M.A. in Teaching (MAT)

Graduates from the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program are prepared to be competent, caring and reflective educators who are certified to teach in one or two secondary grade bands: Grades 5-9 or Grades 7-12 in chosen concentration areas. The MAT degree is a unique Master’s program, where students will take:

• The required undergraduate coursework to meet the requirements of a concentration area. Students should make every effort to complete the undergraduate courses at the beginning of the program.
• 37 credits of graduate level coursework which will include a full-time internship as a student teacher in the final semester of the program.

Ideally, an applicant will have completed a substantial portion of the coursework required for one or more of the teaching concentrations offered at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Concentration options include English/Language Arts, Integrated Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.

With successful completion of the program students earn the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. After passing the appropriate Michigan Test(s) for Teacher Certification (MTTC) students will be recommended to the Michigan State Board of Education for a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate and endorsement in their chosen content area and grade band(s).

*Note that the prior MAT program options in level-based certification (6-12 secondary certification) have been placed on admissions moratorium. More information on this program for current students only can be found in the archived Graduate Catalog (2022 or older). Current students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor with programming questions.

• Candidates for certification will be capable in their content specialty areas (teaching major(s) and/or minor(s))
• Candidates for certification will be capable users of pedagogical knowledge
• Candidates for certification will be reflective about their practice

Visit the University Catalog to learn more about required coursework for the M.A. in Teaching

Admission Requirements

Students must submit the following items with their application. The GRE is not required for admission to this program. The Office of International Affairs lists additional admission requirements for international students.

MAT program applicants who have transcripts from non-U.S. institutions may also be required to submit ECE Course-by-Course Evaluations to aid in developing a plan of study that appropriately meets the requirements of the student’s chosen concentration area(s).

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• 3.0 GPA or higher on submitted transcripts
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Application fee
• Personal statement

Completion Requirements

Before exiting from the M.A. in Teaching, you need to complete two steps:

1. Apply for graduation.
2. Submit an Exit Survey.

Exit Survey:

The purpose of this survey is to assist the College of Education, Health, and Human Services with the evaluation of the master’s degree program and to serve as a guide for program development. The Exit Survey is a requirement for completion of the program. Submit the exit survey.

Applicants interested in pursuing secondary certification must complete requirements for a secondary teaching major. Please see the requirements below for the content majors and minors offered at UM-Dearborn. Please note that a major is required, while a minor is optional and highly recommended.

Please see the requirements below for the concentrations and grade bands offered at UM-Dearborn. Please note that both a concentration and grade band selection is required. Students may select both grade bands, if desired (additional coursework may be needed).

The pathways in our Educator Preparation Program were designed to satisfy educational prerequisites to initial and advanced licensure in only the state of Michigan. We encourage students to contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state in which they are located or, if different, the state in which they intend to seek licensure for more information. While the Educator Preparation Program pathways may or may not fully satisfy educational prerequisites to licensure in other states, academic advisors work with students on an individual basis and are available to discuss teaching certifications and reciprocity opportunities in other states. In addition, the Education Commission of the States website provides solid information as to the expectations each state and the District of Columbia has for obtaining licensure beyond Michigan licensure. 

CEHHS Office for Student Success
262 Fairlane Center South (FCS)
[email protected]
313-593-5090

Prospective candidates, interested in having their transcripts evaluated, should fill out our Transcript Evaluation Request Form. Once completed, the Certification Officer will invite you to make an appointment to discuss the program plan and answer any questions.

In-person, telephone and virtual advising are available to prospective MAT candidates. The Certification Officer can also advise about the application and enrollment processes. Please call 313-593-5090 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

Donna Kerry, Certification & Field Officer

To schedule an appointment with Ms. Kerry please contact:

CEHHS Office of Student Success
email: [email protected]
phone: 313-593-5090.