If you already have a bachelor’s degree and would like to teach, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows you to earn an advanced degree and a teaching license at the same time.
Licensure options include: grades 6-9 science or math; grades 9-12 science, math or English; grades K-12 art, ESL, special education adapted curriculum, special education general curriculum.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more
about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process,
and meet key program representatives.Virtual Open House
Wednesday, August 9: 5-6pm
The MAT’s STEM concentration leads to an initial license for grades 6-9 or 9-12 in Science or Math at the end of phase 1 and an advanced license and master’s degree conferral at the end of phase II.
Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Phase I: (21 hours)
Phase II: (15 hours)
Exit portfolio
The MAT’s TESOL concentration leads to an initial license for grades K-12 in English as a Second Language (ESL) at the end of phase 1 and an advanced license and master’s degree conferral at the end of phase II.
Relevant bachelor of science degree from a regionally accredited institution
3.0 grade point average
Three letters of recommendation
Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Phase I: (27 hours)
Phase II: (9 hours)
Exit portfolio
The MAT’s Special Education concentration leads to an initial license for grades K-12 at the end of phase I and an advanced license and master’s degree conferral at the end of phase II. The General Curriculum track is for individuals interested in working with children and youth with mild to moderate disabilities, or the Adapted Curriculum track is for individuals interested in working with children and youth with severe disabilities.
The program consists of a professional core, pedagogy courses, and a concentration in General Curriculum for individuals interested in working with children and youth with mild to moderate disabilities or Adapted Curriculum for individuals interested in working with children and youth with severe disabilities.
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
3.0 average on last half of undergraduate program or 2.85 overall GPA
A written essay
Three letters of recommendation
Acceptance into Western Carolina University's Graduate School
Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Phase I: (30 hours)
Phase II: (9 hours)
Exit Portfolio
State-required licensure examinations
Learn More About the Special Education Graduate Programs
If you are a college graduate looking for a career change, Western Carolina University's alternative licensure programs may be a good fit for you. An alternate route to teaching in NC allows you to obtain a position and begin teaching right away, without any prior teacher training or experience.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALTERNATIVE LICENSURE AND THE RESIDENCY LICENSE