PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree from Carson-Newman gives you the opportunity to begin a teaching career. A wide range of specialty options allows you to pursue your area of interest as you build on your previous education. Each degree option prepares you to earn your initial teaching licensure in your chosen field.
LICENSURE OPTIONS
- Biology (6-12)
- Business (6-12)
- Chemistry (6-12)
- Early Childhood (PK-3)
- Elementary (K-5)
- English (6-12)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (5-12)
- General Music/Instrumental (K-12)
- General Music/Vocal (K-12)
- Government (6-12)
- History (6-12)
- Mathematics (6-12)
- Middle Grades: Language Arts & Social Studies (6-8)
- Middle Grades: Science & Mathematics (6-8)
- Physical Education (K-12_
- Physics (6-12)
- Psychology (6-12)
- Spanish (6-12)
- Special Education: Comprehensive (K-12)
- Special Education: Interventionist (K–8)
- Special Education: Interventionist (6–12)
- Theater (K-12)
- Visual Arts (K-12)
Accreditation
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at Carson-Newman University is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Each initial licensure area listed above was part of the most recent joint review conducted by CAEP and the Tennessee Department of Education. For information regarding the CAEP Annual Reporting Measures, click here.
AT A GLANCE
36–57 credit hours, depending on degree option
Hybrid format (combination of online and on-campus classes)
Main campus
DID YOU KNOW?
Teachers are changing the world. According to the U.S. Department of Education, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs and dropout rates are at historic lows. More students are going to college than ever before. The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 requires high academic standards for all students, preparing them for success in college and careers.
VALUE
A graduate degree is an investment in your future, and we want to equip you to succeed.
- As a graduate student at Carson-Newman you’ll receive access to the full Microsoft Office suite.
- Graduate students enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours qualify to apply for federal financial aid. If you qualify, you can borrow up to $20,500 per year, which is more than enough to cover the total program cost.
- You’ll be assigned a personal faculty advisor, who will help draft a course plan tailored to your specific goals.
PAYMENT PLANS
Our no interest payment plans help reduce up-front costs. Enrolling in a payment plan allows you to make monthly payments on your direct charges instead of paying your full balance before classes start.
Our Office of Financial Aid is available to guide you through the many options available to graduate students at Carson-Newman.
Courses
In the Master of Arts in Teaching program, you’ll follow a prescribed series of courses for the area of specialization you choose. In addition to degree requirements, MAT degree candidates must also meet Tennessee licensure requirements.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Elementary Education (K-5) 57 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching: 45 hours
- EDUC 512 Teaching Health & PE in K-6, 3 hrs.
- EDUC 531 Evaluation of Learning, 3 hours
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 555 Literacy Development Through Lang. Arts, 3 hrs.*
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 560 Classroom Management, 3 hours
- EDUC 561 Effective Home, School, Community Relations, 3 hours
- EDUC 601 Children in Elementary Schools, 3 hrs.*
- EDUC 603 K-8 Mathematics Methods, 3 hrs.*
- EDUC 605 K-8 Social Studies Methods, 3 hrs.*
- EDUC 606 K-8 Science Methods, 3 hrs.*
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- EDUC 655 K-6 Literacy Methods, 3 hrs.*
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 524 Techniques for Inclusion of Diverse Learners, 3 hours
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hours
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
III. Research, 3 hrs.
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660, which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
NOTE: All electives must be within the discipline and approved by advisor.
*Practicum
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Middle Grades (6-8) Language Arts & Social Studies 51 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching: 42 hours
- EDUC 531 Evaluation of Learning, 3 hours
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 536 Using Books with Children and Adolescents, 3 hours
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 560 Classroom Management, 3 hours
- EDUC 561 Effective Home, School, Community Relations, 3 hours
- EDUC 602 Children in the Middle Grades, 3 hours*
- EDUC 618 K-8 Social Studies Methods, 3 hours*
- EDUC 622 Diagnosis & Correction of Reading Problems, 3 hours
- EDUC 655 K-8 Literacy Methods, 3 hours*
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 524 Techniques for Inclusion of Diverse Learners, 3 hours*
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hours
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
III. Research, 3 hours
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660, which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
*Practicum
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Middle Grades (6-8) Science and Mathematics, 51 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching: 42 hours
- EDUC 531 Evaluation of Learning, 3 hours
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 536 Using Books with Children and Adolescents, 3 hours
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 560 Classroom Management, 3 hours
- EDUC 561 Effective Home, School, Community Relations, 3 hours
- EDUC 602 Children in the Middle Grades, 3 hours*
- EDUC 603 K-8 Mathematics Methods, 3 hours*
- EDUC 606 K-8 Science Methods, 3 hours*
- EDUC 622 Diagnosis & Correction of Reading Problems, 3 hours
- EDUC 655 K-8 Literacy Methods, 3 hours*
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 524 Techniques for Inclusion of Diverse Learners, 3 hours
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hours
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
III. Research, 3 hours
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-
Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660, which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
*Practicum
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Licensure areas are: Biology, Business, Child and Family Studies, Chemistry, English, Family and Consumer Science, French, Government, History, Mathematics, Music-Instrumental, Music-Vocal, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Secondary 6-12 or K-12 Education 45 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching: 30 hours DATE GRADE
- EDUC 520 Content-Area Methods for 6-12 Classrooms, 3 hours*
- EDUC 531 Evaluation of Learning, 3 hours
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 560 Classroom Management, 3 hours
- EDUC 561 Effective Home, School, Community Relations, 3 hours
- EDUC 566 Issues in Human Development, 3 hrs.
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 524 Techniques for Inclusion of Diverse Learners, 3 hours
*Students seeking licensure in music, art, physical education, special education, and family and consumer sciences education take methods courses offered by the respective departments.
NOTE: Those seeking licensure in English in Tennessee must take EDUC 655, K-6 Literacy Methods, 3 hours, to meet state licensure requirements.
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hrs.
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hrs.
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hrs.
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hr.
III. Research and Post-Student Teaching, 6 hrs. (may be completed prior to or during student teaching)
EDUC 671 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies, 3 hours
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660, which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
NOTE: All electives must be within the discipline and approved by advisor.
*Practicum
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Special Education, Comprehensive, K-12 43 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching, Comprehensive, 33 hours
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 566 Issues in Human Development, 3 hours
- EDUC 622 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems, 3 hours
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- EDUC 655 K-6 Literacy Methods, 3 hrs.*
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 509 Transition and Vocation Education, 1 hour
- SPED 617 Characteristics/Needs of Low Incidence Disabilities 3 hours
- SPED 619 Assessment and Diagnosis of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours
- SPED 625 Managing Challenging Behaviors, 3 hours
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hours
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
III. Post Student Teaching, 3 hrs.
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660 which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
*Practicum
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Special Education, Interventionist, K-8 45 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 566 Issues in Human Development, 3 hours
- EDUC 622 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems, 3 hours
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- EDUC 655 K-6 Literacy Methods, 3 hrs.*
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 524 Techniques for the Inclusion of Diverse Learners, 3 hours
- SPED 616 Characteristics/Needs of Mild/Moderate Disabilities 3 hours
- SPED 619 Assessment and Diagnosis of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours
- SPED 625 Managing Challenging Behaviors, 3 hours
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hours
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
III. Post Student Teaching, 3 hrs.
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-
Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660 which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
*Practicum
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree candidates, in addition to meeting the MAT degree requirements, must also meet licensure requirements of the state in which they are planning to teach. The Teacher Education Office will offer information concerning licensure requirements in Tennessee. Those seeking to be licensed in other states are responsible for making sure they are meeting their respective state’s requirements.
Special Education, Interventionist, 6-12 43 hours
I. Pre-Student Teaching
- EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
- EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
- EDUC 566 Issues in Human Development, 3 hours
- EDUC 622 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems, 3 hours
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
- SPED 509 Transition and Vocation Education , 1 hour
- SPED 524 Techniques for the Inclusion of Diverse Learners, 3 hours
- SPED 616 Characteristics/Needs of Mild/Moderate Disabilities 3 hours
- SPED 619 Assessment and Diagnosis of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours
- SPED 625 Managing Challenging Behaviors, 3 hours
II. Student Teaching Semester, 9 hours
- EDUC 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- EDUC 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- EDUC 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
III. Post Student Teaching, 3 hrs.
Thesis Option: EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours -or-
Non-Thesis Option: EDUC 635, Integrating Research and Learning, 3 hours
NOTE: EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field is a prerequisite to EDUC 660 which will add three hours to the overall number of hours required for the MAT degree.
*Practicum
The Master of Arts in Teaching: English as a Second Language (MAT-ESL) program is to prepare committed, caring, and competent ESL educators for service in the United States and internationally.
Students are admitted at the beginning of the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Carson-Newman offers a 36-semester-hour MAT-ESL program (non-licensure), initial teaching licensure in ESL and add-on endorsement in ESL programs. The MAT-ESL program blends theory and practice to prepare ESL teachers for a variety of classroom settings.
English as a Second Language without Licensure, 36 hours
I. Linguistics, 12 hours
- TESL 565 Language and Culture, 3 hours
- TESL 566 English Phonology, 3 hours
- TESL 567 English Syntax, 3 hours
- TESL 568 Language Acquisition, 3 hours
II. Pedagogy, 15 hours
- TESL 580 TESL Curriculum, 3 hours
- TESL 581 Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language, 3 hours
- TESL 582 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language, 3 hours
- TESL 583 Evaluation of Language Learning, 3 hours
- TESL 584 Practicum in TESL, 3 hours
III. Research
- Non-Thesis Option, 9 hours
- EDUC/TESL Electives, 6 hours
- TESL 600 Research in TESL, 3 hours
-OR-
- Thesis Option, 9 hours
- EDUC 630 Educational Research, 3 hours
- EDUC 631 Research in the Content Field, 3 hours
- EDUC 660, Thesis, 3 hours
English as a Second Language with K-12 Licensure, 36-48 hours
I. Linguistics, 12 hours
- TESL 565 Language and Culture, 3 hours
- TESL 566 English Phonology, 3 hours
- TESL 567 English Syntax, 3 hours
- TESL 568 Language Acquisition, 3 hours
II. Pedagogy, 12 hours
- TESL 580 TESL Curriculum, 3 hours
- TESL 581 Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language, 3 hours
- TESL 582 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language, 3 hours
- TESL 583 Evaluation of Language Learning, 3 hours
III. Licensure Requirement, 9 hours
- TESL 667 Student Teaching: Placement One, 4 hours
- TESL 668 Student Teaching: Placement Two, 4 hours
- TESL 669 Seminar in Student Teaching, 1 hour
IV. Research Requirement, 3 hours
TESL 600 Research in TESL, 3 hours
In addition, students seeking initial Tennessee licensure in ESL must add the following hours of licensure requirements if state competencies have not been met through previous coursework which must be approved by the Carson-Newman Department of Education
Professional Education, 12 hours
EDUC 533 Educational Technology, 3 hours
EDUC 558 Foundations of Education, 3 hours*
EDUC 566 Issues in Human Development, 3 hours
SPED 508 Survey of Persons with Exceptionalities, 3 hours*
*Practicum
Additional Requirements:
Foreign language requirement: “Teachers will have had the experience of learning a second language equivalent to at least six semester hours of college level study. This experience may include (but is not limited to): completion of intensive language training by the Peace Corps, passing the PRAXIS II subject assessment in a second language, or a foreign language teaching credential from Tennessee of another state.” (ESL Guidelines, Tennessee Department of Education)
M.A.T. – ESL Summer Only Program
Students can earn the MAT-ESL degree (non-licensure) after two summers of on-campus study plus the completion of 12-credit-hours through online enrollment at Carson-Newman (two elective courses plus TESL 584 and TESL 600).
Licensed teachers in Tennessee can complete the 21-credit-hours required for add-on endorsement in ESL in two summers of on-campus study.
Accommodation and cafeteria services are available during summer terms.
FACULTY
As you pursue your teaching degree, you’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their field and have also tested their knowledge through extensive teaching experience. These professors guide you with personalized attention as you prepare for your next career steps.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the common admission requirements for all C-N graduate programs, applicants to the graduate teaching programs (MAT) must meet these minimum qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the undergraduate major
- A statement of purpose, outlining your professional and educational goals
- Three recommendations (academic, employment and character reference)
- Professional resume
- Entrance interview
- Passing score (not more than five years old) for the content knowledge exam required for licensure
- Background records check submitted directly to Carson-Newman (no second-party background checks are accepted)
