The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) is a graduate degree that leads to eligibility for initial teacher certification in the state of Maryland. The program can be completed in as little as one year. Students who need a more flexible option can complete courses on a part-time basis.
The M.A.T. 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. Two tracks are available: general education and special education.
Graduates of the M.A.T. program are eligible for teacher certification in the general education tracks of early childhood, elementary and secondary education.
Students in the general education track have two options to complete the program: the one-year option and the extended year option.
The one-year option requires a full-time commitment to courses and field placements. Part-time field placements are required during the fall term; a full-time internship is completed in the spring term. This option is completed in four terms, and begins only in the summer.
The extended year option requires a minimum of two years to complete. Students may begin this option in any term. Late afternoon and evening courses are offered each term, and most begin at 4:20 p.m. The final fall and spring terms require a commitment to courses and field placements. Part-time field placements are required during the fall term; a full-time internship is completed in the final spring term.
Graduates of the M.A.T. program are eligible for teacher certification in the special education tracks of infant/primary, elementary/middle or secondary/adult education.
The accelerated option requires 18 months to complete. This option begins only in the spring semester when courses are taken part-time in the evening. During the summer, fall, minimester and spring semesters, students have program requirements throughout the day and some evenings. The final fall and spring terms require a commitment to courses and field placements. Part-time field placements are required during the fall term; a full-time internship is completed in the spring term.
The special education track is available only as an extended-year option, and requires a minimum of two years to complete. Students may begin this option in any term. Late afternoon and evening courses are offered each term, and most begin at 4:20 p.m. The final fall and spring terms require a commitment to courses and field placements. Part-time field placements are required during the fall term; a full-time internship is completed in the spring term.
A transcript analysis determines the content area prerequisites you may be required to complete in addition to MAT program course work. While an analysis can be completed when application materials are received, prior completion of the analysis allows for a quicker admissions decision.
Please send a brief cover letter stating your intended area of concentration along with your name, mailing address, email address and telephone number. Also include an official or unofficial copy of your transcripts from all two- and four-year colleges/universities you have attended. If you submit official transcripts to the MAT office, they will be shared with the Graduate Admissions office.
Transcript analysis requests can be emailed to mat AT_TOWSON or mailed to:
MAT Program Coordinator
College of Education
Towson University
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252
You will receive written notification of your transcript analysis results via email. Any missing content area prerequisites required for the program will be identified. To see the content checklists for each area, visit Admission Requirements & Deadlines.
In order to join the One-Year option for General Education or the Accelerated Option for Special Education, you must have all but two content area prerequisites completed. It is highly recommended that you request a transcript analysis at least two semesters prior to the start of either program. This will give you time to complete any prerequisite content course(s) and be eligible for admission to the programs.
In addition to completing the M.A.T. program requirements, the Maryland State Department of Education requires that all applicants for state teaching licensure successfully complete the Maryland State Department of Education Basic Skills Requirement in their area of specialization.
Applicants must submit official transcripts, an admission essay, one official narrative letter of recommendation (online recommendation required) and a resume. Official electronic documentation of passing scores on the Praxis Core or another accepted standardized test must also be submitted. A transcript analysis is required before a student can be considered for admission.
More detailed information on admission requirements, an Admissions Checklist and application deadlines can be found here.
In order to successfully complete the MAT program and graduate, teacher candidates must:
The most up-to-date information on tuition costs is available from the Bursar’s Office.
You can also review the Cost of Attendance Budgets for more information.
View scholarship opportunities for the Master of Arts in Teaching.
Visit Towson University’s Office of Financial Aid for more information regarding aid for graduate students.
Presenting a professional portfolio that demonstrates attainment of national performance standards is a key summative project and program outcome.