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Master of Arts in Teaching – MAT

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Master of Arts in Teaching – MAT

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Online

Program

34 - 52 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$541 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Leverage Your Non-Teaching Bachelor’s Degree to Begin a Rewarding Teaching Career

The master of arts in teaching is a graduate degree program for individuals who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a teacher.

Educators with outside work experience bring a unique perspective to their classrooms, helping to enrich the student experience. Our flexible online MAT program combines teacher licensure preparation and the coursework needed for a master’s degree, allowing you to advance your education and start an exciting new chapter in your career.

NOTE: If you will be teaching outside Kentucky, please consult with your state’s licensing agency to determine whether our program will meet your state’s licensure requirements.

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Career Outlook

Overall employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Growth in the state of Kentucky is expected to be faster due to a high number of teacher retirements.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Titles Include:

  • Preschool Teachers
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • Elementary Teachers
  • Middle Grades Teachers
  • Secondary and P-12 Teachers
  • Special Education Teachers (LBD and MSD)
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teachers

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB-approved
  • FREE transcript evaluation service to learn what concentrations you are qualified to pursue in the MAT program
  • Assignments and action research that build critical thinking skills
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on-campus
  • Core curriculum focused on training teachers as leaders while gaining expertise in a selected area
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online career services assistance
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees

Curriculum & Admission

EKU is dedicated to preparing the highest quality educators and related professionals for Kentucky and beyond. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as content, effective pedagogical skills, and dispositions that foster life-long growth and learning.

Option 6 Active Kentucky Teachers (verified through COEAHS), are eligible for the discounted educator tuition of $395 per credit hour. Please talk to an enrollment advisor for additional information and verification process details.

A minimum of 41-52 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AAugust 1August
Fall BOctober 1October
Spring ADecember 1January
Spring BMarch 1March

All coursework in the MAT professional core is 100% online.  Most concentration option coursework is also 100% online or offered in hybrid format to limit evening coursework.  At most, MAT students in secondary and P-12 concentrations may have up to three courses that are not 100% online.  All coursework for elementary and IECE are 100% online.  Candidates are required to complete clinical hours at an assigned public school during school hours.

Candidates seeking admission to an initial licensure MAT program must complete the following:

  • Submit an online application to the Graduate School indicating a bachelor’s degree including all official transcripts from accredited colleges attended except Eastern Kentucky University.
  • Provide evidence of the following prior to being accepted into the program:  A bachelor’s or master’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale OR a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. (EPSB regulation 16 KAR 5:020 requires a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.)
  • Must have an undergraduate Major, Minor or a minimum of 24 hours of the content in the field in which certification is being sought for middle grades and secondary/p-12 content areas. (this does not apply to other areas such as elementary).
  • Middle grades, secondary, and P-12 mentioned above require a passing score on the praxis for their selected certification area [not the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) –only the content exam] either before entering the MAT program or within the first semester of the MAT program.

BE SURE to request that your Praxis  Content/certification scores be sent to EKU -CODE 1200.

Submit your documents to the Alternative Certification Specialist by email to  certification.alternative_routes@EKU.EDU:

  • A professional resume
  • An autobiography documenting relevant life/work/educational experience
  • Three letters of reference
  • Complete two written assignments, given by the department, that assess critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.
  • ESSAY #1  – In an essay (3-4 pages each) describe a situation (professional, educational or other) in which you exhibited the following qualities: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration
  • ESSAY #2 – In an essay (3-4 pages), describe how you will practice critical thinking, creativity, positive communication and collaboration in your future teaching career.
  • Complete two (2) background checks:
    Verified Credentials Background check –Instructions on this webpage –Verified Credentials
    Child Abuse or Neglect (CAN) Check –Instructions found here.
  • Complete an interview with the Master of Arts in Teaching admission committee
  • Candidates must complete and sign a  Candidate Statement of Commitment Regarding Dispositions form. (Will be completed during the admission interview.)
  • Candidates must complete and sign a “Personal and Professional Fitness Declaration” form. This process includes a review of the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Personnel established in 16 KAR1:020. (Will be completed during the admission interview.)

NOTE: Based upon applicant disclosure, an interview by the Professional Education Admission Committee may be required.

For advising questions, please contact:
Dr. Jason M. Miller, Masters in Teaching (MAT) Coordinator
Combs 102
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, Kentucky 40475
859-622-1127
Jason.Miller2@eku.edu

In addition, candidates seeking Option 6 Alternative Route contact:
Dashana Rowlette, Alternative Certification Coordinator
Combs Building Room 424
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
certification.alternative_routes@eku.edu

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment advisor today.

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

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Contact Information

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

Combs Building
Room 427

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

Department Directory