Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T)

Students wishing to obtain teacher certification may major in any field for which they have a passion and take courses as electives that are pre-requisites for our one-year, accelerated "Master of Arts in Teaching" (M.A.T.) degree. Students will earn a B.A. degree in their major and a masters of arts in teaching upon completion of the M.A.T. program.

Certification programs exist for elementary certification in grades one through six, and secondary English math, social studies, biology, chemistry, physics, and theater for grades seven through twelve.  Art, music, and foreign language majors may also certify in their disciplines for grades preK-12. It is also possible for an individual to add certification in early childhood education to the elementary certificate. All of the teacher certification programs available through this MAT degree have full program approval from the Maryland State Department of Education and lead to reciprocity for certification in a majority of other states.

Application Process

The M.A.T. program begins on July 1 and concludes June 30 of the following year. Applicants must complete an application and return it by mail to the Admissions Office by October 1. The application includes:

1. Submit the application, completed and signed, along with the required essay, and $50.00 non-refundable fee to the Office of Admissions. Current students must apply through the Portal. Portal information and PDF application.
2. Arrange with all institutions of higher education to have your official transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions. If you are a current St. Mary's College of Maryland student completing an undergraduate degree, submit a transcript that includes your course work in progress for the fall term.
3. Submit scores (or registration form) for one of the following tests to the Office of Admissions:
   • PRAXIS I pre-professional skills tests in reading, writing, and math
   • SAT
   • ACT
   • GRE
   Have these scores sent directly to SMCM from the Educational Testing Service. Please send scores to the Maryland State Department of Educatio
4. Arrange to have two faculty members who have taught you in upper-division courses in your major field send letters of recommendation (use the enclosed form) to the Office of Admissions. Arrange to have someone who has supervised you in interactions with children or young adults submit a general letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions as well. If it has been more than five years since you completed your undergraduate degree and you are unable to solicit such letters, please contact faculty in Educational Studies for other options. NOTE: Education faculty and staff do not write recommendations.
5. Application and supporting documentation are due to the Office of Admissions by October 1. Admissions decision letters will be mailed by mid-December. Late applications may be considered until April of the cohort year.

Individuals who submit the completed application by the deadline and who meet all the requirements for admission will be invited to participate in a group interview on campus. Any questions or comments should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 1-800-492-7181 or at admissions@smcm.edu.

Download the M.A.T. Application (PDF ~288 KB)

Download the Insert to the M.A.T. Paper Application *Required* (PDF ~88 KB)

Visit the SMCM Educational Studies Web Site