Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education (Grades 6 – 12)
Teach full-time and earn an income while completing your master's degree.
Program Purpose and Objectives
This rigorous 15-month graduate program leads to a Louisiana teaching certificate in grades 6 – 12 in addition to the Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Education (MAT-S) degree. Completers of the program will be certified to teach –the following subjects in Grades 6-12: Biology, Chemistry, English, Environmental Science, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Spanish).
Upon enrolling in the MAT-S program, students will select one of two pathways to complete their teaching residency. While students may choose a traditional student teaching arrangement, they may also apply for a full-time, salaried teaching job with provisional licensure (PL3). The latter option requires students to teach full-time during the fall and spring semesters while completing coursework. Students are encouraged to contact Margaret Piccoli, PhD in the Office of Professional Experiences, for assistance finding a full-time teaching position.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Students interested in the MAT-S program should contact the Program Director, Jennifer Cook, PhD with any questions. Applications must be submitted through the Graduate School and are due by May 1st annually. Coursework begins in late May.
- Transcripts (GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or on the last 60 hours of coursework)
- Passing Praxis subject-specific exam score
- 3 letters of recommendation that address your potential for success in this program
- Personal statement that describes: 1) your interest in our program and the field of education and 2) your experience that would contribute to your success in our program
The program requires 36 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Although not required, it is recommended that applicants hold a degree (or related degree) or have completed at least 30 hours of coursework in the subject area they wish to teach.
Applicants may include candidates with degrees and seniors finishing their programs by the May before enrollment. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the MAT-S program, as all applications are reviewed by program faculty.
Course Requirements
EDCI 4460 Planning, Managing, and Evaluating School Instruction (3 credits)
EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3 credits)
EDCI 7135 Techniques for Teaching Literacy in the Middle and Secondary School (3 credits)
EDCI 4465 Seminar: Reflective Teaching in Secondary Subjects (3 credits)
EDCI 7460 Fall Practicum in Secondary Schools (9 credits)
EDCI 7461 Spring Practicum in Secondary Schools (9 credits)
ELECTIVE Graduate level elective that may be taken in summer 1 if student prefers
EDCI 7455 Foundations of Secondary Educational Theory, Policy & Practice (3 credits)
Other Program Requirements
- The MAT-S Program requires 36 hours. The Program Director must approve all programs of study.
- Students must meet all teacher certification requirements set by the state of Louisiana before completing their graduate degree, including PRAXIS requirements.
- Teacher candidates will be required to attend bi-weekly meetings as determined by their University Clinical Faculty Supervisor.
- All students, except those specializing in French or Spanish, must pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7–12 exam before graduation. Students specializing in French or Spanish must pass the Word Language Pedagogy exam. It is recommended that these exams be taken in the final semester of the program.
Teacher Education Disclosure
The MAT-Secondary Education (Grades 6-12) program meets the educational eligibility criteria for grades 6-12 certification in Biology, Chemistry, English, Environmental Science, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, or Spanish in the State of Louisiana. Graduates of this Louisiana state-approved teacher preparation program will qualify for a Level 1 Professional Certificate. Graduates of the program who wish to teach in another U.S. state or country may require additional eligibility criteria to qualify for licensure and/or certification in those locations. We are unable to confirm the licensure and/or certification requirements of other states or countries. Therefore, if you intend to pursue such credentialing in another state or elsewhere, it is advised that you contact the applicable state or country credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if this program meets the applicable eligibility criteria. If you have additional questions in this regard, please contact us to assist you in your career planning.
Procedures for filing appeals and complaints are accessed here.