Program Philosophy

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education degree provides college students with the following:

• An alternative opportunity (alternate route) to teach in accredited elementary schools (K-6)
• Mentoring and support for those who wish to teach in accredited elementary schools
• The coursework, knowledge, and field experiences necessary to become a licensed and successful elementary teacher

Thirty-three (33) credit hours are required for a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education degree. All MAT students must have been employed by an accredited school district for one year prior to completion of the degree program. Upon successful completion of the 33 credit hours in this program, candidates will be eligible for a 5-year, renewable Class A Mississippi Educator License.

All students must have active Watermark accounts while enrolled either in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs. Students needing new Watermark accounts will be assessed a program fee based on the rate at the time during their initial term of enrollment.