The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program aims to develop reflective and transformative teachers capable of working collaboratively with children, youth, their families and communities for the sustainable well-being of educational, social and ecological systems. The mission of the Chapman MAT program is to prepare reflective teacher-researchers who use integrated, developmentally appropriate, and critical pedagogies, and are ready to collaborate within diverse educational communities in order to lead us towards a more economically, socially, environmentally and politically just world.
In California, the appropriate credential to teach a specific subject in a departmentalized classroom at the middle school or high school level is the Single Subject Credential. The Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education program allows the candidate to obtain both the Single Subject Credential and the master’s degree through an integrated program of coursework, fieldwork, and student research. Students will take the courses listed below.
Admission to the program
Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or equivalent.
- Have a minimum admission grade point average of 3.000. Applicants with an admission grade point average between 2.750 and 2.990 can be admitted in provisional standing for a maximum of one semester; provisional standing for the M.A. in Teaching specifies that students can enroll only in 500 level courses and can complete a maximum of 12 credits. Students who are below a 2.750 grade point average will be denied admission to the M.A. in Teaching.
- Submit passing scores on, or proof of registration for, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing State examination requirements for the Single Subject Credential
- Passing score on the CBEST or equivalent.
- Passage of CSET prior to Student Teaching.
- Meet the U.S. Constitution requirement (by transcript or exam).
- Obtain a Certificate of Clearance.
- Complete Infant, Child and Adult CPR requirement.
- Negative TB test.
- Successful completion of the California Teacher Performance Assessments (CalTPAs).
- In addition, all teacher education program candidates are expected to follow the Teacher Education Disposition Policy, which can be found in their respective Program Handbook.
- Successful completion of all credential courses listed below.
Demonstration of mastery
M.A. in Teaching degree candidates must demonstrate mastery of the program elements through the successful completion of an approved culminating experience, typically consisting of a portfolio or project including an oral presentation, before a panel of educators. This demonstration of mastery occurs at the end of the program, after completing all coursework and fieldwork. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 in all credential coursework prior to enrolling in 600 level courses.
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education (Single Subject Credential) degree
Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education (Single Subject Credential) are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition, these specific degree standards apply:
- Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
- Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 in all credential coursework prior to enrolling in 600 level courses.
- Completing all coursework and fieldwork.
- Successful completion of an approved culminating experience, typically consisting of a portfolio or project including an oral presentation, before a panel of educators.
- Due to embedding of credential courses within the master’s degree curriculum, students must pass or fulfill all credential requirements (including examinations external to Chapman University, such as CBEST, CSET, RICA, and/or TPA, or their equivalents as determined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in place during their enrollment in their credential program) to be eligible for master’s degree conferral. Students seeking exceptions must file a Graduate Petition form and exceptions must be approved by the Graduate Academic Council.
The following courses make up the M.A. in Teaching: Secondary Education (Single Subject Credential) curriculum: