The MAT provides a path to certification for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in one of the following academic areas. Included in parenthesis are the grade levels a MAT graduate may be certified to teach.

– Art (P-12)
– Biblical Studies (6-12; ACSI only; state certification not available)
– Biology (6-12)
– Chemistry (6-12)
– Computer Science (P-12)
– Drama (P-12)
– Theatre (P-12)
– Economics (6-12)
– English (6-12)
– French (P-12)
– History (6-12)
– Mathematics (6-12)
– Music (P-12)
– Physics (6-12)
– Political Science (6-12)
– Spanish (P-12)
– Middle grades level (4-8) certification is available with any specialization in: in one of the following specializations: language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies.

Students with undergraduate degrees in other content areas may be eligible for the MAT and should contact the graduate school office for details.

In-person and synchronistic classes: Students in the MAT attend classes in the summer (10 days in June), fall, and spring terms in the Education Department classroom in Brock Hall. Accepted students who live at a distance (i.e. another state), and who have a full time teaching job in a school, have the option of attending fall and spring evening classes synchronistically online from their home.

Research: One innovative aspect of the MAT is the emphasis on classroom research. This focus enables candidates to understand the value and limitations of educational research and to develop the values of self-reflection and self-evaluation as they conduct action research through various courses.

Collaboration: The MAT benefits from close partnerships with area schools and collaboration with colleagues from other academic departments in the college.

Clinical Practice: MAT students complete over 800 hours of clinical practice (field practicum) during both the fall and spring semesters.

Theory and Practice: Theory and practice are integrated in the program, with a combination of classroom activities combined with field practicum activities in area schools. All coursework is presented by a faculty that has both practical and research experience. Each MAT teacher candidate completes a full year of clinical practice in P-12 classrooms under the supervision and mentorship of experienced classroom teachers and Covenant faculty. Candidates gain experience working with students at different grade levels and from different socioeconomic, racial/ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, and students with exceptionalities.

Workable Schedule: The MAT allows candidates to complete a degree in one year and leads to certification in the state of Georgia (GaPSC) as well as the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in their desired teaching area (see FAQ page for more information on certification). Summer classes are taught over a ten day period in June, M-F (and one Saturday) 8:00-5:00, while fall and spring semester classes are held in the evenings (both on campus and synchronously to students in other locations) with clinical practice occurring during daytime hours. Thanks to this structure, it is also possible for current teachers who desire state certification and a master’s degree to complete the program while employed full time.