Department of
Educational Studies

Master of Arts in Teaching: MAT Program

The Masterful Teacher: A Reflective Practitioner - Facilitating Achievement in Communities of Diverse Learners

The faculty of St. Mary’s College believes that offering a certification program through an accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree will allow its students to take full advantage of the rich undergraduate curriculum available at our college – to spend a semester abroad, to complete a double major, to take elective courses in many diverse areas, to try interdisciplinary courses – and then to be able to synthesize that richly textured content background with graduate courses in education so they can better serve their future students.

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. Our program completers have a 100% pass rate on the PRAXIS exams, and our hiring rate for those who choose to teach, is 100%. The Master of Arts is a full-time, year-long program requiring participants to be in county public schools from the beginning of the program. The mentor/cooperating teachers at the school sites provide support and expertise that will prepare the student to meet the challenge of the beginning teacher, translating theory into practice.

Admissions Process

1. Submit the application, completed and signed, along with the required essay, and $50.00 non-refundable fee to the Office of Admissions: MAT Application (PDF), MAT Application Insert (PDF)
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 Education. Additionally, candidates must take and pass the appropriate PRAXIS II content test prior to the starting date for the program.  The list of tests for the various certification areas can be found at <http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/certification/certification_branch/testing_information/praxis2> (Note:  candidates will have to complete the appropriate PRAXIS II pedagogy test during the MAT year to qualify for program completion.)
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.

St. Mary’s College does not discriminate or condone discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital status in any College activities or functions including, but not limited to, its admissions, programs, or employment practices. Inquiries concerning the College’s responsibility may be directed to the College’s Affirmative Action/EEOC Officer at 240-895-4309.

Program Completion

M.A.T. participants who successfully complete the program course work with a 3.0 average or better, successfully complete all aspects of the internship, submit an acceptable portfolio, and achieve passing scores on the appropriate PRAXIS II tests will be eligible for “approved program” certification in Maryland. Names of program completers will be sent to the Maryland State Department of Education, after which individuals may apply for their teaching certificate. Individuals who meet criteria are eligible for Maryland’s “Meritorious New Teacher Candidate” title, which simplifies certification across state borders. Approved program certification allows for reciprocity with minimal additional requirements in approximately 37 other states.

Other Important Information

• There are no residential/on-campus living options for M.A.T. students during the regular academic year. Housing is available for the mid-May through June traditional summer session.
• All internship experiences will be fulfilled in either St. Mary’s County or Baltimore City public schools.
• All program participants are charged full-time tuition for the fall and spring terms.
• All program participants pay the per-credit rate for the July (Summer I – 11 cr) course work and for the May/June (Summer II – 2 cr) course work, as well as the per-credit rate for any courses taken at the undergraduate level through “Continuing Education” or in the traditional summer session. Students who plan to earn the EDEL/ECE credentials will pay additional tuition (a per-credit charge) for the requisite methods courses for those credentials.
• All program participants will pay a $1,330 M.A.T. Program fee, in addition to all regular full-time student fees
• All admitted students will be required to bring a personal laptop computer with them into the program; specifications will be provided in the admissions letter.
• The program will admit approximately 40 students a year, with approximately 25 elementary candidates and 15 secondary/K-12 candidates enrolled.
• The program is a full-time cohort program; that is, there are no electives and no options for part-time enrollment.
• Students should check with the Business Office at 240-895 4315 for summer session balance. Payment is due at time of registration. Fall tuition bills are mailed in mid-June with payment due in July; spring tuition bills are mailed in mid November with payment due in December. Students will be canceled from classes for non-payment.
• Out-of-state students who complete their degree at SMCM and then enter the M.A.T. program will be charged in-state tuition for their graduate year.
• Though not a requirement for admission, students are strongly encouraged to take the PRAXIS II content area examinations in the areas you intend to teach while still an undergraduate. The tests may be better to manage while you are still taking content-related coursework. If you have questions, please contact the Director of Teacher Education.