Masters of Arts in Teaching Programs

The College of Education offers alternative teacher certification routes for individuals with qualifying undergraduate degrees via the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. Currently, MAT programs are available in the following disciplines: Middle Grades (5-9), Secondary Education, and Special Education (P-12).  For additional details on these programs, see the individual program pages or contact the program coordinators.

MAT for Secondary (8-12)

and Middle Grades (5-9)

This two-three year program provides an opportunity for candidates possessing a baccalaureate degree who desire to teach in one of the following certification areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, physics, social studies, English, Spanish, French, health, physical education, or business. People with majors or minors in these areas may have met content specific requirements and will not be required to take additional coursework. 

Candidates possessing other baccalaureate degrees may be eligible to pursue certification in one of four certifications in grades 5-9 (science, math, English/language arts, or social studies), however, those with other majors or minors may be required to take additional course work.

Once admitted into this program, an enrollee may begin teaching in any secondary and/or middle school in Kentucky under a temporary provisional teaching certificate while taking courses to earn full certification. The program may be completed in two years; during the second year, students will participate in the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program.

The MAT Secondary and Middle Grades program offers two options: 1) one for those fully employed as a secondary or middle grade teacher under Kentucky's temporary provisional teaching certificate; 2) one for those not yet employed in the secondary or middle school, who must participate in extensive field experiences in the secondary or middle grade classroom.

University faculty and field supervisors as well as mentors in public schools will guide all teaching experiences.

MAT for Special Education  (P-12)

For information on the MAT Special Education program, contact Professor Daniel Grace at 606.783.2169 in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.