Students majoring in select subject areas can pursue a pathway that leads to teacher licensure through The W’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education graduate program.
These pathways are designed to allow students to complete their undergraduate degree while preparing for admission into the licensure-track MAT graduate program. By intentionally aligning coursework, students are positioned to transition smoothly to the next step toward becoming licensed educators.
How These Pathways Work
- Students complete a major in a selected subject area
- Coursework is aligned to support future entry into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Secondary Education licensure-track program
- Upon graduation, students may pursue the MAT graduate pathway leading to teacher licensure
Students interested in teaching are encouraged to explore these pathways early and work closely with advisors to ensure proper course alignment.
Explore Available Pathways
Students majoring in the areas below may be eligible to pursue educator licensure through Mississippi University for Women’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) pathway. This option allows eligible students to complete an undergraduate degree in their content area while preparing for teacher licensure and graduate-level coursework through the MAT program.
Select your major below to learn more about program pathways, advising, and educator preparation opportunities. For questions related to your academic major, please contact the appropriate department chair listed below.
- Biology (7-12): Dr. Ross Whitwam, rewhitwam@muw.edu
- Chemistry (7-12): Dr. Ross Whitwam, rewhitwam@muw.edu
- English (7-12): Dr. Kendall Dunkelberg, kadunkelberg@muw.edu
- Mathematics (7-12): Dr. Ross Whitwam, rewhitwam@muw.edu
- Physical Science (7-12): Dr. Ross Whitwam, rewhitwam@muw.edu
- Social Studies (7-12): Dr. Kristi DiClemente, kdiclemente@muw.edu
- Spanish (K-12): Dr. Kendall Dunkelberg, kadunkelberg@muw.edu
- Theatre (K-12): Dr. Kathy Newman, knewman1@muw.edu
Graduate Coursework During Undergraduate Study
Qualified undergraduate students may have the opportunity to begin graduate-level coursework prior to earning their bachelor’s degree. Students who have completed at least 90 semester hours and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA may, with written approval from the appropriate program coordinator or director, enroll in up to six hours of graduate coursework, as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin.
Students who complete approved MAT graduate coursework during their undergraduate program may be able to accelerate their progress in the MAT program. After graduation and upon full admission to the MAT program, these students will:
- complete any remaining initial licensure coursework
- be eligible for recommendation for licensure at the conclusion of that semester, if all requirements are met
This pathway can provide a more efficient transition into teaching while maintaining the same high standards for admission, coursework, and licensure.
Ready to Teach?
Students who complete an aligned undergraduate pathway may be eligible to continue into the MAT graduate licensure track program, designed to prepare educators for today’s classrooms.
For more information about pathway options and next steps, contact an advisor in the chosen major to begin planning early.
For questions specific to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education program, please contact our program navigator, Christi Dillon, for guidance.
education@muw.edu