Degree Requirements

The MAT Program consists of a Professional Education core, taken by all candidates, and a Specialty Core determined by the area of specialization. All candidates must complete 50-100 hours of pre-student teaching observation in conjunction with regular coursework.

Degree requirements vary according to the area of specialization:

• Elementary Education (K-9)
• Elementary Education (K-9) with permanent bilingual approval
• Visual Art Education (K-12)

In order to receive a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree and Illinois state certification, you must complete both degree and certification requirements.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (K-9)

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CORE

Educational Psychology
Education, Culture and Society
Education of the Exceptional Child
Dimensions of Multiculture and Global Awareness
Technology in the Classroom
Student Teaching
Portfolio Preparation/Master's Thesis

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CORE

Teaching of Reading and Language Arts
Teaching of Arts and Humanities - Elementary Level
Teaching of Science - Elementary Level
Teaching of Social Science- Elementary Level
Teaching at the Middle School Level*
Psychology of the Middle School Child*
*Required in order to receive endorsement(s) in other areas.)

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (K-9) WITH PERMANENT BILINGUAL APPROVAL
(Only available to elementary school teachers holding a transitional bilingual certificate and teaching in a bilingual classroom.)

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CORE

Psychology of Learning
Inquiries into Educational Thought
Survey of Exceptionalities in Children
Student Teaching
Portfolio Preparation/Master's Thesis

BILINGUAL EDUCATION CORE

Foundations of Bilingual Education
Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Learners (ELL's)
Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a New Language (ENL)
Assessment of English Language Learners
Intercultural Communication
Multicultural Education Seminar

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CORE

Teaching of Reading and Language Arts
Teaching of Arts and Humanities - Elementary and Middle School Levels
Teaching of Mathematics- Elementary and Middle School Levels
Teaching of Science- Elementary and Middle School Levels
Teaching at the Middle School Level*
Psychology of the Middle School Child*
*Required in order to receive endorsement(s) in other areas

ART EDUCATION (K-12)

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CORE

Educational Psychology
Education, Culture and Society
Education of the Exceptional Child
Dimensions of Multiculture and Global Awareness
Technology in the Classroom
Student Teaching
Portfolio Preparation/Master's Thesis

ART EDUCATION CORE

Learning and Teaching in, about, and through Drama and Creative Writing
Learning and Teaching in, about, and through Music and Movement
Learning and Teaching in, about, and through the Visual Arts
Teaching Visual Arts at the Elemntary and Middle School Levels
Teaching Visual Arts at the Secondary School Levels