Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT Program

Begin Your Path to Teaching at The W

The Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program at Mississippi University for Women is designed exclusively for MUW undergraduate students in specific majors who plan to become teachers. This pathway is intended for MUW students in the following majors that align with secondary (7–12) and K–12 teaching fields:

• Biology (B.S.)
• General Business (B.B.A.)
• Chemistry (B.S.)
• Communication (B.A., B.S.)
• English (B.A.)
• Art (B.F.A.)
• History (B.A.)
• Exercise Science (B.S.)
• Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)
• Music (B.A., B.M.)
• Political Science (B.S.)
• Spanish (B.A.)

Students in these majors can use this pathway to intentionally align their undergraduate coursework with future MAT admission requirements and transition efficiently into the MAT program after graduation. Students in other majors should contact the Department of Education to determine eligibility for this pathway.

How the Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT Pathway Works

This program provides a structured timeline that guides students from undergraduate study to teacher licensure through the MAT program.

Step 1: Apply During Junior Year

Students should apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT Program by April 15 of their junior year. At this stage, students are indicating their intent to pursue teaching and begin working more intentionally with advisors to align coursework and plan next steps.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Praxis II Exam

Between acceptance into the Accelerated pathway and graduation, students must:

• take and pass an approved Praxis II Subject Area Assessment required for MAT admission

This is a Mississippi Department of Education requirement and is necessary for admission into the MAT program.

Step 3: Apply for Admission to the MAT Program

Students will apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program approximately one month prior to graduation. At the time of application, students will submit all required materials except the official transcript.

• The official transcript will be submitted as soon as the degree is posted (typically about one week after graduation)

Step 4: MAT Admission Decision

Students will be fully admitted to the MAT program after graduation only if all admission requirements are met. It is important to understand:

• participation in the Accelerated pathway does not guarantee admission to the MAT
• students must meet all current MAT admission and Mississippi Department of Education requirements at the time of application

Step 5: Initial Licensure and Employment

Upon full admission to the MAT program and completion of initial licensure requirements:

• students are eligible to be recommended for a 3-year, non-renewable Mississippi Educator License

At this point, students may:

• begin applying for and accepting full-time teaching positions
• begin their career as the teacher of record

Step 6: Internship and Continued MAT Coursework

Once employed, students will enroll in:

• ED 697: Internship in Master of Arts in Teaching

During Internship, students:

• teach full-time in their own classroom
• receive structured support and mentoring
• continue MAT coursework while actively teaching

This is a supported, real-world transition into the profession, not a traditional student teaching experience.

Important Information About Licensure

The Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT pathway is not a licensure program by itself. To be recommended for Mississippi educator licensure, students must:

• complete their bachelor’s degree
• be fully admitted to the MAT program
• meet all licensure requirements established by the Mississippi Department of Education

Licensure is awarded only after all MAT and state requirements are successfully completed.

Who Should Consider This Pathway?

This pathway is ideal for MUW undergraduate students who:

• are confident they want to become teachers
• are majoring in a content area aligned to a teaching field
• want a clear, efficient path from undergraduate study to licensure
• are willing to meet structured timelines and requirements

Apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT Program

Advisors should complete the Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT application by the junior year deadline.

Learn More About the MAT Program

For full details about MAT admission requirements, coursework, and licensure, please visit:

Questions?

For more information about the Accelerated Bachelor’s/MAT pathway, undergraduate advising, or the Master of Arts in Teaching program, please contact the Department of Education at Mississippi University for Women.

education@muw.edu