About Master of Arts in Teaching

UMassD offers both Massachusetts Initial and Professional Teaching Licensure Programs at the graduate level. The University offers programs leading to licensure in the following areas: Elementary; Middle and Secondary--Biology, Chemistry, English, French, History, Mathematics, Political Science/Political Philosophy, Portuguese, Physics, Science (5-8), Spanish.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is committed to educating teachers who are reflective practitioners engaged in better understanding the complex social contexts of learning, education, and schooling in both urban and suburban settings. In addition to a rigorous preparation in subject-matter fields, teacher candidates develop their ability to apply pedagogical theory to practice and to reflect on the complexities inherent in their craft. Teacher candidates are engaged in effective teaching practices that support students with a variety of learning styles and abilities. Our candidates value diversity including, but not limited to, racial, cultural, developmental, and learning differences.

Teachers interested in taking graduate courses for their professional development without matriculation can register for such courses as a special student.

Initial license certificate, Post-Baccalaureate:

The Department of Education offers an opportunity to career changers and other potential teacher candidates, who already hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, to earn an initial teaching license. The initial post-baccalaureate certificate, requires one to complete a series of content and education courses that include fieldwork in local area schools, and to complete one full semester of student teaching or, for those already teaching, a supervised internship. Students who graduate from our teacher preparation program and who successfully complete the required state teacher exams are eligible for an initial teaching license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. UMassD initial certificate holders are also eligible for licensure reciprocity in states that participate in the Nasdech Interstate Contract.

Professional license certificate, Master of Arts in Teaching:

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT) degree provides graduate students in possession of an initial teaching license the opportunity to obtain a professional license through an appropriate masters program.

Scheduling

In order to provide maximum scheduling opportunities to meet the time needs of working practitioners, most courses are scheduled in the late afternoon, evening, or weekends, and many are offered through Professional and Continuing Education. Additionally, teachers may be eligible to participate in the SouthCoast Compact Education Tuition Reduction option, if they are employed in one of the participating SouthCoast School Districts. Please inquire at time of registration.