English Education (M.A.T.)

The M.A.T. major in English Education provides initial teacher certification for individuals who have an interest in teaching secondary English language arts (grades 6-12).

The program’s underlying framework is constructivism, which suggests that human beings create knowledge through acting on their environment and interacting with other humans.  The program is a cohort program that encourages and supports planning, teaching, and reflection with colleagues who are committed to excellence in urban  English education. The program requires a minimum of 45 - semester hours of graduate coursework. 

Admissions Requirements: 

All applicants must meet the basic requirements for admission in the graduate program of the College of Education

• Official scores on the GRE (general exam)
• GACE Test of Basic Skills (or exemption - see admissions page)
• 2.5 undergraduate GPA with completed undergraduate degree
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (see specific requirements by degree on application page)
• Statement of goals

In addition to the basic admission requirements the following is required for the MAT in English Education program:

Undergraduate or graduate degree in English or the equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. An equivalent degree (e.g. speech, drama, journalism) must include course work consisting of at least 24 semester hours of upper-division credit in English content, including a minimum of three semester hours in each of the following areas:

• American literature,
• British literature,
• Written composition,
• History or structure of the English language    

The department may specify other requirements. 

Program Degree Requirements for the M.A.T. in English Education

Professional Studies (9)
Select one (3):
EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
EPRS 7910 Action Research (3)

Select one (3):
EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy (3)
EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education (3)
EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (3)

Required (3):
EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)

Teaching Field/Major (27)
Required (12):
EDCI 6600 Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3)
EDLA 6550 Principles of English Instruction (3)
EDLA 7550 Theory and Pedagogy of English Instruction (3)
EDRD 7630 Literacy in the Content Area (3)

Elective in the Teaching Field/Major (3)
Select One (3):
EDLA 7150 Children's and Adolescent's Literature (3)
EDLA 7480 Theory and Pedagogy in the Study of the English Language (3)
IT 7360 Integrating Technology in School-Based Learning Environments (3)
TSLE 7260 Cultural Issues for the Bilingual/English as a Second Language Teacher (3)

Select Advanced Studies in English or Folklore (12): In consultation with an advisement committee, students select coursework numbered 6000 to 8999. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, and applications of English in secondary education.

Internship (9)
Required (9):
EDCI 7660 Practicum I (3)
EDCI 7670 Practicum II (3)
EDCI 7680 Practicum III (3)

Program total: minimum of 45 semester hours

Students in this program will be eligible to be recommended for Georgia initial certification after earning passing scores on the GACE Basic Skills Assessment and GACE Content Assessment for English and successfully completing:

1. All content courses recommended for each individual by MSIT and Arts and Sciences faculty upon admission to the program;
2. Students must complete EXC 4020 Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (3) or its equivalent to be eligible for recommendation for certification in addition to the program of study requirements;
3. EPY 7080, The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3), and
4. EDCI 6600, Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3); EDCI 7660, Practicum I (3); EDCI 7670, Practicum II (3); EDCI 7680, Practicum III (3); EDLA 6550, Principles of English Instruction (3); EDLA 7550, Theory and Pedagogy of English Instruction (3); and EDRD 7630, Literacy in the Content Areas (3); and
5. Successful presentation of a professional portfolio.

For additional program information contact the initial TEEMS advisor at 404-413-8060 or email TEEMS@gsu.edu 

Program Coordinator: Dr. Michelle Zoss, 404-413-8415, zoss@gsu.edu

 For information about our GSU/TFA Collaborative Program please see http://coe.gsu.edu/tfa