Plan of Study

Our MAT program is designed with busy lives in mind. Whether you’re a working teacher, a parent, or juggling multiple responsibilities, we understand those demands and have built a program that prepares future educators to make a real impact in their schools and communities. The MAT is tailored for those entering the teaching profession, providing the knowledge, skills, and support needed to succeed in today’s classrooms.

Through collaboration and hands-on experience, candidates develop a strong foundation in creating positive classroom environments and using effective teaching practices. With real-world application at its core, graduates leave the program ready to guide, support, and inspire students across K-12 grade levels.

Licensure Areas

Candidates will select a licensure area at the time of admission

Elementary Education K-6

Middle School Education 4-8

Secondary Education 7-12

Special Education K-12

Pedagogy Courses (non-Special Education)

MAT 5103	Holistic Pedagogy
MAT 5013	Classroom Assessment
MAT 5023	Survey of Exceptional Individuals
MAT 5083	Creating Environments for Learning
MAT 5093	Collaborative Practice
MAT 6073	Learning Theory
MAT 5033	Content for Elementary Teachers (K-6 license only)

Pedagogy Courses (Special Education)

MAT 5103	Holistic Pedagogy
MAT 6073	Learning Theory
SPED 5043	Instructional Planning
SPED 5053	Methods and Materials for Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities
SPED 5123	Nature and Needs of Students with Mild Disabilities
SPED 5273	Classroom and Group Management
SPED 5663	Educational Diagnosis and Assessment
SPED 6003	Collaboration and Consultation for Inclusion

Literacy Courses (Elementary and Special Education)

MAT 5173	Teaching Literacy I
MAT 5273	Teaching Literacy II

Literacy Courses (4-8, 7-12, K-12)

MAT 5003	Strategies for Content Area Reading
MAT 6083	Reading Diagnostics

Supervised Clinical Experience (all licensure areas)

MAT 6033	Internship I
MAT 6043	Internship II

Professional License Disclosure

Federal regulations require Southern Arkansas University to disclose whether its degree programs meet U.S. jurisdictions’ educational requirements for licensure (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6) & 34 CFR 668.72(n)). The academic programs listed below are designed to prepare students for a career in a licensed profession upon completion of the program. A professional license is typically required for graduates of these programs to practice and/or gain employment in these fields. Each state and territory have different professional licensure and certification requirements. Other licensure requirements may include professional examinations, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting requirements, etc. Prospective and current students should also keep in mind that licensing and authorization requirements vary by state and that relocating during the course of a program to another state could impact whether they can continue in the course, meet the eligibility requirements of that state, and/or receive financial aid funding. Students considering relocation during their academic program are encouraged to communicate with the program contact listed below to check for authorization and licensure eligibility requirements.

Master of Arts inTeaching