Master of Arts in Teaching - Biology Education, MAT

Graduate Coordinator: Cailisha L. Petty Email: mrspetty@ncat.edu Phone: (336) 285-4417
Department Chair: Gerrelyn C. Patterson Email: gcpatterson@ncat.edu Phone: (336) 2854411

Situated within the College of Education’s conceptual framework of “21^st Century Professional Educators: Catalysts for Learning,” the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Biology Education program is designed for college graduates who have decided to enter the teaching profession, many of whom will already be residency license teachers. Graduates of the program are licensed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to teach Biology or related courses in grades 9 through 12. All Educator Preparation Programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The Master of Art in Teaching will enable prospective teachers, who bring content knowledge to the graduate degree, the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become excellent teachers.

Teacher Licensure: Completing the master’s degree and obtaining a teaching license are separate processes. Admission to the master’s program does not guarantee admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). To be recommended for licensure, candidates must first be formally admitted to the EPP. Failure to complete EPP admission requirements during the first semester of enrollment may result in the student’s inability register for required courses. Applicants and current students should review licensure requirements and other EPP requirements at https://www.ncat.edu/ced/departments/educator-preparation/prospective-graduate.php or visit the College of Education for guidance on specific requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• 24 hours of content-related coursework at grades of C or higher
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.80 or higher from the undergraduate degree-granting institution
• Criminal background check from county of residence
• Completed Graduate College application, including official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, letters of reference submitted online, and application fee

Program Outcomes

• Student Learning Outcome 1- Communication: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate effective communication skills to demonstrate rapport with and respect for students and create a positive and challenging learning environment that promotes mutual respect among students.
• Student Learning Outcome 2- Critical Thinking: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking to propose general supports that improves student learning related to assessed learning objectives.
• Student Learning Outcome 3- Disciplinary Expertise: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate disciplinary-specific expertise by using content pedagogical knowledge and knowledge of students to inform instructional plans. MAT candidates will also select or design formative and summative assessments that monitor student progress.
• Student Learning Outcome 4-Research/Creative Engagement: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate the ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative patterns of learning and use evidence to evaluate and change teaching practice using current research and theories.