents of change.
We are seeking education professionals and others with a passion for teaching, a wealth of experience, and a drive to engage children and young people in Georgia and beyond.
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 10 elementary teacher education programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Designed with working adults in mind, and can be completed Summer-to-Summer in as little as four semesters
- Small cohorts allow one-on-one and small group mentorship and supervision
- Program includes clinically rich field experiences in schools and classrooms aligned with our core mission and values
- Endorsements such as the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) may be included in program of study
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Admissions
Admission Requirements
The M.A.T. in Elementary Education accepts applicants for Summer admission. Eligible applications must have a bachelor’s degree and a 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale cumulative GPA. While completing your Graduate School application, please complete the following sections:
Online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education Application Checklist
1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International
2. Select Campus – Online
3. Select Degree Level – Masters
4. Select Intended Program – MAT, Elementary Education (Educational Theory and Pract), [MAT_EDEL_ONL ]
5. Select Intended Term – Summer
6. Résumé or curriculum vitae – Submit online to the Graduate School.
7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a statement of purpose essay online to the Graduate School. In the statement of purpose essay, compose a narrative about three experiences in your life that have affected your thinking about teaching and learning, and how they relate to your decision to apply to the MAT program. Discuss your perspective on the challenges you anticipate in working with children and their families. Describe the personal qualities you will bring to bear in meeting these challenges, as well as what you hope to learn as a future teacher. Discuss your vision for the future as a teacher leader and how the MAT program can help you to achieve these goals. Your narrative may be in first or third person, 3-4 double-spaced pages in length, 12-point simple font. Upload your narrative into the Statement of Purpose section of the graduate school application.
8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
9. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
- Summer: May 1
Cost
Tuition rates and student fees can change each year.
Based on 2024 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $ 15,372 in tuition for an in-state resident and $ 42,552 in tuition for an out-of-state student.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition.
Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $422 per semester.
Potential additional costs include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.
Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Technology Requirements
- Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
- High-speed internet access.
Curriculum
Vision
Our vision is to prepare teacher leaders who are capable of effectively serving culturally and linguistically diverse children, families, and communities. We equip our teacher leaders with the skills to provide child-centered, inquiry driven instruction ultimately intent on advocating for equity and access to high quality educational experiences for all.
Mission
The M.A.T. in Elementary Education blends theory and practice grounded in our shared philosophy of pedagogy. Upon program completion, students will be expected to demonstrate teaching competencies related to habits of reflexive practice, integrating scholarship and research, engaging in professional collaboration, and appreciating individual differences. These elements of thought and action are viewed as key to supporting critically informed and equitable teacher decision making. The M.A.T. program is designed to offer theoretically and clinically rich experiences in diverse environments. By the end of the program, teachers will develop their identity as thought leaders and agents of change.
Program of Study
The M.A.T. in Elementary Education requires a minimum of 33 credit hours, including content courses and associated field experiences. M.A.T. Teacher candidates must (1) apply for a GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate prior to beginning field experience and (2) complete several assessments prior to certification.
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
| EDEL 6040E | Learning Ecologies I: Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Context | 3 |
| EDEL 6045E | Introduction to Elementary Education Theory and Practice | 3 |
| EDEL 6050E | Learning Ecologies II: Integrated Curriculum and Assessment | 3 |
| EDEL 6060E | Learning Ecologies III: Culturally Responsive Learning Environments and Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDEL 6070E | Learning Ecologies IV: Arts-Based Pedagogies in Elementary Education | 3 |
| EDEL 7460* | Student Teaching in Elementary Education | 3 |
| EDSE 6020E | Inclusion of Students with Special Needs: PreK-Grade 5 | 3 |
| EMAT 6420E | Mathematics Methods for PreK-Grade 8 | 3 |
| ESCI 6420E | Science for Pre-K-8th Grade | 3 |
| ESOC 7420E | Social Studies for the Young Child | 3 |
| LLED 6010E or LLED 7320E | LLED 6010E, Survey of Reading Instruction Pre-K through Grade 12 or LLED 7320E, Writers and Writing Pedagogy, Grades P-8 | 3 |
| Total | 33 |
Download Program of Study (PDF)
Advising
After the orientation for new M.A.T. students (advising for Summer and Fall), you will be assigned an M.A.T. advisor. You and your advisor will meet prior to Summer I to review your undergraduate transcripts, assess pre-certification status, and areas of needed support in your program of study. Your advisor will work with you to review your experience with content areas (mathematics, language and literacy, science, and social studies) and confirm your program of study. Guidelines for transcript review include:
- Number of courses taken
- Level of content in the content area
- Evaluation in the course
You will meet with your advisor again throughout the school year to discuss your progress through the program of study and/or address concerns.
Student Outcome Data
Useful Links
Additional Resources
Licensure
Students will earn a master’s degree and be eligible for a Georgia teacher certification in elementary education (Prekindergarten through Grade 5). This program is designed to enable you to practice in a licensed profession through initial certification in the state of Georgia. If you apply to this program from a state outside of Georgia with the plan to work in Georgia, you will be given the opportunity to attest to that intention when you apply.
An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.
Faculty
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Contact Information
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