- Academic Programs & Support
- Departments, Schools & Colleges
- College of Education and Allied Professions
- School of Teaching and Learning
- Secondary (9-12) and Special Subject (K-12) Education Programs
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Comprehensive Education
Master of Arts in Teaching, Comprehensive Education
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
Program Concentrations
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 Criteria:
- Related bachelor of science degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 3.0 grade point average
- Passing score on the State Board of Education (NCSBE) required content area examination(s) for the requested licensure area
- Three letters of recommendation
Program Requirements (36 hours):
Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Phase I: (21 hours)
- 12 semester hours professional core
- 9 semester hours of internship and seminar
Phase II: (15 hours)
- 15 semester of advanced methods and content
Exit portfolio
Additional Important Information
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.
Admission Criteria:
Relevant bachelor of science degree from a regionally accredited institution
3.0 grade point average
Three letters of recommendation
Program Requirements (36 hours):
Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Phase I: (27 hours)
- 12 semester hours professional core
- 15 semester hours advanced methods, internship, and seminar
Phase II: (9 hours)
- 9 semester of advanced methods and content
Exit portfolio
Additional Important Information
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.
Admission Criteria:
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
Program Requirements (39 hours):
Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Phase I: (30 hours)
- 27 semester hours professional core and content
- 3 semester hours of full-time internship
Phase II: (9 hours)
- 9 semester hours of advanced methods and content
Exit Portfolio
State-required licensure examinations
Learn More About the Special Education Graduate Programs
Additional Important Information
Alternative Licensure
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
