Teaching MAT

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a graduate program in teacher preparation for individuals who already have a baccalaureate (BA or BS) degree in the liberal arts or sciences and a desire to enter the teaching profession. It is designed to build on a sound undergraduate academic foundation and the candidate’s other education and work-related experiences.

The program is rigorous in its curriculum and expectations, yet flexible in its scheduling to meet the needs of the graduate student who typically must balance formal coursework with other demands.

For students admitted in Fall 2025 or after, he M.A.T. degree requires the completion of 30 credits for elementary (K-6), secondary (7-12) and ESL candidates, and 33 credits for early childhood (P-3) candidates. Degrees should be completed within five years time.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Education (S.O.E.) offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree with tracks leading to New Jersey certification in:

Early Childhood (P-3)
Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
Middle School Education Endorsement (Grades 5-8) (only as a second certificate)
Secondary Education (Grades K-12)
English as a Second Language (Grades K-12)

For all programs, candidates may continue their studies past the MAT requirements to earn dual certification in ESL or Teachers of Students with Disabilities.

Program Claims

The Master of Arts (MAT) Program produces teaching candidates who are:

Qualified to teach subject matter;
Competent in pedagogy;
Caring professionals;
Technologically proficient;
Culturally responsive to the needs of diverse learners;
Reflective practitioners who embrace the concept of lifelong learning
Prepared to obtain their instructional certification from the New Jersey Department of Education.

Admission requirements

For admission to the M. A. T. Program, candidates must have:

A bachelor’s degree with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
- P-3, K-6, and ESL candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts or science; OR undergraduate coursework must include at least 30 credits in math, science, English, and/or social studies.
- Secondary subject candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in their subject area, or at least 30 credits in their content area, 15 of which need to be upper division (junior, senior, or graduate level) coursework.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your professional/academic experience and potential as an educator
- An interview with the MAT director or her designee.
- Passing score for the relevant Praxis II licensure exam(s).

One may find the latest information about the minimum passing scores on these exams at NJ DOE’s website.

Program Tracks

All MAT students complete the same course requirements for their respective licensure areas.

Traditional MAT Track

Traditional MAT candidates are those who complete all teacher licensure requirements before seeking employment as a classroom teacher. This program culminates in a full year of student teaching, one part-time semester and one full-time semester. Most candidates finish this program in 2 years.

Alternate Route MAT Track

Alternate route MAT candidates are those who are employed as classroom teachers while they complete requirements for their standard New Jersey teaching license. Alternate route candidates are enrolled in a “clinical” course and are mentored by an FDU clinical supervisor for four consecutive semesters. To enroll as an alternate route candidate, applicants must submit evidence that they have completed all steps to become eligible for alternate route licensure:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the NJDOE
Proof of employment as a teacher of record
Proof of provisional license

In New Jersey, the State Department of Education grants Certificates of Eligibility.

Candidates must pass the required Praxis II exam for their certification area. For middle school endorsement, candidates must have either an elementary or secondary certification. Middle school is considered an additional endorsement upon the initial certificate. Subject matter specialization for middle school endorsement requires 15 credits in the content area and passing the required Middle School Praxis II exam;

NOTE: Certification requirements often change. For the most up-to-date information about requirements, please visit the New Jersey Department of Education website at http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/