The MAT program is an accelerated teacher licensure program that is 100% online and leads to both an initial teaching license and a master’s degree in as little as a year-and-a-half (full-time).
You will be prepared to teach in any type of learning environment, including in-person, remotely or a mix.
In the MAT program, we expand our knowledge and impact, and continue to support teachers’ needs to integrate practice with theory as well as to experience today’s culturally diverse and technology-enhanced classrooms. The MAT provides an outstanding teacher preparation program at a reasonable cost.
Please note that the MAT’s focus is on preparation to teach in K-12 schools rather than an advanced credential for practicing teachers or a precursor to research-oriented doctoral studies in education.
Program Description
Our MAT in Mathematics Education program prepares mathematics teachers for grades 6-8 or 9-12 by building on a candidate’s strong background in the mathematical sciences. Coursework and field experiences focus on developing strong pedagogical content knowledge as it relates specifically to teaching secondary mathematics. Our program is strong in the use of technology as candidates develop expertise with hand-held and computer-based technologies used for learning and teaching mathematics. Candidates are expected to engage as scholars to synthesize research literature on learning and teaching mathematics and use research-based methods in their planning, instruction and assessment of students.
Prior to admission, applicants must have a minimum of 18 hours of mathematics for middle grades or 24 hours of mathematics for high school required for an “A” teaching license. Candidates must make up any deficiencies in their undergraduate mathematics background that will be in addition to the following coursework:
- Calculus (12 hrs.) Any combination of undergraduate courses that equates to 12 credit hours (Generally Calculus I, II, & III)
- Proof (3 hrs.) MA 225
- Linear Algebra (3 hrs.) MA 405
- Abstract Algebra (3 hrs.) MA 403 or MA 407
- Advanced Geometry (3 hrs.) MA 308, MA 408 or MA 508
- Statistics (6 hrs.) Any combination of undergraduate course that equates 6 hours in Statistics
- Finite/ Discrete Math (3 hrs.) MA 351
- Computer Programming (3 hrs.)
The semester after a student has completed a minimum of 15 hours he or she must complete the following to continue in the program:
- Keep a minimum average of 3.0 in all course work.
- Criminal Background Check
Admission Requirements
- Strong bachelor’s degree in a mathematical science with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum passing score of 100 on the TOEFL AND an official course-by-course evaluation from an accredited foreign credential evaluation service required for applicants with non-U.S. degrees*
- Meet the specific requirements of content area or grade level. See specialty coursework under curriculum for content standards.
In the absence of a content degree, 18 hours (for middle grades) or 24 (for high school) semester hours/credits in content relevant to the area in which you wish to teach are needed. Candidates who are missing content area courses can take them at a local college or university or as a PBS (post-baccalaureate student) at NC State prior to admission.
If an applicant does not have the 18/24 content area credits needed to be accepted into the program, he or she can still enroll in the first graduate classes as a Non-Degree student (NDS) while completing the full 18/24 content-specific hours and transfer those credits into the degree program. Up to 12 credit hours with a grade of “B” or better can be transferred into a master’s degree program (either from NDS studies or from partner institutions). See the NC State Graduate School policies at https://www.ncsu.edu/grad/catalog/transfer-credits.html
* Please note that the Master of Arts in Teaching is a Distance Education program, so students on university-sponsored visas are not eligible for this program. Please contact the Office of International Services with any questions.
Course of Study
MAT participants can undertake this program full-time or part-time. The program includes 10 courses (30 hours).
Curriculum
Course descriptions can be found in the university course catalog.
MAT Core Courses (Required for all MAT students):
- ECI 579 Behavioral Management of Inclusive Classrooms (3 hrs.)
- ED 508 Diversity in Classroom and Community (3 hrs.)
- ED 507 Developing and Interpreting Assessment (2 hrs.)
- ED 569 Full-semester Student Teaching Experience (4 hrs.)
Specialty Area Course Requirements (12 hours required; choose 4 of the following):
Math Education Courses:
- EMS 580 Teaching Mathematics with Technology (Fall, 3 hrs)
- EMS 510 Interactions in the Mathematics Classroom (3 hrs)
- EMS 513 Teaching and Learning Algebraic Thinking (3 hrs)
- EMS 514 Teaching and Learning Geometric Thinking (3 hrs)
- EMS 519 Teaching and Learning Statistical Thinking (3 hrs)
Note: Other EMS courses may be taken as approved by your advisor.
Mathematical Sciences Courses (Minimum of 6 hours):
- Select at least 6 hours of mathematical sciences content (at the 400 or 500 level) that can count towards or be in addition to the required 18 (for middle grades) or 24 (for high school) hour minimum.
Additional Info
Approximate total program cost (North Carolina residents) for the MAT in elementary education program: $1,599.21 per 3 hour course, or $15,992 total
Visit the NC State’s Graduate Distance Education Tuition rates page for detailed information about tuition and fees.