Teaching, MA

Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Julius Davis

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree is awarded to MAT Program participants who complete the prescribed program of studies in pedagogy and have an undergraduate degree from a institution of higher learning in arts and sciences or others that meet regional accreditation standards (ex: English, mathematics, science, social studies, others). The Program offers an alternative route to certification in the State of Maryland. The MAT Program’s rigor is embedded in the preparation of highly qualified teachers who seek certification eligibility in content areas approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

The Bowie State University MAT Program is a Maryland Approved Program (MAP) through the MDSE and meets the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards. Additionally, participants must complete a comprehensive program of study with a collaborative cohort structure that supports a solid knowledge base in the teaching profession including: (1) a foundation in Cognitive Psychology to understand how people learn; (2) developmental psychology (early childhood to adolescence) to understand when students are ready to learn at various stages of mental and physical growth and maturity; (3) application and research on effective pedagogy to improve their teaching and raise their level of quality and effectiveness; (4) knowledge of contemporary issues in education to assist in making ethical decisions in the school setting; (5) curriculum development that relates to standards and technology that impact on society; and (6) action research skills to enhance methodology skills. Interns complete required courses in the methods of teaching, develop techniques for working with diverse populations that have special needs relative to variability (culture, learning, ethnicity, gender, age, SES, others), acquire knowledge for the application of technology in learning and teaching, and enhance their interpersonal communications skills while communicating positive dispositions.

Admission to the Program

To be admitted for the Graduate Studies program at Bowie State University, the applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accrediting association. In addition, the student must present an official transcript with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale).

Students requesting admission to the MAT Program must complete an application and submit it to the Department of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development (TLPD). In addition, applicants to the MAT Program must submit proof of the following:

1. A 3.0 overall (GPA) on a 4.0 scale in the undergraduate courses
2. Passing scores on the PRAXIS I: Academic Assessment Tests
3. An interview (provide a resume or curriculum vitae, writing samples, three letters of recommendation packaged as part of an entrance portfolio) with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development
4. Students must sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) to register in the MAT Program and declare the area of certification eligibility sought.
5. A Bachelor’s degree in preparation for eligibility in the areas below:
   • Secondary Education Preparation (SCED) - undergraduate degree in a content area as indicated above/or others at the discretion of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development.
   • Elementary Education Preparation (ELED) - interdisciplinary, undergraduate or a content area degree as indicated above and/or a minimum of six credits in mathematics, eight credits in science to include biology and a physical science, six credits in social studies to include US History, and six credits in English Composition with a minimum passing grade of “C” in each of the courses.
   • Early Childhood Education Preparation (ECED) or (ECED/Special Education) - interdisciplinary, undergraduate or a content area degree as indicated above and/or minimum of six credits in mathematics, four credits in science to include biology or a physical science, six credits in social studies to include US History, and six credits in English Composition with a minimum passing of ‘C’ in each of the courses. In addition, students that seek ECED preparation must provide proof of a minimum of nine credits in Child Development, Parent and Family relations, and special education.
   • Others are considered on a case-by-case basis.

If all of the above criteria are met, students can be admitted unconditionally.

Program Goals and Objectives of the Master of Arts in Teaching

Upon completion of the program, each intern will:

1. Evaluate the cognitive, emotional, and philosophical developments of children and youth.
2. Demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge of theory and practice necessary to apply Maryland’s Essential Dimensions of Teaching to the student and classroom.
3. Demonstrate appropriate techniques for integrating curriculum, technology and instructional methods.
4. Demonstrate skills related to effective planning.
5. Create appropriate learning environments.
6. Demonstrate effective teaching methods and best practices that address learning styles of a diverse population.
7. Demonstrate alternative approaches for changing behavior and increasing achievement of students.
8. Conduct research and annotate research studies related to schools, classrooms, teachers, youth and parents.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in a certifiable subject area; and
10. Demonstrate reflective (inter and intra personal) and professional practices, communication skills, and community collaboration culminating in an electronic portfolio.

Degree Requirements

Prior to admission all Students must pass PRAXIS I: Academic Achievement Tests or other qualifying tests approved by the MSDE. The student must decide upon a certifiable area identified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MDSE). All student transcripts are reviewed to determine the specific courses necessary to meet certification eligibility in a specific area based upon an evaluation from the MSDE. Students complete core and professional courses, a 150 hour practicum and all requirements needed for certification eligibility. Upon completion, students advance to candidacy. Following candidacy status, Candidates enroll in the Methods Courses, Supervised Internship Phase I and pass the comprehensive examination. After successfully completing the minimum twenty (20) day Supervised Internship I, the Intern prepares for PRAXIS II examination(s) in the certification area and enrolls in a seminar course to complete the Thesis or Seminar Paper. The candidate continuously may enroll in thesis advisement until completion of the Master’s Thesis or Seminar Paper. Once the Intern passes the PRAXIS II examination(s) in the content and pedagogical area(s), completes Supervised Internship Phase II, (80 days) of the yearlong at a Professional Development School (PDS) or at a current teaching assignment at a school regionally accredited by the accreditation organization, the final portion of the program, meets all MAT Program and University requirements and is eligible for certification in an area recognized by the MSDE the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree is awarded.

Transfer Credits

Up to twelve (12) graduate credits may be transferred into the Master of Arts in Teaching Program. The courses for which transfer of credits is sought must have been completed with a grade of ‘B’ or better and must be content specific to courses outlined in the Program of Study. In addition, the MAT Program Coordinator must approve any transfer credits. Students must complete the MAT Program of Study within seven (7) years or file a Program Extension Form in the Graduate Studies Office, which must be approved by the Program Coordinator. However, transfer credits only can be viable for use to satisfy MAT Program requirements within the seven year period.