Education - Comprehensive Education (M.A.T.)

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Program Admission Requirements:

In addition to the , Graduate School Admission Requirements MAT applicants must have a grade point average of B or higher on all upper-level undergraduate coursework and a satisfactory score on the GRE. Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to judge the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study and potential as a graduate-level classroom teacher are required. A personal interview is required. In addition, candidates must have an undergraduate degree in the major of the concentration and must meet the prerequisite requirements of the department housing the concentration. Candidates 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.

Applicants for the MAT in Comprehensive Education concentration in Art must submit a letter of intent to the department head and a portfolio of their work.
Applicants for the MAT in Comprehensive Education concentration in English must submit a writing sample (such as an undergraduate paper).
Applicants for the MAT in Comprehensive Education concentration in Music must contact the Music Department to conduct an interview or schedule an audition.

Program Description:

The MAT was designed to enable students holding degrees other than education degrees to study in selected teaching programs at the graduate or advanced level. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in the major of the concentration and must meet the prerequisite requirements of the department housing the concentration. Candidates 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.

The program leading to the MAT degree in comprehensive education requires a minimum of 36-42 semester hours of graduate study. The difference in semester hours is a function of the teaching experience that the candidate brings to the program. A full-time, semester-long internship or the equivalent is required. The MAT consists of a professional core of 9-15 semester hours, 21-27 hours of concentration, teaching methods and clinical experiences (depending on concentration selected). Pending satisfactory completion of state-required licensure examinations, the program leads to a recommendation for an advanced license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Completion of degree requirements includes satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Portfolio (may be waived for National Board certification).

(For program options leading to a recommendation for licensure at the initial or baccalaureate level without completion of the MAT degree, complete the form at http://ceap.wcu.edu/ncteach/ncteacheval.html and you will be contacted.)

Professional Core except for Adaptive Special Education and General Special Education Concentrations (15 hours)

EDCI 604 - Curriculum Development Credits: 3
EDCI 607 - Foundations of Teacher Leadership in a Diverse Society Credits: 3
EDRS 602 - Methods of Research Credits: 3
PSY 621 - Advanced Educational Psychology Credits: 3
SPED 639 - Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Classrooms Credits: 3

Professional Core for Adaptive Special Education and General Special Education Concentrations (9 hours)

PSY 621 - Advanced Educational Psychology Credits: 3
SPED 620 - Education in a Diverse Society Credits: 3
3 hours from:
EDCI 604 - Curriculum Development Credits: 3
or
EDCI 605 - Foundations of Modern Education Credits: 3
or
EDCI 613 - The Teacher Leader Credits: 3

Concentrations (21-27 hours)

Adaptive Special Education (K-12), Art (K-12), Biology (9-12), Birth-Kindergarten (B-K), Chemistry (9-12), English (9-12), General Special Education, Mathematics (9-12), Music (K-12), Physical Education (K-12), Social Sciences (9-12), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (K-12)