Program Description

This degree is specifically designed for people who have completed the Certification Only Option Program for teachers (CO-OP). The MAT Program provides optimal learning, as courses build upon the knowledge and experience gained in preceding semesters, allowing the candidate to research their own teaching practices in developing a research project to be submitted at the end of the MAT program. This project must be approved by the university’s Institutional Review Board and appropriate school district where the research is conducted.

Admissions

The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU are found at the beginning of the graduate program’s section. Up to 25% of the credits required for graduation may be transferred in at the discretion of the MAT Program Director. In addition, there are several specific requirements before a student may be admitted to the MAT program:

Prerequisites: Students must complete all CO-OP courses with at least “B” (3.00) or better before they are admitted to the program as MAT candidates.

Essay: Write and submit a 3-4 page essay outlining your educational philosophy and the research topic you wish to pursue.

Teaching Certificate/License: Submit a copy of your current teaching certificate/license.

Interview: Interview with the Education Faculty.

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit an application is December 1 (Spring semester start only.)

Research Project

Successful completion and presentation of an action research project is required for graduation from the MAT program. Candidates are expected to design an action research study that focuses on a passionate educational interest. During the research project process, they design, carry out, evaluate and critique their own learning and teaching practices. By practicing action research in a classroom, candidates apply a model of professional development and teacher inquiry they may use to improve their own practices. This research model also provides an opportunity to improve and better understand a particular aspect of practice by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods. Candidates discover that learning from teaching is inherent to the teaching profession.