Elementary Education (MAT)

Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education
Unit: College of Education and Human Development 
Department: Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education
Program Webpage
Academic Plan Code(s): EREDMAT

Program Information

The MAT in Elementary Education enables graduate students to earn their initial teaching certificate for grades P-5 in Kentucky. Candidates learn to teach through instruction in pedagogy, child development, special education, gifted education, technology, and diversity. They develop their skills in field experiences in local area schools. The Elementary Education program emphasizes meeting the needs of the individual learner using best instructional practices in a standards-based environment. Through coursework and clinical field experiences, teacher education students become critical thinkers who are prepared to meet the demands of 21st-century elementary education.

Admission Requirements

Candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Candidates considering an application to the MAT program should contact the MAT admissions counselor (teacher@louisville.edu) prior to applying for admission. Admission is competitive. Candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

1. Application to Graduate School. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
2. Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a Minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required)
3. Prerequisite Course Requirements
4. Oral Communication course
5. Grade of C or higher in ENGL 102 (or equivalent)
6. TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo All applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit official TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test. English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam or official Duolingo overall score of 105.
7. Professional Writing Requirements
8. Three Letters of Recommendation
9. Acceptable interview.

Program Requirements

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Can be taken at any point in the program.

Mid-Point Assessment: Prior to Student Teaching:  Satisfactory dispositions assessment; no lower than a "C" in each content methods class; all prerequisites met; all courses listed above passed; electronic documentation of 200 hours of diverse and approved field experiences; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.

Certification Assessment: After Student Teaching: Satisfactory dispositions assessment; passing scores on PRAXIS content and PLT exams; completion of degree requirements.

Degree Assessment: All program course work with 3.0 cumulative GPA (and no more than a total of two "C's" grades in degree courses); a "C" or higher in student teaching; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.

Praxis Disclaimer: Teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Before registering for certification test(s), please refer to the Education Profession Standards Board (EPSB) website at www.epsb.ky.gov or www.ets.org/praxis for current requirements.

Degree Candidacy: Students not enrolled during the semester in which they intend to graduate must register for degree candidacy as outlined in the Graduate Catalog. 

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Elementary Education (EREDMAT) prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure.  If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree. 

More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website:  https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure.

For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: https://louisville.edu/online/About-Us?tab=disclosures.