Frequently Asked Questions about M.A.T. Program

If I am accepted to EKU's Graduate school, am I automatically accepted in the M.A.T. program?

NO. An applicant must complete both the Graduate School application requirements and the requirements listed on this web page to be considered for admission to the M.A.T program.

What if I already hold a Master's and/or Doctorate degree in my content area? Can I get teaching certification without getting an additional Master's degree?

The M.A.T. admission committee can review your education and work history and may be able to recommend a certification-only program. Please contact Kim Alexander or the M.A.T. coordinator, Cynthia Resor, for more details.

When are the M.A.T. courses offered?

In the fall and spring semesters, the M.A.T. education courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening. During the summer term, the M.A.T. courses are offered during the day. Courses in the content areas may be offered in the day or evening. M.A.T. education courses are not offered online at this time.

Can I teach while I am a student in the M.A.T. program?

After completing EGC 820 and EGC 830, candidates in the middle and secondary certification program can work as temporary provisionally certified teachers (Rank III) for up to 3 years while they are enrolled in the M.A.T. program.

Candidates in the elementary certification program can work as temporary provisionally certified teachers after completing the first 3 semesters of the program.

Can I work at a job other than teaching in the M.A.T program?

The M.A.T. program is a demanding graduate program, but candidates have been able to fit their work schedules around their class schedules. Keep in mind that during the final semester, all candidates must complete the practicum. During this semester-long practicum, the M.A.T. candidate is a "student teacher" and must report to their assigned public school during the regular school hours Monday through Friday.

Special arrangements are made for M.A.T. candidates that are teaching full-time with temporary provisional certification so that they can meet the M.A.T. program requirements and their regular teaching duties.

What are the tuition costs at Eastern Kentucky University?

Registration Fees.

What kind of financial aid is available for M.A.T. candidates?

At this time, there are no scholarships specifically for M.A.T. candidates. But EKU's Financial Aid office can provide guidance in applying for general scholarships and financial aid. Graduate assistantships are also available; application information is available from the Graduate School. Additional scholarships may be available through the College of Education. (Look for links in "Graduate & Initial" column)

The Kentucky Department of Education's Transition to Teaching Program offers financial assistance to M.A.T. candidates that teach in certain Kentucky school districts. Contact Candace Souder at Ky. Dept. of Education for more details - Candace.Souder@education.ky.gov

Is there a research component in the M.A.T. program?

YES.   M.A.T. candidates must complete an Action Research project. Candidates will write a proposal for this project in EGC 830, refine their proposal prior to their practicum and conduct research during their practicum. In the capstone seminar, the M.A.T. candidate will write their final research report and present their findings to a graduate committee.

What is the PRAXIS II exam and why do I have to take it?

The PRAXIS II exams are national standardized tests. Passing scores on the PRAXIS II exams are required by the state of Kentucky in order to become a certified teacher. The M.A.T. program requirements for the PRAXIS II exams are different for the elementary, middle and secondary certification programs.  Please refer to specific PRAXIS requirements listed under the elementary, middle and secondary M.A.T. application requirements.