FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the MAT

 1.      What is the MAT Program for Early Childhood Education?

The Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program in Elementary Education is designed for college graduates with undergraduate degrees in fields other than education who are planning a career in the teaching profession and are seeking initial certification.  Completion of the MAT program leads to a master's degree and recommendation for a Georgia Level 5 Certificate in Elementary Education (P-5). The MAT program includes advanced content preparation as well as professional education coursework.

2.      What is the goal of the MAT Program?

The goal of the MAT program is to transform candidates into professional educators who provide responsive teaching.

3.      What is Responsive Teaching?

Responsive teaching is using the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and preferred learning styles of diverse students to make learning more appropriate and effective for the students; it teaches to and through the strengths of these students.  An effective teacher responds actively and positively to the learning needs of a particular student or small group of students rather than the more typical pattern of teaching the class as though all individuals in it were basically alike.  In other words, one size does not fit all!

4.     What are the benefits of this MAT Program?

  • The MAT Program has been created specifically for the working adult
  • The MAT Program leads to a master's degree and recommendation for a Georgia Level 5 Certificate in Elementary (P-5) Education
  • The MAT Program is designed as a Cohort Model: one group of students takes all their courses together

5.      How do I apply for admission to the MAT Program?

The Reinhardt MAT program has several steps so it is best to apply early.  See the MAT Admissions Steps

6.      When are the MAT classes offered?

Class times are Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-10:50 p.m. The program includes fall and spring for two consecutive years; it excludes summer semester. The final semester (the second spring) will be student teaching.

7.      How many classes will I take each semester?

Fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks each; each semester is divided into two eight-week sessions. You will take two classes during each eight-week session for a total of four courses each semester. See the advisement grid for additional information.

8.      Will I be a full-time college student?

You will be taking 12 credit hours each semester, which is considered full-time.

9.      How long will it take me to graduate?

The MAT program takes four semesters to complete (fall and spring for two consecutive years; it excludes summer semester). Three semesters are spent on coursework, and the final semester is full-time Clinical Residency. See the advisement grid for additional information.

10.   When will I student teach and how will that work?

MAT Clinical Residency Teaching is the last semester of your program.  In Clinical Residency, you will be placed in a school with a specific teacher for 15-16 weeks.  This is a full-time commitment for an entire semester so you cannot continue working during Clinical Residency.  If this might cause a financial challenge, you need to begin planning now.

 11.  How will earlier field experiences be arranged?

Because of the diverse quantity and quality of classroom experience of the candidates within the MAT Program, details and scheduling of field experiences will be determined by the Field Experiences Office on an individual, case-by-case basis.

12.   What is a Cohort?

The MAT Program has been designed as a Cohort Model.  This means that you will begin classes with a group of people and move through your schedule of classes to graduation with that same group of people at the same location.  The Cohort Model is beneficial because it allows you to form bonds with your classmates and learn from them, as well. The camaraderie formed in a cohort is a strong source of encouragement and support.  You will also have the opportunity to work in groups and develop your leadership, collaboration, and teamwork skills.

13.   Does the MAT Program in Elementary Education accept transfer credits?

The MAT Program follows a Cohort Model so there are no transfer courses accepted as credit.

14.  How do MAT students receive information about Advisement and Registration?

Upon admission to the MAT program, each student will be assigned to a faculty advisor from the Price School of Education who will guide the student in planning the one-year MAT program of study.

Contact

Admission Questions: 770-720-5526
Office of Admissions
Reinhardt University
7300 Reinhardt Circle
Waleska, GA 30183-2981
gradadmissions@reinhardt.edu