Elementary Education—MAT

This flexible, professional degree program is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of individuals. Typical MAT students belong to one of the following categories:

• Hold a bachelor's degree and are now seeking teacher certification at the elementary or secondary level.
• Hold teacher certification at either the elementary or secondary level and seek certification at the other level.
• Hold a teaching certificate and want to strengthen or add a specific subject area endorsement.

Program length

This 32-credit program can typically be completed in two years. The 32 credits listed for the completion of this degree represent the minimum number of hours required for the MAT. Persons who enter the MAT program without a teaching certificate should expect to complete more than 32 credits. The Certification Registrar evaluates transcripts and identifies specific certification requirements for each student needing certification.

Eligibility requirements

• Baccalaureate degree: A four-year degree from an accredited United States institution, or its equivalent from an institution outside the U.S. Degree must have a major or 2 minor(s) in teaching area(s).  If not previously taken, must be taken to complete the MAT.
• Undergraduate GPA: Minimum 3.00. The entire student profile is considered during the admissions process; students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may also apply.
• English proficiency: Students whose language of education is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.
• Candidates for the MAT degree: Must hold or qualify for a Seventh-day Adventist or State of Michigan teaching certificate or its equivalent before the degree can be granted.
• Additional Michigan State requirements apply.

Admission requirements

• Official transcripts: From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken. Download Transcript Request PDF
• Recommendations: Two recommendations are required from professionals—such as advisors, major professors, and employers—excluding relatives. You are asked to provide names and email addresses on the online application, and then recommenders will receive an email with a direct link to the form.
• Resume or professional history: Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• GRE score: The exam must be taken within five years prior to admission.
• Statement of Purpose: A 500-word essay explaining your objectives in seeking a graduate degree at Andrews University. Include a description of your personal, professional, and academic goals; your philosophical perspective; and what you hope to accomplish professionally in ten years following the completion of your degree.

Additional requirements for international students

• English proficiency: Students whose language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.
• Transcripts: Students have two options for submitting their transcripts.
  1. Sending transcripts directly from the university attended. Official, literal English translations of transcripts, along with the original-language documents, from institutions where English is not considered the official language.
     
     OR
  2. Having official transcript evaluations done through one of our approved credential evaluation agencies: WES, AACRAO or ECE. Evaluations must be sent directly from the organization us and must include:
     • At least the overall GPA
     • Degree title equivalent in the U.S.
     • Date the degree was conferred
     These are the guidelines you must follow if you use any of the approved credential evaluation agencies:
     • WES: Students who choose this organization must request the WES International Credential Advantage Package (WES ICAP) which includes verified copies of official transcripts. Students using WES ICAP will not need to submit additional copies of transcripts.
     • AACRAO: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcripts in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
     • ECE: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcript in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• Bachelor’s degree diploma: A copy of the literal English translation of the diploma, along with the original-language document may be sent by email. The copy of the Diploma is not needed if the transcripts come through an approved credential evaluation agency (WES, AACRAO, ECE) listing the graduation date. Also, a copy of the diploma is not needed if the transcripts list the graduation date and degree conferred.
• Secondary Documents: A copy of these Secondary Documents may be required where applicable.
  • Baccalaureate for the French system
  • Abitur Diploma for the German system 
  • A-level results for the British system
• Summary of Educational Experience: Complete the educational summary form and submit to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• I-20 form: International students must obtain an I-20 form before applying for a visa. The requirements for obtaining an I-20 form are:
  • Academic acceptance
  • Payment of $2,000 advance deposit (not required for Mexico and Canada)
  • Submit the Estimated Budget Sheet showing evidence of financial resources for one academic year
  • A full semester payment in advance is required for citizens of Kenya and Ethiopia

The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management reserves the right to request additional documents at its own discretion.

Financial summary

$7096 per semester, based on 8 credits

Next steps

You can read up on application requirements, finances and frequently asked questions; or submit your application.

Have questions? We have answers. Just email gradenroll@andrews.edu, call us at 269-471-6013, or Skype AndrewsGraduateSchool.

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