Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T.

UMES/Salisbury University: Collaborative Degree‐Granting Program

Objective of the Program

The MAT is a 39 semester‐hour professional degree program designed to prepare students for initial teacher certification. It is an alternative, collaborative degree program offered by Salisbury University (SU) and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

The MAT is intended for students who have earned a non‐teaching baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in an appropriate content area, who now wish to become teachers in a secondary school (grades 7‐12). Students may prepare for teacher certification in the following State‐approved programs at UMES: Agriculture, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, Family & Consumer Sciences, Mathematics, Music (vocal and instrumental); Social Studies and Technology.

The overall goal of the MAT program is to prepare students to become effective educators and to meet the certification and professional standards of the Maryland State Department of Education. To accomplish this goal, there are four major objectives:

1. To allow students to build upon the content knowledge they have acquired in the baccalaureate degree, adding the professional knowledge necessary for a career in teaching.
2. To prepare teachers who are well‐grounded in research, theory, and practice related to effective classroom instruction and school improvements.
3. To enable teacher candidates to develop and demonstrate sensitivity and effective interpersonal skills in working with culturally diverse populations.
4. To nurture educators who are committed, continuous learners, and contributors to the enhancement of the teaching profession.

Accreditation

UMES’ Teacher Education and School Counseling Programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

Although students must matriculate at the campus where there is a State‐approved teacher preparation program in their intended field, applicants will be admitted to the MAT program by a common UMES/SU admission process. To be admitted to the program all applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in a content area.
2. Meet the requirements for regular admission to the graduate school.
3. Take and pass Praxis I.
4. Possess an undergraduate grade‐point average of a least 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, or possess a prior graduate degree from an accredited institution.
5. Submit official transcripts from all higher institutions attended.
6. Submit three letters of recommendation that address: their personal qualities, e.g., character and academic abilities; problem solving skills, conceptual thinking, and writing and speaking skills needed to support a rigorous graduate program; and that they possess the personal determination and commitment needed to complete this program.
7. Participate in the individual structured interview session by the SU/UMES Admissions Committee.
8. Complete the MAT Application Form, including a personal statement of purpose.

The transcripts and academic credentials of all applicants will be reviewed by the UMES/SU joint MAT Admissions Committee. Appropriate academic departmental subcommittees will determine whether students possess adequate and current content coursework in the intended certification area. Individuals who lack appropriate course work will be expected to complete the identified course requirements prior to their enrollment in the internship portion of the MAT program. Students holding degrees which are more than five years old, may be required to take additional courses in the major area before taking method courses, or before the internship. No additional courses will be taken during the full‐time internship. Students must follow the school day and holiday schedule of the school system in which their internship occurs.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who possess an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 may be considered for admission to the MAT program under Provisional Status. They must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA in the first nine credit hours. A transcript review will be conducted after the first nine credit hours. Students meeting the 3.0 standard will be granted regular admission status if other provisional conditions have also been met. Those who do not meet the standard will be terminated from the program.

Retention and Exit Requirements

The specific requirements for the MAT degree are as follows:

1. Course Work
   A minimum of 39 semester hours of course work will be required for the MAT degree. All requirements must be completed within a five‐year period after admission to the program.
2. Retention
   To remain in good standing in the MAT program each UMES student must meet and maintain the following performance criteria:
   1. Earn an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
   2. Earn no more than six credit hours of C or C+ grades and no grade lower than a C.
   3. Take and pass PRAXIS II prior to beginning the student internship experience.
   4. Complete a seminar paper before the internship that meets the identified standards.
   5. Complete the program within three calendar years of advancement to candidacy.

Advisement System

Students in the MAT program have an on campus advisor throughout their course of study, who is available to serve as mentor and to advise them on academic and career plans. Students may not register for classes without discussing their program with their academic advisor and receive the advisor’s signature on the registration and drop/add forms.

Application Deadline

All fully completed applications must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than October 1 for Winter Session admission.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of six graduate credits may be accepted for transfer into the program, provided these credits are as specified (see transfer credits  section of this Catalog).

Comprehensive Portfolio Examination

Students in the UMES/SU MAT program must obtain passing scores on the portfolios they assemble as a capstone to the program. This portfolio is created under the direction of the EMAT 511 Seminar  professor and presented at the culmination of the Seminar. It shows how the candidate has met all of the INTASC standards.

Seminar Paper

All UMES students must write a seminar paper that demonstrates their ability to analyze and synthesize educational research. The student’s advisor should be consulted on the process. Seminar papers must be completed and approved by designated UMES personnel.

Internship

Completion of an internship as a full‐time teacher in a Professional Development School internship is required for completion of the degree.

For more information on this program, please contact:

Graduate Program Coordinator
Master of Arts in Teaching Program
Department of Education, Hazel Hall
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD 21853