Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT)

Do you want to be a teacher? Concordia University can get you there. Through our Master of Arts in Teaching program, you will learn the necessary strategies and skills that make Concordia graduates among the most desired teachers in Oregon.

Concordia is excited to offer each MAT student an iPad as part of his or her program. Candidates will learn how to incorporate advancing technologies into their future classrooms to enhance time-proven best teaching practices. Concordia first piloted the use of the iPads in the MAT classes with the January 2012 cohort and its incorporation has earned rave reviews from students and professors alike.

If you live in the Portland area, you have the option of either our full-time program or part-time evening program. Either way, you'll be trained by experienced teachers with extensive classroom experience.

The full-time program is offered at our Portland campus and can be completed in 11-12 months. It begins in spring (mid-January) and in summer (mid-June). The spring program is open for those interested in teaching elementary grades (pre-kindergarten - grade 8). The summer program is open for all authorization levels. The part-time program is offered in Portland and Medford and can be completed in 22 months. It begins in late August and consists of evening classes and a few Saturday and/or online classes. Note: The Medford program is offered every other fall. The next Medford start date is scheduled for fall 2013.

Both options include full-time practicum and student teaching experience. This is a full time commitment.

The master's degree prepares you to earn a teaching license and authorization to teach at the following levels:

  • Early Childhood (ECE) Grades Pre-kindergarten-4
  • Elementary (ELE) Grades 3-8
  • Middle Level (ML) Grades 5-9
  • High School (HS) Grades 7-12
Students in either the full-time MAT or part-time evening program are prepared to teach at two levels (preferred and supplemental) of authorization, combining:

  • Elementary (Early Childhood with Elementary)
  • Secondary (Middle School with High School)

Elementary

  • Early Childhood (ECE) Grades Preschool-4
  • Elementary (ELE) Grades 3-8

MAT Elementary Cohort Courses (ECE/ELE Authorizations)

[39 Credit Hours]

Course CodeCourse TitleCredits
MAT 501Issues and Ethics3
MAT 556The Whole Child and Learning3
MAT 503Basic Teaching Skills3
MAT 536Evaluation and Assessment of Teaching & Learning2
EDSP 510Intro to Special Education3
EDCI 538Strategies and Materials for Teaching English Learners3
MAT 561Literacy through Literature2
MAT 563C&I Reading and Language Arts3
MAT 560C&I Math2
MAT 558Health and PE for the Classroom Teacher1
MAT 567Integrating Social Studies, Science and the Arts3
MAT 548Classroom Management2
Select ONE of the following:
MAT 551Practicum (ECE)3
MAT 552Practicum (ELE)3
Select ONE of the following:
MAT 591Student Teaching (ECE)6
MAT 592Student Teaching (ELE)6
TOTAL (semester hours)39

Secondary

  • Middle Level (ML) Grades 5-9
  • High School (HS) Grades 7-12

Students studying to be teachers at the secondary level may choose from endorsements in the following areas:

  • Art
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Drama
  • Health
  • Integrated science
  • Language arts (English)
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics (basic)
  • Mathematics (advanced)
  • Music
  • Physical education
  • Physics
  • Social studies
  • Spanish
  • Speech*
  • Technology Education**
*Based on Availability
**In conjunction with the CTE program

MAT Secondary Cohort Courses (ML/HS Authorizations)

34-36 Credit Hours

Course CodeCourse TitleCredits
MAT 501Issues and Ethics3
MAT 557The Adolescent Learner3
MAT 506Basic Teaching Skills3
MAT 537Evaluation and Assessment of Teaching & Learning2
EDSP 511Intro to Special Education3
EDCI 538Strategies and Materials for Teaching English Learners3
MAT 564Integrated Methods2
MAT 566Unit Planning in Action2
MAT 549Classroom Management2
Select ONE of the following:
MAT 553Practicum (ML)3
MAT 554Practicum (HS)3
Select ONE of the following:
MAT 593Student Teaching (ML)6
MAT 594Student Teaching (HS)6
Plus one or two of the following, depending on endorsements:
MAT 570PE Methods2
MAT 571Health Methods2
MAT 572Math Methods2
MAT 573Science Methods2
MAT 574English Language Arts Methods2
MAT 575Fine and Performing Arts Methods2
MAT 576Social Studies Methods2
MAT 577Business and Marketing Methods2
MAT 578Foreign Language Methods2
TOTAL (semester hours)34-36

Program Goals

Your MAT education will fulfill the latest TSPC standards and the mission of Concordia University, demonstrating:

  1. Appropriate personal characteristics for success as a teacher
  2. Ethical conduct in instruction and in relationships
  3. Knowledge of specific subjects, instructional strategies appropriate to developmental levels
  4. Skills in applying new technologies
  5. Instructional and assessment skill in settings that include diverse cultures and special needs
  6. Classroom management skills
  7. Effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills

Next Step

Find out more or sign up for an information session at:
www.concordiateacher.com
Apply online at: www.applytoconcordia.com

For more details or to schedule an appointment with us please contact Tim Overholser at 503-493-6523 or toverholser@cu-portland.edu.