Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Academics / Departments & Programs / Education / Academics Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Degree Overview

Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching degree and Michigan teaching certificate in one year.

Are you ready to put your skills and passions into a new career direction as a teacher? Calvin’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program provides an accelerated pathway to initial middle and high school teacher certification. Designed for career-changers, those re-entering the workforce, and recent bachelor’s degree graduates, you’ll complete the MAT in one year, coming away with a master’s degree and a teaching certificate.

If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree* and are ready to teach, join Calvin’s high-quality program to be equipped to excel as a middle or high school teacher. The MAT includes academic work alongside an entire school year of field experience in local classrooms. You’ll be mentored by both expert classroom teachers and Calvin faculty trained to guide you to proficiency in all aspects of teaching.

*Some bachelor’s degree subject areas lend themselves to teaching more than others; consult with Shari Brouwer to determine if your undergraduate coursework is applicable to the middle and high school setting. See the list of majors and minors that are teachable in secondary education.

Learn more from a recent news story about the MAT.

Note: We are not currently able to accept international students to this program.

If you have any questions, please contact Erek Kooyman.

Program Requirements & Opportunities

  • Overview

    Program Details

    • 35-40 credit hours
    • Full-time, on-campus program
    • 12 months to completion
    • Cohort-based program with new cohorts starting annually at the beginning of each summer
    • Cost $585 per credit hour
    • Students can apply for the MI future educator stipend (up to $9,600) (this is a no strings attached grant available to anyone student teaching in a public or charter school)
    • Graduate loans are available (up to $20,500)

    Frequently-asked Questions

    What if my bachelor's degree is in a different subject than one in which I want to teach?
    If you do not have a bachelor’s degree in an approved certifiable content area, it is likely you will need to take some additional courses in the desired content area before beginning the Calvin MAT program. We encourage you to contact Shari Brouwer if this is something you are considering.

    What if I already have a teaching certificate?
    If you already have a teaching certificate this program is probably not for you. If your goal is to earn a graduate degree in education, consider our Master of Education program. If you have a teaching certificate but would like to pursue an additional endorsement, contact Shari Brouwer to explore options.

    When are applications due?
    The program is cohort-based and starts in May each year. Applications are accepted year round.

  • Admission

    Complete Calvin's graduate application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. A new cohort starts each summer. You will need:

    • Interest in working with middle or high school students.
    • Bachelor’s degree with an approved certifiable content area from a regionally-accredited college or university.
    • Grade point average of 2.8 or greater. Graduate coursework and/or work history will be considered.
    • An essay outlining why you have chosen teaching as a profession and why you have selected Calvin’s MAT program for professional preparation.
    • A current resume.
    • Submission of two letters of professional recommendation.
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • An interview with members of the MAT team, which will be scheduled after all application documents are submitted.
    • Attempt the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject test. If you do not pass the first attempt, you may enter the program with the understanding that you must retake and pass the test for teacher certification.
  • Advising

    Shari Brouwer

    Shari Brouwer

    Certification and Assessment Coordinator
    Full profile

    Photo of Erek Kooyman

    Erek Kooyman

    Director, Master of Arts in Teaching / Lecturer
    Full profile

  • Courses

    Course number

    Course name

    EDUC 103 Introduction to Education
    EDUC 240 The Social Context of Education
    EDUC 241 Inclusive Teaching: Ability, Language, and Multicultural Education
    EDUC 243 Teaching and Learning Lab
    EDUC 249 The Christian Teacher
    EDUC 399 Philosophy of Education
    EDUC 507 Curriculum, Instruction, and Content Area Literacy
    EDUC 508 Internship I
    EDUC 510 Framing Questions, Global Forces, Constraining Structures
    EDUC 546 Student Teaching Internship
    EDUC 554 Pathways to Inclusion: Re-examining Beliefs about Learners
    EDUC 559 Student Teaching Seminar
    EDUC 590 Independent Study

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