Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree, for Experienced Teachers with Principal Certification
Program Learning Outcomes for the MAT Degree Programs
Upon completing the requirements for the MAT degree, students will be able to:
- Create environments where students discover and construct meaning from content (using classroom students' unique perceptions, thoughts, and feelings).
- Facilitate teaching strategies for diverse learners.
- Assess students’ progress and content mastery to guide instruction.
- Guide instruction that incorporates digital learning and education technologies.
- Demonstrate instructional leadership.
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree, for Experienced Teachers with Principal Certification
The MAT degree is a non-thesis masters degree. For general university requirements, please see Non-Thesis Master's Degrees. For additional requirements, regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, please see All Graduate Students. Students pursuing the MAT degree must complete:
- A minimum of 12 courses (36 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
- A minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate-level study (coursework at the 500-level or above).
- A minimum of 24 credit hours must be taken at Rice University.
- A minimum residency enrollment of one fall or spring semester of full-time graduate study at Rice University.
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.67.
- A minimum GPA of 2.67 in required coursework with a minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) in each course.
This MAT degree program is offered for experienced teachers that have a minimum of 2 years experience teaching and desire a route toward Texas Education Agency (TEA) principal certification.
The courses listed below satisfy the requirements for this degree program. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of the program's academic advisor, or where applicable, the department or program's Director of Graduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by the department or program's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document the courses to be taken.
Summary
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours Required for the MAT Degree (MAT) For Experienced Teachers with Principal Certification | 36 | |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| EDUC 504 | RACE, CLASS, GENDER IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| or HIST 521 | RACE, EDUCATION AND SOCIETY IN THE URBAN SOUTH | |
| EDUC 516 | ASSESSMENT | 3 |
| EDUC 519 | TEACHING AND LEARNING WITH INQUIRY | 3 |
| EDUC 520 | TEACHING DIVERSE LEARNERS | 3 |
| EDUC 522 | LITERACY ACROSS THE CURRICULUM | 3 |
| EDUC 545 | EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES & DIGITAL LEARNING | 3 |
| EDUC 590 | INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| EDUC 596 | ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| EDUC 597 | PRACTICUM FOR PRINCIPALS (2 semesters required, 1st semester) | 3 |
| EDUC 597 | PRACTICUM FOR PRINCIPALS (2 semesters required, 2nd semester) | 3 |
| Elective Requirements | ||
| Select 2 from the following Professional Education courses: | 6 | |
| CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN EDUCATION | ||
| URBAN EDUCATION: ISSUES, POLICY, AND PRACTICE | ||
| EDUCATION POLICY: FROM LEGISLATURES TO CLASSROOMS | ||
| INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
Policies for the MAT Degree Programs
Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, scholarly ability, and a commitment to teaching, and they must have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 5 years. Specific requirements include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree before admission to the program.
- Completion of 24 credit hours in a specified content area is required.
- Grades of B- (2.67 grade points) or better in all semester hours attempted in the teaching field and a grade point average of 3.00 or better, both in courses for the teaching field and overall.
- Evidence of adequate physical vigor and speech to perform as a teacher in a classroom.
Education team members review each application. Limited tuition assistance is available. See Admission to Graduate Study.
Transfer Credit
For Rice University’s policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic program’s advisor when considering transfer credit possibilities.
Additional Information
For additional information, please see the Education program website: https://education.rice.edu/
Opportunities for the MAT Degree Programs
Requirements for Visiting Post-Baccalaureate (VPB) Certification
A non-degree (Visiting Post-Baccalaureate) plan leading to secondary teacher certification or principal certification is available for those who have earned a BA and/or MA degree, but do not choose to pursue a Rice University graduate degree. Candidates complete all requirements for secondary teacher certification or principal certification, including professional education courses. Interested students should contact the Education Program.
Additional Information
For additional information, please see the Education program website: https://education.rice.edu/