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

The Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education at the University of Georgia is designed for individuals seeking initial teacher certification in grades PK-5. The program blends theory and practice grounded in a shared philosophy of critical pedagogy. We prepare teacher-leaders who are capable of engaging culturally and linguistically diverse children, families, and communities.

The Summer-to-Summer program (four semesters) is flexible, accessible, and designed for working adults. The program offers online courses in content areas such as language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science, as well as courses in foundations of elementary education and learning ecologies; reading strategies; integrating curriculum and assessment; responsive teaching and environments; and arts-based pedagogies. The M.A.T. program offers theoretically and clinically rich experiences in diverse environments that encourage teachers to develop their identity as thought leaders and agents of change.

We are seeking education professionals and others with a passion for teaching, a wealth of experience, and a drive to engage children and young people in Georgia and beyond.

Highlights

1. Ranked in the top 10 elementary teacher education programs by U.S. News & World Report
2. Designed with working adults in mind, and can be completed Summer-to-Summer in as little as four semesters
3. Small cohorts allow one-on-one and small group mentorship and supervision
4. Program includes clinically rich field experiences in schools and classrooms aligned with our core mission and values
5. Endorsements such as the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) may be included in program of study

The M.A.T. in Elementary Education accepts applicants for Summer admission. Eligible applications must have a bachelor’s degree and a 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale cumulative GPA. While completing your Graduate School application, please complete the following sections:

Online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75

2. Select Campus – Online

3. Select Degree Level – Masters

4. Select Intended Program – MAT, Elementary Education (Educational Theory and Pract), [MAT_EDEL_ONL ]

5. Select Intended Term – Summer

6. Résumé or curriculum vitae – Submit online to the Graduate School.

7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a statement of purpose essay online to the Graduate School. In the statement of purpose essay, compose a narrative about three experiences in your life that have affected your thinking about teaching and learning, and how they relate to your decision to apply to the MAT program. Discuss your perspective on the challenges you anticipate in working with children and their families. Describe the personal qualities you will bring to bear in meeting these challenges, as well as what you hope to learn as a future teacher. Discuss your vision for the future as a teacher leader and how the MAT program can help you to achieve these goals. Your narrative may be in first or third person, 3-4 double-spaced pages in length, 12-point simple font. Upload your narrative into the Statement of Purpose section of the graduate school application.

8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

9. Letters of Recommendation (optional) – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education program leads to Professional Licensure.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state. The Professional License Disclosure link opens in a new tab. 's Professional License Disclosure

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges