The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program is designed to prepare students with baccalaureate degrees outside of education to be outstanding elementary teachers. Graduates receive a MAT degree and are eligible to apply for initial certification in Elementary Education with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement from the State of Florida.

Students develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to four major strands:
1. Understanding children and how they learn
2. Content Knowledge
3. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4. Reflective Practice

The Cohort
This program is designed as a cohort program which allows students to take courses together in a planned sequence. Cohorts facilitate optimum learning and timely completion of the program. Such structure also allows students to form a strong network with fellow students.

While students are encouraged to begin the program in the fall, the cohort is flexible in that students entering in the spring or summer may take one course while waiting for the next fall group to begin.

Choose the Accelerated or Extended Plan
This program involves intensive immersion in graduate coursework. Students can complete the 53-credit-hour program in an accelerated five semester plan attending full time or in an extended eight semester plan.

The accelerated plan is completed in five semesters beginning with each fall term.

• Semester course loads are 13-14 hours and students must follow the planned schedule, that includes attendance during early afternoons and evenings. Please note: the MAT does not accommodate a full-time work schedule; student must be able to attend classes during the day, especially during summer semesters.
• Begin with three semesters of intensive coursework.
• In the second fall semester complete four mornings of practicum in a public school and then attend coursework the remainder of the week.
• In the final semester is a full-time internship in the schools.
• The cohort is supported in reflection seminars and, in some courses, is enrolled with other education students.

The extended plan is slower paced and is completed in eight semesters.

• Semester course loads are six to ten hours and students must follow the planned schedule, that includes attendance during early afternoons and evenings. Please note: the MAT does not accommodate a full-time work schedule; student must be able to attend classes during the day, especially during summer semesters.
• The cohort is supported in reflection seminars and, in some courses, is enrolled with other education students.
• During the final semester of the program the student will need to participate in a full-time schedule while completing the full-time internship in a school.