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Nov 21, 2024
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2024-2025 Course Catalog
Secondary Education, M.A.T.
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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 4-12 by subject
Students set their own pace in this 37-credit program
- Accelerated - REACH to Teach (37-credit program) by subject area, completed in 16 months
Students in this accelerated program are in a cohort, and receive a 7-credit tuition waiver. Admission requirements are higher.
Both pathways prepare students to become licensed secondary teachers in content areas such as Biology, Chemistry, General Science, English, History and Social Studies, Math, Family and Consumer Science, and Spanish.
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.
- 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 department 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. Note: Recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members, personal friends or members of the Department of Education at USJ.
- A letter of intent
- Immunization form using the USJ Health Service form available on the university website
- Successful interview with Department of Education faculty
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 a course embedded capstone experience in their final semester.
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Required courses (37 credits)
Student teaching*
All teacher licensure coursework listed above must be completed before student teaching. You must pass the Praxis II/ACTFL before applying for student teaching.
REACH to Teach (accelerated)
REACH to Teach is an accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching program for candidates seeking initial licensure in secondary education. This 37-credit cohort program, completed in 16 months, meets the Connecticut requirements for initial teacher licensure in secondary content, Grades 4-12. Candidates in good standing earn a 7-credit tuition waiver during student teaching.
Admission requirements are higher:
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
For all other requirements, see Acceptance requirements.
Students must remain in good academic standing to remain in the accelerated program.
Application to Student Teach
An application to student teach may be obtained from the Office of Clinical Practice. It must be complete and submitted by the posted deadline for fall and spring placements. All applications and required forms may be found on the USJ Education community Blackboard site.
To ensure success during student teaching, no other courses may be taken during that semester unless approved by the advisor, Department Chair, and Director of Clinical Practice.
Candidates who apply for student teaching will be evaluated by department faculty, who will consider:
- Academic proficiency as indicated by coursework
- Communication skills as reflected in oral and written expression and listening
- Social sensitivity and skills in alignment with the critical dispositions of educators as demonstrated by interactions
Only candidates accepted into the Teacher Licensure Program can apply for student teaching. An application to student teach from the Office of Student Teaching and Clinical Experiences must be submitted by February 1 for fall placements and September 15 for spring placements.
Recommendation for Certification
To be recommended to the Connecticut State Department of Education for licensure, candidates must:
- Complete all program requirements for the major and for licensure, including the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) requirements for coursework and student teaching
- Fulfill general education requirements for CSDE
- Provide documentation of basic skills assessments; SAT, GRE, ACT, or Praxis Core
- Pass all required certification exams
- Apply through CECS (CT Education Certification System) and notify Office of Clinical Practice to be recommended
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