Master of Arts in Teaching, Comprehensive Education

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.  The specific discipline is based upon your previous degree and passed licensure exam area, as determined when you apply.  Options include: Comprehensive Science (9-12), Biology (9-12), Earth Science (9-12), Physics (9-12), Chemistry (9-12), Middle Grades Science (6-9), Mathematics (9-12), and Middle Grades Mathematics (6-9).

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 
• In lieu of the GRE, a 500-750 word Statement of Purpose that includes a description of 1) Background (personal, academic, professional), 2) Current interest in the MAT, and 3) Personal, academic and/or professional goals.

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

Additional Important Information

GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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 
• In lieu of the GRE, a 500-750 word Statement of Purpose that includes a description of 1) Background (personal, academic, professional), 2) Current interest in the MAT, and 3) Personal, academic and/or professional goals.

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

Additional Important Information

GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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: (24 hours)

• 12 semester hours professional core
• 9 hours of special education methods 
• 3 semester hours of full-time internship

Phase II: (12 hours)

• 12 semester hours of advanced methods and content

State-required licensure examinations

Learn More About the Special Education Graduate Programs

Additional Important Information

Graduate School Admission Requirements