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RSOE Home >> Academic Programs >> Undergraduate and Teacher Education Programs >> (M.A.T.) Multiple Subject

undergraduate and teacher education programs
Master of Arts in Teaching and Teaching Credential Program (M.A.T.) Multiple Subject

The Multiple Subject Credential Program provides the knowledge and experience in University and school classrooms needed to begin a teaching career. Student teaching is concurrent with university course work so that the knowledge, theories and concepts learned in the program can be directly and immediately applied and reflected upon in the classroom setting.

Distinctive Features

  • Students earn both a Master’s degree and teaching credential in 13 months.
  • Students have significantly more field-based experiences and achieve a higher level of sophistication with using technology as an instructional tool.
  • The program is specifically designed to prepare teachers for diverse students in urban schools.
  • M.A.T. graduates will be in high demand and can enter the salary scale at a higher level in most school districts.
  • The program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

M.A.T. Course of Study
Courses in the program are divided into four broad categories, providing students with theoretical foundations and teaching strategies for successful entry into the teaching profession.

  • Foundations
    Foundations classes provide in-depth knowledge in sociological and psychological theories and their application in the classroom. Foundations classes also introduce students to the latest strategies for infusing technology into instruction.

  • Teaching Methods
    Teaching Methods classes lay the foundation for teaching linguistically and ethnically diverse students in urban schools. Courses introduce students to planning, implementing, and assessing instruction across all content areas.

  • Language and Literacy
    Language and literacy issues are at the forefront of educational reform efforts nationally. Courses include theories of language and literacy for both primary and second language learners and the application of these concepts across all content areas.

  • Supervised Field Experience and Student Teaching
    Supervised field experiences are an integral part of every course. From the beginning of the program, students are placed in local classrooms to learn practical applications of theories and instructional methods from experienced teachers. Students complete two semesters of student teaching.

Multiple Subject Credential Program – 39 units (42 with BCLAD*)
Summer I  
EDUC 503 Teaching and Learning in U.S. Schools (4 units)
EDUC 520 Foundations of Language Education (3 units)
   
Fall  
EDUC 537 Methods in Bilingual Education and in Teaching English as a Second Language (3 units), or
EDUC 560 * Primary Language Instruction in a Bilingual Setting (3 units – BCLAD only)
EDUC 511 Reading and Writing Methods for Elementary Teaching (4 units)
MUED 479 Music for the Elementary Classroom Teacher (2 units)
EDUC 548A Multiple Subject Matter Methods (2 units)
EDUC 549A Student Teaching in Multiple Subjects (3 units)
 
Spring  
EDUC 538 Curricula and Cultural Pluralism (3 units)
EDUC 415 Content to Pedagogy: Mathematics in the Elementary School (2 units)
EDUC 417 Content to Pedagogy: From Science Content to Science Curriculum (2 units)
EDUC 418 Content to Pedagogy: From Social Sciences to Social Studies (2 units)
EDUC 548B Multiple Subject Matter Methods (2 units)
EDUC 549B Student Teaching in Multiple Subjects (3 units)
EDUC 558 * Culture Learning in Schools: Latino (3 units – BCLAD only)
   
Summer II  
EDUC 416 Content to Pedagogy: Art in the Elementary School (2 units)
EDUC 419 Content to Pedagogy: Physical Education for Elementary Teaching (2 units)

*BCLAD is the Bilingual, Cross Cultural, Language and Academic Development Credential.
Program revisions shown are anticipated to be in effect starting Summer 2007.

The Capstone Learning Experience
Concurrent with courses and student teaching, students complete a capstone learning experience. This is a summative assessment of the coursework and field experiences, and is more relevant to teacher preparation than the traditional thesis or comprehensive exams.

The capstone experience requires successful completion of an electronic portfolio, which includes artifacts from each element of the program, examples of student work, reflective student journal entries, and either a videotape or DVD of student teaching experiences. The e-portfolio serves as a summative evaluation of work in the program and fulfills state credentialing requirements. It is also a useful tool when students apply for teaching positions.

Application Requirements:

  • USC Application- www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/apply
  • Rossier School of Education Application Checklist
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a target GPA of 3.0 or above. Degree must be in the same content area as the single subject credential program.
  • GRE target score is 1000 or better. Test must have been taken within the past 5 years. Visit www.gre.org.
  • A passing CBEST score.
  • Three letters of recommendation-a minimum of one academic reference required.
  • Application essay addressing the following questions:
    • Reflecting on the mission of the Rossier School of Education, what assumptions, thoughts, and conclusions have you drawn about teaching in the urban context and what evidence from your own experiences, interests and abilities supports these thoughts and conclusions?
    • Our conceptual framework addresses teacher leaders as urban change agents. In discussing your fit with urban education, please describe what role(s) you have played and/or will play as a leader and/or change agent.
    • Describe your educational and/or employment background and how it relates to your interest in becoming a teacher in urban schools. Explain any special talents, skills, and insights you bring to the profession that might support your future success teaching culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students. Describe any challenges you expect to face as a teacher and your thoughts on how to prepare for these challenges.

Interviews may be requested.

Application Deadlines

Early: January 15
Final: February 15

It is in your best interest to apply as early as possible since space in the program is limited.

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