Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Art Education at Southern fulfills the state requirements to earn Connecticut Initial certification in PK12 Art (042), simultaneously with a state-approved Master’s degree. The 4-semester program of 39.5 credits includes a path of study designed to accommodate students who are employed during the day; all courses start at 5 p.m. or later. The coursework meets in a variety of formats including hybrid, online, and in-person. We cultivate art teachers who contribute to the creative lives of students in preschool through high school in our community of innovation and reflection.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Bilingual and Elementary Education is the only MAT of its kind in Connecticut.  It is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification in elementary education and an additional endorsement in bilingual education.  Additionally, as part of the 51-credit program, students also receive a state-approved Master’s degree.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience in a bilingual classroom.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Biology MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Biology MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Biology classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Biology education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Biology program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Biology 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification. 

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Chemistry MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Chemistry MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Chemistry classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Chemistry education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Chemistry program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Chemistry 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification. 

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Early Childhood is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree.  The 47-credit program leads to the State of Connecticut 013 certification which allows one to teach regular education, pre-k through grade three and special education, pre-k and kindergarten.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience, split between a pre-k or kindergarten setting and a setting in grades one through three.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Earth Science MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Earth Science MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Earth Science classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Earth Science education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Earth Science program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Earth Science 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification.  

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree.  The 44-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach in grades one through six.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, English Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree.  The 53-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach in English in grades 7-12.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience in a middle school or high school.

The Master of Arts in Teaching, History Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree. This 42.5-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach grades 7 through 12 in the concentration of Social Studies and History. There are opportunities throughout the program for candidates to get real-world experience through required field placement observations. The program culminates with a semester-long student teaching experience in a middle or high school and a Capstone inquiry project in education. 

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Mathematics Education is for future educators with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial certification in Mathematics education AND a Master's Degree.

The 45.5-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach Mathematics in grades 7-12. There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations. Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience in a middle school or high school.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Physics MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Physics MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Physics classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Physics education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Physics program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Physics 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Physics, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education is for future educators with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial certification in special education AND a Master's Degree. This is a 47-credit program offered at the graduate level which culminates in a semester of student teaching experience in special education settings in CT.

The Master of Arts in Teaching, World Language Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree. The program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach in French, Italian, or Spanish, grades 7-12. There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations and student teaching.