Master of Arts in Teaching

Ready to impact more lives? Turn your current bachelor’s degree into something more.

When you enroll in one of Carroll University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs not only will you be prepared to become a licensed educator, you will also possess the in-demand skills school districts are looking for so you are job-ready after graduation. Our programs provide dual certification in either elementary and special education, or secondary and English as a second language education. Whether you’re looking to change professions, are a recent graduate whose professional ambitions have shifted, or a teaching assistant looking to become a fully-licensed educator, you’ll be equipped to immediately transition into a rewarding career in your own classroom.

In Carroll University’s MAT program, you’ll study the role of education and schooling in society, learn about developmental psychology and gain the tools needed to be an effective and culturally relevant teacher who is capable of teaching multiple subjects. As a dually-certified candidate, you’ll gain a broader awareness and understanding of school structures, processes and community organizations that support each and every student. You’ll learn innovative, inclusive and equitable approaches, including effective practices that align with research-based models to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of all learners.

Carroll has a rich tradition of teaching excellence, and the exceptional quality of our teacher education program is recognized by teachers and administrators in area schools. MAT program candidates develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to create learner-centered, inclusive environments. Small class sizes and a variety of classroom observational and student teaching experiences prepare teachers in their chosen licensure area.

Our program recognizes that educators occupy a central and critical role in our many diverse, vibrant communities. At Carroll, you’ll benefit from a truly deep and experiential approach to this ever-changing field. We have the resources and partnerships to get your career off to a running start and the commitment to keep it moving forward.

A program that fits your schedule

With our accelerated cohort model, you’ll obtain dual licensure in just 17 months. You’ll meet just one weekend a month, allowing you to continue in your current career until your final semester. That’s when you’ll have the opportunity to student teach, gaining valuable real-world experience as you prepare to meet DPI licensing requirements.

An investment with impact

We designed the MAT program to directly address the immediate needs of our school district partners. That means you’ll graduate with critical skills and qualifications in areas that are in high demand. 

The 36 credit Master of Arts in Teaching program is a 17-month hybrid, weekend model. Cohorts meet face-to-face five weekends per semester (Fridays from 5–9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), students complete online coursework weekly, and complete a 30-hour practicum during semesters 1–3. In the fourth and final semester, candidates teach students for an 18-20 week, K-12 semester in addition to five weekend face-to-face meetings and online coursework. All in person classes are held on the Carroll University campus.

2020-21 Meeting Dates

Friday: 5–9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

• Fall
  • September 18-19, 2020
  • October 16-17, 2020
  • November 20-21, 2020
  • December 11-12, 2020
• Spring
  • January 15-16, 2021
  • February 19-20, 2021
  • March 19-20, 2021
  • April 16-17, 2021
• Summer 2021
  • May 21-22, 2021
  • June 18-19, 2021
  • July 16-17, 2021
  • August 20-21, 2021

Please submit application materials and credentials for admission to the Office of Admission at gradinfo@carrollu.edu. Official documents must be mailed to:

Carroll University
Office of Admission
100 N. East Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

Admission decisions will be based on submission and evaluation of:

1. Graduate Studies Application
2. Official transcripts from each institution attended (can be submitted electronically to gradinfo@carrollu.edu or via mail, but must come directly from the institution)
3. Professional résumé
4. Writing sample
   • In 1,000 words or less, please explain your views on the role of education in society and your reasons for wanting to enter the teaching profession. Indicate how your strengths, skills and experiences demonstrate an ability to be successful in the accelerated MAT program.
   • For Secondary applicants please describe your background with your chosen content area and how you feel your experiences have prepared you to share this content area with students. Your response can draw on previous coursework, work and/or personal experiences. (You may include this as part of the 1,000 words.)
5. Two letters of recommendation which include the following: 
   • In what context and for how long have you known the applicant?
   • Why would you recommend this applicant for the Masters of Arts in Teaching program?
   • Other areas authors may choose to address:
     • Characteristics, work habits and dispositions    
     • Strengths and interests
     • Communication abilities
     • Experiences related to future goals
     • Anything else we should consider about the candidate in our admission decision
   • Please share this link with references for submitting letters of recommendation: carrollu.edu/admissions/graduate-recommendation.
6. Subject area expertise will be reviewed for relevant undergraduate degree at the time of application. Coursework representing necessary content and a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale OR a passing score on the approved subject assessment* are required prior to admission. https://www.ets.org/praxis/
   • English and Language Arts – Praxis 5038: English Language Arts: Content Knowledge; Score 167
   • Mathematics – Praxis 5161: Mathematics: Content Knowledge; Score 160
   • Science – Praxis 5435: General Science: Content Knowledge; Score 154
   • Social Studies – Praxis 5081: Social Studies: Content Knowledge; Score 153
   • Physical Education – Praxis 5091: Physical Education: Content Knowledge; Score 150
   • Art – Praxis 5134: Art: Content Knowledge; Score 158
   • Spanish – ACTFL (oral and written proficiency assessment); score Intermediate High on both written and oral tests
     • Testing Sites: The Praxis Subject Assessment (commonly called Praxis 2) is typically administered in person at various testing sites.
     • Cost: $120-$160 (depending on subject area)      
     • Timing: varies depending on subject area, between 2-3 hours 
     • Because of COVID-19, online testing for candidates will be available in the coming weeks. Not all subject areas will be available at the same time. More subject areas will be rolled out every few weeks based on which tests are most commonly taken.
     • Praxis Ongoing Updates

Students must maintain eligibility throughout the program, successfully completing all requirements. Students who do not maintain continuous registration in the MAT program or are refused admission must reapply for admission and will be subject to the requirements in existence at the time of the new application. Reapplication is necessary if students fail to register for two consecutive academic semesters. The Education Department reserves the right to counsel students out of the program when appropriate. Many decisions of the Education faculty are governed by state statutes and are not reversible by this institution.

• Carroll University Catalog | Master of Arts in Teaching
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