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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.

Virtual Open House

Wednesday, April 17: 5-6:30pm

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.

Register Today




Virtual Open House

Thursday, May 2, 2024: 5-6:30 p.m.

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.

Register Today

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 
  • 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

Exit portfolio 

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

Exit portfolio 

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: (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

Graduate School Admission Requirements

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 

Concentration Contacts

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