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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

  1. Ranked in the top 10 elementary teacher education programs by U.S. News & World Report
  2. Designed with working adults in mind, and can be completed Summer-to-Summer in as little as four semesters
  3. Small cohorts allow one-on-one and small group mentorship and supervision
  4. Program includes clinically rich field experiences in schools and classrooms aligned with our core mission and values
  5. 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.

CourseCourse TitleCredits
EDEL 6040ELearning Ecologies I: Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Context3
EDEL 6045EIntroduction to Elementary Education Theory and Practice3
EDEL 6050ELearning Ecologies II: Integrated Curriculum and Assessment3
EDEL 6060ELearning Ecologies III: Culturally Responsive Learning Environments and Classroom Management3
EDEL 6070ELearning Ecologies IV: Arts-Based Pedagogies in Elementary Education3
EDEL 7460*Student Teaching in Elementary Education3
EDSE 6020EInclusion of Students with Special Needs: PreK-Grade 53
EMAT 6420EMathematics Methods for PreK-Grade 83
ESCI 6420EScience for Pre-K-8th Grade3
ESOC 7420ESocial Studies for the Young Child3
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-83
Total33

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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