The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Seattle Pacific University combines elementary or secondary teacher certification within a master's degree. The MAT student must demonstrate maturity and document relevant experiences with children or adolescents.

The Certification program consists of four elements: Orientation, Foundation, Application, and Site Experience. When participants complete these four elements satisfactorily, they will be recommended to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for a Residency Teaching Certificate. Participants will be granted the MAT degree upon completion of a fifth element: the master's degree.

The two year MAT program begins in autumn quarter. Completion of an educational technology course in the previous summer is recommended. One or two late afternoon/evening classes are held each quarter (1-6 credits). For additional information about the program, please contact Ted Hiemstra in the Graduate Center.

School-based experiences include:

• Daytime classroom internship to observe and assist during spring quarter of the first year (about 6 hours/week).
• September Experience during the opening week at a school site, prior to second MAT autumn quarter.
• Full-time school internship during spring quarter of the second year (a leave of absence for 12-14 weeks from other daytime responsibilities is necessary between March 1 and June 16). An additional 15 credits of non-certification classes finishes the master degree requirements.

For current program course requirements, please see the University Catalog.

Application Requirements

• Submit a transcript for bachelor's degree verification.
• Meet endorsement requirements for the desired teaching area. If your undergraduate degree/major does not match your desired endorsement, please contact Dr. Gregory Gelderman, Certification Officer at geldeg@spu.edu or (206)281-2376 to see if pre-requisite coursework is needed.
• Meet university graduate admission requirements, including the submission of GRE or MAT scores. However, the GRE or MAT requirement is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or with a master's degree.
• Be able to participate in a year long, full-time internship.
• Pass the WEST-B basic competency test.
• Pass the WEST-E competency test. The WEST-E website provides an explanation on which test to choose. If you wish, please check with the Certification Coordinator (281-2214) to verify that you are taking the correct test. Candidates pursuing endorsements in Designated World Languages and/or Bilingual Education also need to complete required ACTFL tests in written and oral proficiency.
• Write a personal statement with reference to the School of Education conceptual framework, which centers on four essential commitments of educators: service, leadership, competence and character. Address your own development on each commitment as a future teacher. 500 word limit. List any significant experiences working with K-12 aged students in a school or other setting. Please include the length of time of each experience. Bullet form is acceptable.
• Submit a professional résumé and two letters of recommendation.

EARLY DECISION APPLICATION DEADLINE
DECEMBER 1, 2011

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR 2012

MARCH 15, 2012

Applicants who meet all early decision requirements, including an initial screening of their complete application file, will be interviewed on January 27, 2012 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Seattle Pacific University.

Students admitted through “early decision” will have the opportunity to register for master’s classes as early as Spring Quarter.

Applicants who meet the regular application deadline requirements, including an initial screening of their complete application file, will be interviewed on April 28, 2012 from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Seattle Pacific University. Applicants are expected to be on campus for the entirety of the interview period.

All correspondence regarding the interview process will be carried out by email using the address provided in the application. Please set your email filters accordingly.

For additional information regarding admissions requirements, you may contact Ted Hiemstra in the Graduate Center.