All coursework in the MAT professional core is 100% online. Most concentration option coursework is also 100% online or offered in hybrid format to limit evening coursework. At most, MAT students in secondary and P-12 concentrations may have up to three courses that are not 100% online. All coursework for elementary and IECE are 100% online. Candidates are required to complete clinical hours at an assigned public school during school hours.
Candidates seeking admission to an initial licensure MAT program must complete the following:
- Submit an online application to the Graduate School indicating a bachelor’s degree including all official transcripts from accredited colleges attended except Eastern Kentucky University.
- Provide evidence of the following prior to being accepted into the program: A bachelor’s or master’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale OR a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. (EPSB regulation 16 KAR 5:020 requires a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.)
- Students who do not have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 must complete the GRE to meet the Graduate School Entrance Exam requirement.
- Must have an undergraduate Major, Minor or a minimum of 24 hours of the content in the field in which certification is being sought for middle grades and secondary/p-12 content areas. (this does not apply to other areas such as elementary).
- Middle grades, secondary, and P-12 mentioned above require a passing score on the praxis for their selected certification area [not the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) –only the content exam] either before entering the MAT program or within the first semester of the MAT program.
BE SURE to request that your Praxis Content/certification scores be sent to EKU -CODE 1200.
Submit your documents to the Alternative Certification Specialist, Ms. Karen Dickens by email to certification.alternative_routes@EKU.EDU:
- A professional resume
- An autobiography documenting relevant life/work/educational experience
- Three letters of reference
- Complete two written assignments, given by the department, that assess critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.
- ESSAY #1 – In an essay (3-4 pages each) describe a situation (professional, educational or other) in which you exhibited the following qualities:
- Critical Thinking
- Creativity
- Communication
- Collaboration
- ESSAY #2 – In an essay (3-4 pages), describe how you will practice critical thinking, creativity, positive communication and collaboration in your future teaching career.
- Complete two (2) background checks:
- Verified Credentials Background check –Instructions on this webpage –Verified Credentials
- Child Abuse or Neglect (CAN) Check –Instructions found here.
- Complete an interview with the Master of Arts in Teaching admission committee
- Candidates must complete and sign a Candidate Statement of Commitment Regarding Dispositions form. (Will be completed during the admission interview.)
- Candidates must complete and sign a “Personal and Professional Fitness Declaration” form. This process includes a review of the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Personnel established in 16 KAR1:020. (Will be completed during the admission interview.)
NOTE: Based upon applicant disclosure, an interview by the Professional Education Admission Committee may be required.
For advising questions, please contact:
Dr. Julie Rutland, MAT Program Coordinator
julie.rutland@eku.edu or 859-622-1043
In addition, candidates seeking Option 6 Alternative Route contact:
Ms. Karen Dickens, Alternative Certification Specialist
Bert Combs 425521
Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
certification.alternative_routes@eku.edu
