Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Licensure
Overview
Designed for aspiring teachers and career-changers, the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education* provides an appreciation for and an understanding of the diverse educational needs, social concerns, and cultural values of today’s elementary and secondary schools. This graduate degree in teaching will enhance your foundational skills, broaden your perspectives, and strengthen your ability to inspire and educate. Upon completing this master's degree, which includes a full term of student teaching, you will be well positioned to make a meaningful impact in your school, in your community, and in the lives of your students.
Program Objectives
- Gain political, social, and historical perspectives on education
- Explore the richly complex environments of schools and communities
- Develop a working understanding of teaching and learning in diverse settings
- Investigate how humans learn, acquire knowledge, and make sense of their experiences
- Examine theories of teaching and explore how best to teach for understanding and learning achievement
- Research methods and materials, pedagogies, and assessment strategies that foster integrated learning
*The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) has been approved at the initial licensure level by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Curriculum
Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Licensure Curriculum
Required Courses (36 q.h.)
Complete all of the following courses:
| EDU 6051 | Race and Ethnicity in Education | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6086 | Foundations of Literacy Development and Instruction | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6104 | Child and Adolescent Development, Learning, and Teaching | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6107 | Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6154 | Inquiry in the Sciences and Humanities | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6155 | Inquiry in Mathematics | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6185 | English Language Learners in the General Education Classroom | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6866 | Supervised Teaching Practicum* | 8 q.h. |
*Students must successfully pass all sections of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in order to qualify to participate in the practicum course. If you are enrolled in the full-time 12-month MAT program, we recommend you explore taking the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) as soon as possible. Visit www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/ for more information on registration and test dates.
Elective Courses (8 q.h.)
Students may select two elective courses
Total Quarter Hours: 44
What will your course sequence look like?
Many prospective students want to understand the order in which they should take courses, as well as when certain courses are offered. For a sample course schedule, please review the Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Licensure Course Sequence.
MAT+
Looking to deepen your knowledge and expertise?
The MAT+ provides qualifying students with the opportunity to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with further study in a selected area of expertise. Currently, students can take additional course work to earn either an additional license in special education (teacher of students of moderate disabilities, PreK-8 or 5-12), or a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).
MAT+ in Special Education
This Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved program may be completed with only an additional 10 quarter hours beyond the standard MAT curriculum. Qualifying students must take the seven licensure courses outlined in the MAT curriculum, select qualifying special education courses for the 2 elective course options (within the MAT curriculum) and 3 additional special educations courses.
The special education course requirements are:
| 1 | Advanced Special Education Course | 4 q.h. |
| 1 | Advanced Literacy Course | 4 q.h. |
| 1 | Advanced Behavior Management Course | 4 q.h. |
| 1 | Assessment Course | 4 q.h. |
| 1 | Practicum, Portfolio, and Panel Review | 2 q.h. |
MAT+ in TESOL
Changing demographics and changing definitions have created a deficit of teachers who have a strong grounding in English as a Second Language. To combat this, the School of Education has established the MAT+ TESOL. This program combines research, theory and technique with real-life observation and classroom experience to prepare K-12 teachers with the skills to meet the challenges of diverse classrooms. Qualifying students must take the seven licensure courses outlined in the MAT curriculum, and 5 additional courses (outlined below). Upon completion of the MAT+ TESOL, instructors will receive a MAT and a graduate certificate in TESOL.
The TESOL course requirements are:
| EDU 6302 | Teaching, Learning, and Assessment | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6300 | Introduction to Language and Linguistics | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6516 | Sheltered Content Instruction | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6534 | Bilingual, Second Language, and Literacy Development | 4 q.h. |
| EDU 6874 | Practicum, Portfolio, and Panel Review | 2 q.h. |
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that all teachers of moderate disabilities pass the Foundations of Reading MTEL. Elementary teachers already have the requirements; secondary teachers will need to add that subtest.
What will your course sequence look like?
Many prospective students want to understand the order in which they should take courses, as well as when certain courses are offered. For a sample course schedule, please review the Master of Arts in Teaching PLUS, Elementary Licensure Course Sequence.
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $19,316.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This program is designed for individuals who desire to become teachers. While prior teaching experience is not necessary, an undergraduate degree is required.
Graduates of this program typically work as teachers in elementary schools in both public and private school systems.
Sarah B.
Program: MAT+ in Elementary Education
Graduation Date: Spring 2012
Why she chose the College of Professional Studies:
"I chose Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies - Master of Arts in Teaching program because the combination of online and evening classes allows me to work and attend school at the same time. On top of this flexibility, the program also provides a community of professors and peers who are supportive, knowledgeable, and committed to teaching and learning in urban environments."
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of teachers is expected to grow approximately 13 percent—the average pace for all occupations. Teachers who specialize in fields such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education or are willing to work urban districts, rural areas or states with increasing populations will be in greater demand. Most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers who are expected to retire between now and 2018.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
- Call Toll Free:
- 877.668.7727
- Email:
- Contact Us
Upcoming Academic Term Dates
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Spring Term
April 9, 2012 (6- & 12-week classes)
May 21, 2012 (6-week classes) -
Summer Term
July 2, 2012 (8-, 6-, and 4- week classes)
July 30, 2012 (4-week classes)