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:
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- Additional department application requirements
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- 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.
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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.
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