The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a graduate program in teacher preparation for individuals who already have a baccalaureate (BA or BS) degree in the liberal arts or sciences and a desire to enter the teaching profession. This program provides an efficient path to New Jersey State teacher licensure. It is designed to build on a sound undergraduate academic foundation as well as the candidate’s other education and work-related experiences.

The program is rigorous in its curriculum and expectations, yet flexible in its scheduling to meet the needs of the graduate student who typically must balance formal coursework with other demands.

The M.A.T. degree requires the completion of thirty-six (36) credits of which 24 to 30 credits meet the eligibility requirements for New Jersey teacher certification. Candidates have the option of completing the courses required for certification without finishing the M.A.T. degree. Candidates that choose this option may apply for full-time teaching positions in New Jersey upon receiving certification. Candidates may continue directly to complete the M.A.T. by finishing the remaining credits (to total 36). Or, they may return at a later time to F.D.U. to complete the remaining credits and the M.A.T. degree. If one chooses this option, the credits earned through the certification program will apply toward the M.A.T. degree. Degrees should be completed within five years time.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Education (S.O.E.) offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree with tracks leading to New Jersey certification in:

Early Childhood (P-3)
Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
Middle School Education Endorsement (Grades 5-8) (only as a second certificate)
Secondary Education (Grades K-12)
English as a Second Language (Grades K-12)
Initial Teaching Certification with an additional Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD), requires 45 credits total for the 2 certifications. The general (initial) certification must be completed before the TSD can be awarded.