MAT in English Education

The Boston University Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English Education is designed for liberal arts graduates in English who wish to teach in middle or secondary schools. In collaboration with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, students in this 12-month, full-time program prepare for Massachusetts initial teacher licensure and further strengthen their chosen academic fields.

The program requirements include four graduate-level courses in English literature, six professional education courses, and a student-teaching experience. The professional education courses introduce students to lesson design, classroom management, instructional delivery, and research-based methods for the teaching of writing, prose, poetry, grammar, and vocabulary.

Additional coursework in educational foundations, adolescent development, and special education allows students to look beyond the classroom to the social, historic, psychological, economic, and cultural factors that influence the student’s school experience.

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program is a 12-month program for full-time students seeking initial licensure for teaching at the middle or secondary levels in accordance with requirements in the state of Massachusetts. Licensure reciprocity exists with many states, but students should investigate specifics in the state of anticipated residence.

The program begins in June each year, though students may also begin in September. It is also possible to complete the degree over a longer time period as a part-time student.

Program Requirements

Education Coursework (20 cr)

• SED ED 500/501 Foundations of Educational Practices/Lab (6 cr)
• SED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED EN 506 Curriculum Materials and Teaching Strategies in English (4 cr)
• SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr)
• SED CT 575 General Methods of Instruction, 5–12 (4 cr)
• SED LR 732 Adolescent Literacy (2 cr)

English Coursework

Students complete 16 credits (approximately four courses) in English at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Practicum

Students participate in a 300-hour student-teaching experience supervised by a trained classroom teacher and Boston University faculty, and accompanied by a reflective seminar. Students select a practicum experience from the options below:

• SED EN 507 Student Teaching Practicum: English, 5–8 (8 cr)
• SED EN 508 Student Teaching Practicum: English, 8–12 (8 cr)

Admissions

Accepted students are admitted jointly to the School of Education and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.