Teach. Lead.
Tomorrow’s educators are cultivated here—at Drew. Develop your teaching skills in a clinically rich program that blends university coursework with practical field experience. Work closely with program faculty to understand the needs of diverse learners in a highly networked world. Become an inspirational teacher and live your passion every day in the classroom.
Related Programs and Certificates
Education (MEd)
The Master of Education program is a 30-credit advanced-degree program that focuses on theory and pedagogy. Within each specialization you will develop skills and knowledge that deepen an educator’s understanding of the field. Whether you are a K-12 educator or a higher education professional, we have a program that will help build toward your future.
English As A Second Language (ESL)
This non-degree program can be completed on its own or in conjunction with the MAT elementary or MAT secondary education programs (up to 6 credits can be taken as part of the MAT programs) or as part of the MEd program.
Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD)
This non-degree program can be done on its own or in conjunction with the MAT elementary or secondary education programs (up to 9 credits can be taken as part of the MAT programs) or as part of the MEd program.
Teaching Writing
The certificate in Teaching Writing is designed to provide teachers of all levels with the opportunity to use research and theory to foster a vision of literacy learning as an active social process in which students become engaged writers.
Degree Information
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares teachers to meet the challenges of diverse learners in 21st century classrooms. Teacher candidates participate in clinically rich coursework in a variety of learning environments in urban and suburban settings. Faculty-mentors encourage our future teachers to build their professional networks to successfully transition into the classroom.
Drew’s program leads to an MAT degree with certification to teach in elementary or secondary education. We prepare secondary education teachers in English, math, science, social studies, world languages and the arts. Candidates can complete the program in one year of full-time study or over the course of two years. Students seeking elementary K-6 certification may be eligible to apply for middle school certification in addition to this endorsement.
Dual-Degree Option
Drew undergraduates can enroll in the BA/MAT track, taking four courses in their junior and senior years. This path makes candidates eligible to pursue a dual certification in special education or English as a Second Language in their fifth year.
Dual Endorsements
MAT candidates have the option to pursue dual certification in special education or English as a Second Language by adding an additional 12 credits to their coursework. These endorsements can be earned online. Certified teachers can also earn an endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities (21 credits) or Teaching English as a Second Language (18 credits).
Step-by-Step Paths to Completing Your Program
The MAT program’s courses are sequenced logically over three semesters (summer, fall, and spring) to develop the knowledge and skills needed for teaching in New Jersey public schools. University courses are blended with fieldwork to offer a clinically-rich experience that provides hands-on learning.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (36 credits, plus fieldwork) offers two scheduling options: one-year (full-time) or two-year track. The program requires fieldwork in all phases of study:
- Clinical experiences in preliminary coursework taken during the summer session
- Two days per week of Clinical Practice (about 210 hours)
- Full-time classroom internship during Clinical Practice II in the spring semester
*Applicants to the Secondary Education track of the MAT program must have 30 credits or a major in the subject area in which they are seeking certification and meet all other state required content prerequisites.
*** In lieu of Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators scores students may submit SAT, GRE or ACT test results. For details on qualifying GRE, SAT and ACT scores, please refer to the New Jersey Department of Education Exemption sheet.
Sample MAT Accelerated Course PLan
SUMMER I (9 CREDITS)
Participate in lively classroom discourse and engage in thoughtful exploration of the historical and contemporary issues that affect access to education and outcomes. Begin to understand the “whys” and “hows” and how to bring about change—one classroom at a time.
- Assessment in Education (3 credits)
- Diversity in Families, Schools and Communities (3 credits)
- Education Policy and Legal Issues (3 credits)
SUMMER II (9 CREDITS PLUS FIELDWORK)
Dig deeper with clinically rich and contemporary and meaningful research opportunities across a variety of learning environments. Learn the process by which learning curriculums and experiences are designed, developed, and delivered and how young minds grasp and embrace those concepts.
- Instructional Design (3 credits)
- The Developing Learner (3 credits)
- Methods I (3 credits)
- Clinical Experience
FALL (12 CREDITS PLUS FIELDWORK)
Explore core curriculum that further expands on concepts, plus additional clinical, hands-on learning opportunities that help in developing strategies shown to be effective for teaching skills, concepts and real-world applications. You’ll also choose an elective from a broad cross-section of topics.
- Differentiated Assessment and Instruction (3 credits)
- Literacy (3 credits)
- Methods II (3 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
- Clinical Practice I
SPRING (6 CREDITS PLUS FIELDWORK)
Complete the last of the required core curriculum, and engage in a professional network as you take Technology and Innovation modules designed for professional development of practicing teachers. Here is where you’ll complete the journey of becoming the teacher you were meant to be.
- Reflective Seminar for Clinical Practice II (3 credits)
- Clinical Practice II
- Technology and Innovation Modules (3 credits)
Max Diaz, G’22
Max Diaz was named a top Distinguished Clinical Intern by the New Jersey Department of Education. He currently serves as a Chemistry and Biology Teacher in Livingston High School in Livingston, NJ. Of the MAT program, he says, “The support of the professors and faculty in the education program at Drew really helped me achieve this success and prepared me for my career. They were beyond supportive and were always available to help with anything we needed, whether it was coursework, job/interview information, or just life advice.”