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Education

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

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41-52 Credit Hours

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Up To 9 Hours

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EKU Online > Online Education Degrees & Certificates > Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Leverage Your Non-Teaching Bachelor’s Degree to Begin a Rewarding Teaching Career

The master of arts in teaching is a graduate degree program for individuals who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a teacher.

Educators with outside work experience bring a unique perspective to their classrooms, helping to enrich the student experience. Our flexible online MAT program combines teacher licensure preparation and the coursework needed for a master’s degree, allowing you to advance your education and start an exciting new chapter in your career.

Our EPSB-approved curriculum focuses on education best practices and promotes knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the unique needs of different student populations.

EKU offers 5 MAT concentrations designed to meet the growing needs of school districts across the United States. Educators leave our program prepared to serve in a variety of roles and to help students at all levels reach their full potential.

*If you will be teaching outside Kentucky, please consult with your state’s licensing agency to determine whether our program will meet your state’s licensure requirements.

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Benefits
Rank System
Option 6
Disciplines
Careers

Benefits of EKU Online

EKU is dedicated to preparing the highest quality educators and related professionals for Kentucky and beyond. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as content, effective pedagogical skills, and dispositions that foster life-long growth and learning.

  • EPSB-approved
  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • No campus visits required
  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • Reduced tuition for active duty service members and their spouses
  • FREE transcript evaluation service to learn what concentrations you are qualified to pursue in the MAT program
  • Assignments and action research that build critical thinking skills
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on-campus
  • Core curriculum focused on training teachers as leaders while gaining expertise in a selected area
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online career services assistance
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment
  • Study any time, from anywhere
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees

Advancing in Rank

Teachers in Kentucky are held to a three-tiered rank system. By completing additional education programs, teachers are able to advance their rank, leading to increased salary and promotion potential.

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for conferring rank and rank changes. EKU prepares educators with the required coursework and experience but does not award initial rank or changes to rank.

Learn More About Advancing in Rank

Option 6 Active Kentucky Teachers (verified through COEAHS), are eligible for the discounted educator tuition of $395 per credit hour. Please talk to an enrollment advisor for additional information and verification process details.

Disciplines

EKU’s graduate education programs are divided into three disciplines:

  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
  • Special Education
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Career Opportunities

Overall employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*. Growth will remain steady due to the fact that early childhood education is widely recognized as important for a child’s intellectual and emotional development. Overall employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*. Growth in the state of Kentucky is expected to be faster due to a high number of teacher retirements.

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Degree Concentrations

Graduate education programs begin at 41 credit hours, but can be longer depending on the program and options selected.

MAT Elementary Education

Elementary education is a 47-hour program designed for individuals who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming an elementary teacher. All coursework is 100% online to allow students greater flexibility in their studies. Most students complete the program in 5-6 semesters. Clinical education degree program requiring some weekly availability for clinical, school-based experiences during Fall and Spring semesters

Sample Courses

  • ELE 822: Mathematics Foundations P-5
  • ELE 820: Literacy Foundations P-5
  • EMS 810: Emerging Instructional Technology
  • ELE 823: Math Content, Pedagogy and Assess, Grades P-5

For a full list of courses and course descriptions please see the University graduate catalog.

Career options include: Elementary education teacher, specialist or coach (P-12), teacher leader educator

MAT Middle Grades Education

Middle Grades education is a 44-hour program designed for individuals who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a middle grades teacher. The MAT middle grades concentration is designed for students who hold a prior degree in English/communications, mathematics, sciences, or social studies or in a related area.  Those seeking middle grades certification may choose one OR two content areas.  MAT candidates must have a minimum of 24 hours of content coursework (undergraduate/graduate) in each of the chosen content area(s) before completion of the program.

Sample Courses

  • CED 830: Curriculum and Instructional Design
  • EMS 810: Emerging Instructional Technology
  • ESE 743 Teaching of Language Arts in the Secondary School (courses also available in social studies, mathematics and science)
  • ETL 805: Research Methods for Education Professionals

For a full list of courses and course descriptions please see the University graduate catalog.

Career options include: Middle grades education teacher, specialist or coach (P-12), teacher leader educator

MAT Secondary Education

Secondary education is a 44-hour program designed for individuals who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a teacher in one of several discipline specific areas.

EKU’s online MAT degree allows students to maximize their strengths, previous education and experience by offering multiple program tracks:

Certification in Grades P-12

  • Art
  • French
  • Health Education
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Physical Education and Health – Dual Certification
  • School Health
  • Spanish

Certification in Grades 5-12

  • Agriculture
  • Business and Marketing
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Family and Consumer Science
  • Industrial Technology

Certification in Grades 8-12

  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Science

For a full list of courses and course descriptions please see the University graduate catalog.

Career options include: Teacher in elementary, middle or high schools; specialist or coach (P-12); teacher leader educator.

MAT Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE)

The MAT with a concentration in IECE is a 44 – 46 credit hour program  of study to prepare professionals to work in public school (preschool and kindergarten), Head Start, and private settings. The IECE teaching certification also prepares professionals to work as developmental interventionists for children age birth to 3 and their families. 

Sample Courses

  • SED 811 IECE Assessment
  • SED 825 Language Disorders of Students with Disabilities
  • SED 827 Early Childhood Special Education Partnerships
  • SED 837 Applied Behavior Analysis

For a full list of courses and course descriptions please see the University graduate catalog.

Career options include: Developmental Interventionist (First Steps), public preschool teacher; Kindergarten teacher, Kentucky Department of Education Special Education services; Kentucky’s Office for Early Childhood, administrators of early childhood programs.

MAT Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and DHH with Sign Proficiency

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with DHH or DHH with Sign Proficiency is a 52 credit hour program of study to prepare educators to meet the individual linguistic, educational, cognitive, and social needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing across a variety of educational settings. Courses in ASL 101 and 102 must be completed prior to or before completion of the program. Candidates with proficient ASL skills as evidenced by successful completion of the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) test are eligible for the DHH with Sign Proficiency option which allows one to teach ASL as a world language in schools.

Sample Courses

  • SED 738: Language of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • SED 780: Audiology for Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • SED 781: Speech for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • SED 825: Language Disorders of Students with Disabilities

For a full list of courses and course descriptions please see the University graduate catalog.

Career options include: Special education teacher or deaf education teacher in elementary, middle or high schools; preschool and developmental interventionist.

Education Faculty

Enrollment

John Hepner, Enrollment Advisor

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor John Hepner for information about the EKU Online Graduate Education programs.

Contact Info:
859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Schedule An Appointment

Application Deadlines

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A August 1 August
Fall B October 1 October
Spring A December 1 January
Spring B March 1 March

Admission Requirements

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.)
  3. Students who do not have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 must complete the GRE to meet the Graduate School Entrance Exam requirement.
  4. 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).
  5. 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:

  1. A professional resume
  2. An autobiography documenting relevant life/work/educational experience
  3. Three letters of reference
  4.  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.
  5. Complete two (2) background checks:
    • Verified Credentials Background check –Instructions on this webpage –Verified Credentials
    • Child Abuse or Neglect (CAN) Check –Instructions found here.
  6. Complete an interview with the Master of Arts in Teaching admission committee
  7. Candidates must complete and sign a  Candidate Statement of Commitment Regarding Dispositions form. (Will be completed during the admission interview.)
  8. 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

Additional Contact Information

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Success

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With EKU Online, there is no requirement to log on at a certain time, which leaves me able to schedule my week on my terms. I can complete my coursework when needed and still be involved in all the things my family enjoys doing.

Samantha O'LearyEKU Online Education Graduate
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Online Military Students

EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.

Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.

*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.

“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”

– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate

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Heath Bergmann
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