The M.A.T. in Secondary Education is grounded in rigorous academic preparation in methods of curriculum and instruction and the preparation of teachers who support the learning of all students. We are guided by the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and seek to prepare the next generation of teacher to enact these values in their classroom, schools, and communities.
Students have two pathways to become licensed secondary teachers in a content area:
- Traditional - Grades 7-12 by subject
Students set their own pace in this 39-credit program
- Accelerated - REACH to Teach (36 credits) by subject area, completed in 16 months
Students in this accelerated program are in a cohort, take one less course and receive a 9-credit tuition waiver. Admission requirements are higher.
Both pathways prepare students to become licensed secondary teachers in content areas such as Biology, Chemistry, English, History and Social Studies, Math and Spanish. They meet the new State Board of Education policy, which requires a minimum of 15 graduate credits of content or content pedagogy, either as part of or in addition to a master’s degree.
Program outcomes
- Learn best practices in curriculum and instruction in secondary education
- Develop equitable teaching practices that support the learning of all students
- Experience a field-based program that connects theory and practice
Requirements
- Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
- Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.67. For REACH to Teach, applicants need a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and one of the following:
- Passing scores on the Praxis Core
- SAT scores of 1100 or higher (with a minimum score of 450 for verbal and math)
- ACT minimum scores of 22 for verbal, 19 for math
- Academic undergraduate major or equivalent major of at least 30 credits in English, History, Math, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Family and Consumer Science or World Language; or 39 credits of interdisciplinary courses as evaluated by the University of Saint Joseph licensure officer; or a minimum of 18 undergraduate credits in one area of licensure with the remaining undergraduate credits in other related area of licensure taken before acceptance to the School of Education
- Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability as a prospective teacher or to work with children and families, accompanied by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies cover form. Note: Recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members, personal friends or members of the USJ School of Education
- A letter of intent
Continuation requirements
Candidates must earn a C or better in all courses for continuous progress through the program. After 12 credits, candidates must maintain a GPA of 2.67 or higher throughout the program.
Exit requirements
In addition to all required coursework and field experiences, students must complete EdTPA (cost to candidates is $300.00), a State of Connecticut required exam for teacher licensure, which also meets the USJ’s master’s degree requirement as a comprehensive evaluation for the program.
