Dec 08, 2024  
2017-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2019 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education


Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies
485B Pawley Hall  (map)
(248) 370-2613 • Fax (248) 370-2639
http://www.oakland.edu/tdes 

Coordinator
Anthony Tuf Francis
470E Pawley Hall
(248) 370-2491
akfranci@oakland.edu

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Graduate Catalog Addendum  

Program description

The Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education (MAT-Secondary) with secondary certification is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to become certified to teach middle school or high school. Designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching middle or high school, it is a quality, two-year program with Oakland University’s excellent reputation for preparing teachers to enhance employability.

High-quality learning experiences ensure that participants are well-prepared to teach. The program is aligned with the state of Michigan certification and endorsement requirements, combining teacher education coursework augmented by three field placements in local schools. The course sequence allows students to be recommended for certification prior to completion of the Master’s degree. A Master in the Arts in Teaching degree will be earned following successful completion of certification requirements and all program coursework. Additional major and minor courses may be necessary for individuals whose prior coursework does not include sufficient credits for the core competencies set by the Michigan Department of Education for teaching a major and minor content area

Program delivery

Courses meet on two weekday evenings, with the exception of one semester of daytime student teaching. Most courses are taken as a cohort group with coursework beginning in the fall semester.

Field experiences in the schools occur throughout the program. Participants receive varied experiences working with school-age children and have an opportunity to apply coursework to the teaching environment. Fields and the student teaching internship are arranged by Oakland University.  Limited after-school and Saturday field experiences may be available therefore working individuals should plan to make accommodations.

During the first three semesters students complete a minimum of 100 hours of field experience, approximately 30-35 hours each semester.  Students in the field will observe instruction and classroom management, work with students, and implement lessons.  Fields are completed within the school-day as weekly half-day visits during the specified semester. The final semester of the certification program is a 15 weeks full-time student teaching placement in the classroom and includes all school-related activities.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

  1.    
     
  2. Additional department application requirements
      
  • Requirements for recommendations
    The two recommendation forms must be from individuals in a supervisory relationship to the applicant
  • Statement of Purpose completed as part of the online application
  • Official Transcripts with evidence of  cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better (improved grades in recent coursework will be considered) and completion of at least one teaching major with a minimum grade of 3.0 in each course. Certification in a minor area is available.  Major or minor courses taken after beginning the MAT Secondary program, as well as professional courses, will require a minimum grade of 3.0.
  • Curriculum Vitae (Résumé)
  • Experience Working with Children Form(s)
  • Felony Misdemeanor Disclosure Form
  • Individual interviews may be conducted in addition to these requirements.

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department. 

Related links

Degree requirements


The Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 44 credits in an approved program of study.

Course requirements


The course sequence is subject to minor changes depending on instructor availability. The Internship in Secondary Education (student teaching semester) must be done during the school year.

Satisfactory academic progress


Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good academic standing


All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

  • Holding a Graduate Assistantship
  • Receiving a fellowship or scholarship
  • Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree
  • Going on a leave of absence
  • Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Department requirements:   In order to remain in good standing, graduate students must earn a grade-point average of 3.0. No grade below 3.0 can be applied toward a graduate degree. Two course grades below 3.0 or one below 2.0 automatically lead to an evaluation of progress and possible dismissal. 

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study. All candidates for a Michigan provisional teaching certificate must pass the Professional Readiness Examination or equivalent before enrolling in student teaching.

Related program information


Plan of study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the faculty program adviser and submitted by the student to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.

Master’s and graduate certificate students must submit a department-approved plan of study by the end of their first semester of graduate coursework. Doctoral students must submit an approved plan of study prior to completion of the first year of coursework. (See the Graduate Student Responsibility  section of this catalog.)

Note:  Credit granted for successful completion of a course toward an undergraduate degree program may not be repeated for a graduate degree. If a substitution is approved, the minimum number of program-approved graduate credits will be required. A Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution requesting the substitution must be approved.