Master of Arts in Teaching Graduate Program

MAT Program Vision

We've founded the program on the premise that as a prospective teacher you will need a socially critical liberal education, thorough knowledge of your chosen discipline, knowledge of educational theory and practice, and a complex understanding of social institutions. You will also need habits of mind that include life-loving spirit, a willingness to move beyond personal comfort, and a desire to be challenged in all aspects of learning.

MAT Program Overview

Our MAT program challenges you with advanced coursework in a selected discipline and in educational studies, working toward secondary school teaching certification. We offer certification in the following subject areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• History
• Natural science (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics)

As an MAT student at Colgate, you will work closely with departments to integrate increased knowledge in your discipline with field experience in education. You will accumulate 100 hours of classroom observations before student teaching. For one full term of your program, you will student teach in a local or regional classroom, supervised by an Educational Studies faculty member — typically your adviser.

Admission

Liberal arts graduates of recognized colleges and universities are eligible to apply for admission to the MAT program. Admission requirements include:

• A strong academic background in at least one area of certification, usually the equivalent of an undergraduate major concentration
• Two semesters of a foreign language or the equivalent (these courses may be transferred from another institution and must be approved by the Educational Studies Department)
  • Alternatively, you may enroll in language courses as part of a longer-than-average MAT degree program
• Completion of the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Unless geographic distance prohibits, an interview is usually required
• A background in the social, cultural, and developmental foundations of education is also desirable (some students will acquire this background in the program)

Applications should be completed before February 15, but will be considered after this date if openings are available. Applications are available from the Educational Studies Department and should be submitted to the chair of the Educational Studies Department. To receive an application, contact: