Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education

Are you passionate about education? Are you ready to make an impact in your community?

Join the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education program at the College of Charleston, an NCATE accredited program. Our program focuses on the education of second through sixth-graders. It is designed for those who want to teach elementary school children and have undergraduate degrees in non-education disciplines. The program combines academic work and a variety of experiences in public elementary schools.

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Why earn your m.a.t. in elementary education at the college of charleston?

Students participate in intensive, supervised field experiences across multiple grade levels. You will gain hands-on experience while studying theory and practice. You will study topics like literacy, course design, strategies for diverse learners and more. Take electives like cultural diversity, the needs of gifted and talented students, community relationships and more. You will receive personalized attention and mentorship.

“I finally realized that education was my passion and returned to The College for my master's in teaching in elementary education. My time and experience at College of Charleston is invaluable to me, and I am grateful to the dedicated professors and our very unique school in the heart of Charleston.” - Rebecca Kukulka ‘10

Careers & Outcomes

Our students obtain teaching positions both locally and nationally. Successful completion of the M.A.T. program requirements leads to recommendation for teaching certification/licensure in grades 2 – 6 in South Carolina, in addition to a master's degree. The State of South Carolina has reciprocal licensure agreements with many State Departments of Education across the United States. Teacher Education Program requirements are described in detail in a candidate information packet. This packet is sent to the candidate prior to meeting with an advisor to complete a program of study.

How to Apply

The entire application process is online. The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is not complete until all documents have been submitted and processed, so read carefully and prepare your application materials in advance of applying.
  • Dates & Deadlines

    Fall 

    • Priority: January 15 
    • Final: July 1 

    Summer 

    • Priority: January 15 
    • Final: April 1 

    Spring 

    • Priority: November 1 
    • Final: December 1 
  • Admission Criteria

    • Official transcripts from all academic institutions
    • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 
    • Official Praxis Core Score that reflects a passing grade 
    • Official TOEFL scores if your primary language is not English 
    • Professional résumé and two letters of recommendation regarding your academic work/experience (one from someone who has observed you working with children). 
    • A statement of purpose describing why the candidate seeks to pursue the M.A.T. program and a career in teaching.  
    • Statement of ability to perform essential teaching duties under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

  • Application Support

    Our partners at TEACH South Carolina (TeachSC) have free tools and resources to make applying to our program—and becoming a classroom teacher—easier! Create an account today and immediately access these tools. 

    • An interactive application checklist to keep you on track
    • $100 fee reimbursement towards any of our application and testing expenses
    • One-on-one expert advice for any question along the way
    • How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances
    • A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition