Master of Arts in Teaching
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at The University of Tampa has a reputable, long-standing relationship with Tampa Bay area school districts and administrators. The program prepares graduates to manage classrooms effectively and create dynamic learning environments for K–12-level courses, and can be completed in as little as 13 months. Faculty members, many of whom have worked as teachers, hold doctorate degrees in education. Their powerful combination of academic expertise and firsthand knowledge was used in the development of the MAT curriculum. Due to a statewide shortage of highly qualified teachers, now is an ideal time to take the next step in your career with a master’s degree in teaching.
Who enrolls in this program?
If you are currently in a non-teaching position or do not have an undergraduate degree in education yet aspire to become teacher, the MAT program is designed for you. Prospective students come from broad backgrounds such as mathematics, the sciences, psychology, the arts and foreign languages, among many others. The MAT program complements the many skills students have acquired through their diverse backgrounds and highlights the opportunities to apply these skills in learning environments.
What is the structure of the MAT program?
The MAT program emphasizes teaching pedagogy and guides students in learning how to teach or improve their teaching. Candidates progress through a structured sequence of practical courses focused on the psychology of the learner, classroom management, positive learning environments, assessment of student performance, instructional design and ethical issues. Candidates complete two full semesters of classroom teaching, either as a full-time classroom teacher or an intern, and utilize ongoing coursework in practical application in the classroom. Coursework prepares graduates for Florida Department of Education examinations.
What courses are offered?
A comprehensive list can be found in the course catalog. A small sampling of the courses in the MAT program includes:
- Human Development and Inclusive Learning Environments
- Professional Ethics, School Law, Safety and Classroom Management
- Instructional Methods
- Research in Education
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Social Advocacy, School Reform and Leadership in Education
- Secondary School Curriculum and Assessment
What are the benefits of the MAT program?
- Practical, supervised internship experience
- Support from faculty mentor and supervision team
- Professional networking opportunities with peers
- Program scope and sequence designed specifically for new teachers
- Leverages students’ past work experiences and areas of expertise
- Provides the knowledge base needed to teach in each student’s chosen field