Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tel
Welcome to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Arkansas Tech University where your passion for education meets excellence.
Our MAT program offers the comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and specialized knowledge that you need to become a confident and inspiring educator. With a curriculum that blends theory and practice, you'll be equipped to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.
Join us and take the next step in shaping the future of education – one student at a time.
Explore our program and begin your journey toward transforming lives through teaching.
Candidates who complete the program of study may be recommended to Arkansas Department of Education for licensure as teachers in the grade ranges and content areas listed below:
K-12 Art, Music, and Physical Education and Health
4-12 Business
4-8 Middle Level Education
7-12 Secondary Education
English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science
Unconditional Admission
Students are eligible to apply for unconditional admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program, if they meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the Graduate College.
- Applicants must meet a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or a 3.0 GPA in the last 30 hours.
- Approval from the Program Director.
Conditional Admission
Applicants who fail to meet one or more of the requirements above may be accepted conditionally provided certain deficiencies are corrected prior to the completion of twelve (12) semester hours of graduate work.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| MTLL 6003 | School Organization and Leadership for Teacher Leaders | 3 |
| MTLL 6123 | Instructional Leadership for the Master Teacher | 3 |
| MTLL 6133 | Elements of Curriculum | 3 |
| MTLL 6163 | Communication Advocacy & Policy Development for the Master Teacher | 3 |
| EDFD 6003 | Educational Research | 3 |
| or MTLL 6113 | Action Research and Data Analysis for School and Classroom Use |
| EDFD 6503 | Classroom Behavioral Management | 3 |
| MAMS 5333 | Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas | 3 |
| MTLL 6143 | Organizational Change and the Role of the Master Teacher | 3 |
| MTLL 6253 | Advanced Curriculum Design | 3 |
| MTLL 6553 | Internship Practicum | 3 |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 |
- Courses meet synchronously, online via Webex.
- A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit with a grade point average of "B" or better may be transferred from an accredited graduate school if deemed appropriate to the graduate program by the program director or department head.
Additional courses required by Arkansas State Department for licensure purposes:
- Arkansas History for Middle Level and Secondary social studies majors.
- Completion of a Prescribed Pathway for the Awareness Level of the Science of Reading.
- An internship in the public school must be successfully completed.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Arkansas Tech University is aligned with InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) Standards, Arkansas Educator Competencies and Standards, and Arkansas Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS).
The MAT program at ATU prepares candidates to become highly effective educators through the master of pedagogical and content knowledge, student engagement, assessment practices, and professional ethics to ensure candidates are classroom-ready on graduation.
Expected Learning Outcomes
1. Mastery of Subject-Specific Content and Curriculum Design
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of Arkansas Content Standards in the selected subject area.
- Develop engaging, standards-based lesson plans that align with state and national curriculum requirements.
- Adapt instructional materials to meet the needs of students.
2. Effective Instructional Planning and Delivery
- Apply research-based teaching strategies to promote critical thinking and active learning.
- Use differentiated instruction to support varied learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Integrate technology and digital tools into instruction to enhance student engagement.
3. Classroom Management and Student Engagement
- Implement positive behavior management strategies aligned with TESS and InTASC principles.
- Create a student-centered learning environment that fosters collaboration, respect, and engagement.
- Develop and maintain relationships with students that encourage motivation and academic success.
4. Data-Driven Instruction and Assessment
- Design and administer formative, interim, and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Analyze student data to differentiate instruction and improve learning outcomes.
- Use assessment results to provide constructive feedback and adjust teaching methods.
5. Collaboration with Stakeholders
- Work effectively with parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members to support student success.
- Engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to share best practices and enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Serve as an educational leader and advocate for policies that improve student learning.
6. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Education
- Demonstrate an understanding of education laws, ethics, and professional responsibilities in Arkansas.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity in interactions with students and families.
- Adhere to the Arkansas Code of Ethics for Educators and uphold high standards of professionalism.
8. Professional Growth and Lifelong Learning
- Engage in continuous professional development to improve instructional effectiveness.
- Reflect on teaching practices and set goals for professional improvement.
- Stay updated with current research and educational trends in middle level and secondary education.
9. Preparation for Arkansas Teacher Licensure
- Successfully complete all required Praxis Subject Assessments for licensure.
- Demonstrate proficiency in Arkansas Teaching Standards and TESS components through field experiences.
- Apply knowledge from coursework in real-world teaching settings through supervised practicum and internships.
This program ensures that graduates are fully prepared to meet Arkansas licensure requirements, effectively teach content standards, and create meaningful learning experiences for all students.
For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php
