The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) History was developed for high school and middle school subject area teachers who have an initial license and are seeking a professional license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The MAT program is designed to meet the "appropriate master's degree" requirement, which is part of the criteria for professional stage licensure, as set forth in the most recent MA DESE licensure regulations. This degree program will also appeal to secondary school teachers who already hold a standard level or professional license and want to acquire additional knowledge and a master's degree in the discipline.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) History provides a dynamic and inspiring learning environment, offering you countless opportunities to work side-by-side with peers, experienced classroom teachers and dedicated faculty in a collegial and supportive atmosphere. Integrating theory and practice, the program provides a balanced emphasis on building advanced teaching skills and deeper knowledge within a particular discipline.
The MAT program offers:
- Content-based History courses
- Diverse faculty with advanced degrees and extensive teaching and research experience
- A solid foundation in effective teaching, learning, research and communication skills
- A deeper understanding of instruction and assessment techniques for diverse learners
- Development of advocacy and leadership competencies
- Full and part-time program options
- Small classes that facilitate a more personalized learning experience
- Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Brian Payne
Admissions Requirements
- Online application and $50 application fee
- Resume
- Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
- GRE Scores - A composite score of 290 or greater on the quantitative and verbal parts of the GRE General Test
- Minimum GPA - Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 based upon four years of coursework or 3.0 based upon work completed during the junior and senior years
- Letters of Recommendation - Three appropriate letters of recommendation, at least one letter of recommendation should be an academic reference from a professor
- Personal Statement - Prepare a brief, but careful statement regarding the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in this field, your specific interest and experiences in this field, and your career goals
- Initial teaching License - An initial teaching license in History.
Application Deadlines
Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.
Applications that are not completed prior to the start of the semester will need to be moved to the next applicable semester.
Curriculum
Core Courses
EDMC 530 - The Teacher as Researcher
EDMC 531 - The Standards-Based Classroom: Curriculum
EDMC 532 - The Teacher as Leader: From Issues to Advocacy
EDMC 533 - The Standards-Based Classroom: Instruction and Assessment for Diverse Learners
EDMC 538 - The Professional Teacher
Electives
A minimum of 18 approved graduate credits in the academic area of concentration (History), which meet the academic and professional objectives of the student, is required. This includes content-based courses.
Total Minimum Credits: 34
Exit requirement
The successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required.
Additional Information:
Non-degree students will be allowed to enroll in two courses or six credits prior to matriculation.
***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.
Funding Opportunities
The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.
The Master of Arts in Teaching History is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.
Learning Outcomes
- Construct a coherent, documented, persuasive historical argument that incorporates both primary and secondary sources
- Appraise key historiographical developments and identify their causes and contexts
- Synthesize and analyze academic, peer-reviewed secondary historical scholarship
- Locate, identify and interpret a range of primary source materials (including digital history resources)
- Use their expertise in historical content within a pedagogical context
Core MAT Outcomes
Students will know and be able to:
1. Be informed (and critical) consumers of research literature, and become familiar with the methods and technology surrounding scientific inquiry. (EDMC 530)
2. Examine curriculum within the scope of a general framework of curriculum meaning, design, development, and use. However, the specific focus of the course will be to develop standards – based curriculum and to understand the paradigm shift for educators today in what teaching and learning need to look like in a standards- based environment. (EDMC 531)
3. Articulate a personal position on critical issues and to practice school leadership and community advocacy on issues of concern. (EDMC 532)
4. Explore ways to conduct high quality assessments that accurately track student learning. They will learn to use assessment information to inform instructional decisions, and will discover ways to use the assessment process as a basis for helping students improve their own learning and achievement. (EDMC 533)
5. Examine their own classroom learning and teaching practices that are consistent with their theory of learning. They will reflect upon and demonstrate their knowledge of the best practices that address high standards and expectations, effective instruction, and assessment. (EDMC 538)