Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with Specialization in Elementary Education (Fully Online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Elementary Education is designed as an interdisciplinary degree option within the Teacher Education Program. The M.A.T. is intended for graduates from accredited colleges or universities with an undergraduate major in humanities, sciences, or social sciences who have few, if any, formal courses in education.

The Elementary Education M.A.T. Program allows students to continue their studies after earning a bachelor's degree and focus on earning a North Carolina teaching license for grades K-6. The ELE MAT is a fully online program designed to meet the needs of those who may already be teaching with a temporary license. The program is 30 hours and includes nine 3-credit courses and a 3-credit, full-semester, internship (Placement must be in a regular K-6 classroom in NC).

Individuals who complete the Elementary Education Master of Art in Teaching Program are eligible for an initial level teaching license through the NC State Board of Education after successful completion of the MAT program and passing all mandated testing requirements in place by the State of North Carolina.

The MAT Program at UNCP is an approved Residency Program by the NC State Board of Education.

At the graduate level, the department offers a fully online program for the Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed) degree in Elementary Education. The mission of the master’s program in elementary education is to prepare the experienced teacher for full participation in their chosen profession as leader, researcher, and master practitioner. Through collaboration, inquiry, reflection and practice, teachers engage in professional development to:

· improve student learning and academic achievement of their students

· strengthen the teaching and learning environments of their schools

· enhance collaborative relationships with diverse families and communities

The program is offered for practicing teachers that hold an Initial Professional Teaching License in elementary education. Individuals who complete the Graduate Elementary Education Program are eligible for a master's level teaching license (M license) through the NC State Board of Education. Two years of full-time teaching experience is recommended, but not required.

The UNCP Teacher Education Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Graduate Elementary Education program is approved by the NC State Board of Education.