{"id":3188,"date":"2026-04-06T19:35:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T00:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/?page_id=3188"},"modified":"2026-04-15T07:55:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T12:55:38","slug":"master-of-arts-in-teaching-mat-elementary-education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/master-of-arts-in-teaching-mat-elementary-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter is-light\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3198\" alt=\"MUW education students on the first day of the semester\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/aaa-768x1024.jpeg\" style=\"object-position:46% 45%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"46% 45%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/aaa-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/aaa-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/aaa-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/04\/aaa.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:36px\"><strong>Become a Classroom-Ready Elementary Teacher<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education at The W is designed for individuals with a bachelor\u2019s degree who want to become licensed teachers in grades K\u20136. Whether you are changing careers or following a long-standing passion for teaching, this program provides a clear, supported pathway into the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The MAT is a flexible, affordable program that can be completed in as few as four semesters. Coursework is offered online with advising support to create an individualized plan of study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons square-button is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button white-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/graduate\/request\/\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#174074\"><strong>Request Information<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button white-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletin.muw.edu\/index.php?catoid=53\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#174074\"><strong>Graduate Bulletin<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button white-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/graduate\/apply\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#174074\"><strong>Apply to The W<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Why Choose an MAT Program at The W?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designed for career changers or those with degrees in other fields<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Affordable tuition and online course delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Licensure in high-demand endorsement areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Faculty support and advising throughout the program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Clear licensure pathway with a Class AA Master\u2019s-level Educator License upon completion of graduate work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Admissions Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Official transcripts from all institutions attended<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">At least 2.75\/4.0 GPA\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Passing ACT\/Praxis Core scores required for a GPA of 2.75-2.99<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">3 references for letters of recommendation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Passing Praxis II: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Elementary Education (5017) score<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em>Attempt<\/em> at the Mississippi Foundations of Reading Test (890)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><em>You may be conditionally admitted to the MAT: Elementary Education program before passing the required licensure exams. Please speak with an advisor for details.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Licensure Exam Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">To be<strong>&nbsp;fully<\/strong>&nbsp;admitted to the MAT: Elementary Education program, candidates must <em>complete*<\/em> the following licensure exam requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/praxis.ets.org\/test\/elementary-education-curriculum-instruction-and-assessment-5017.html\">Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA), Test 5017<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nestest.com\/state\/ms\">Mississippi Foundations of Reading Test (FORT), Test 890<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em>*Candidates must <strong>pass <\/strong>Test 5017 and must <strong>attempt<\/strong> the MS Foundations of Reading Test.<\/em> <em>Candidates who pass Test 5017 and attempt the FORT may be fully admitted, recommended for licensure, and begin teaching. If the FORT is not passed, candidates qualify for a 3-year entry-level license and complete additional requirements during that time to fulfill the FORT requirement.<\/em> <em>Please speak with an advisor for guidance on timelines and next steps<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Career Outcomes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Graduates of the MAT program are prepared for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Classroom Teaching:<\/strong> Licensed Elementary Education teacher, with full state benefits and retirement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Private &amp; Independent Schools:<\/strong> Teaching roles across grade levels and subject areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Future Growth:<\/strong> Graduate-level professional development, endorsements, or doctoral study.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Licensure Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">After admission and completion of initial licensure coursework: 3-year, non-renewable Class A Mississippi Educator License (Grades 4\u20136) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">After completing Internship requirements: 5-year, renewable Class A Mississippi Educator License (Grades 4\u20136) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">After earning the master\u2019s degree: 5-year, renewable Class AA Mississippi Educator License (Grades K\u20136)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-85b497032b18c4e221f6976cbe3e01ac\" style=\"background-color:#174074;font-size:22px\"><strong>&#8220;When I was at MUW, I never felt alone in the process. My instructors were so understanding and encouraging.&#8221; <em>~2024 MAT Graduate<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Plan of Study<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Initial Licensure Courses (9 credit hours<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 538 Diversity &amp; Inclusion in the Educational Setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 549 Instructional Assessment Practices &amp; Procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 551 Managing the Instructional Environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Internship Courses (6 credit hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 697 Internship in Master of Arts in Teaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 697 Internship in Master of Arts in Teaching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Additional Courses for Degree Completion (18 credit hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 500 Educational Research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 503 Instructional Technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 514 The Professional Role of Educators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 520 Foundations of Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 527 Integrating Reading &amp; Writing Across the Curriculum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Zero-Credit Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 590 MAT Graduate Portfolio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">ED 591 MAT Graduate Comprehensive Exam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong><strong>The W Difference<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The W offers one of the most affordable and flexible MAT programs in Mississippi. Our combination of online coursework, personalized advising, and a mentorship ensures that career changers are well-prepared to enter the teaching profession and stay where they are needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong><strong>Contact Us<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Have questions about admissions or licensure? Connect with our program navigator, Christi Dillon,  for step-by-step guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"mailto:education@muw.edu\" style=\"color:#174074\"><strong>Connect With Us<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-525902c1ef1448f300ce65e357001c98\"><strong>education@muw.edu<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Become a Classroom-Ready Elementary Teacher The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education at The W is designed for individuals with a bachelor\u2019s degree who want to become [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3188","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/67"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3188"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3603,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3188\/revisions\/3603"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}