Middle Grades Education, MAT
Why Pursue a Middle Grades Education MAT Degree?
Do you remember what it was like being in grades 4-8? Likely it wasn’t always easy – and that’s to be expected. It’s tough dealing with the realities of those ages. But if you had a teacher that connected with you and helped, it also made a world of difference. With Piedmont University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Middle Grades Education, you can learn how to be that teacher who makes a difference and helps create intelligent, confident middle school students. Even if you have never held a teaching certificate, Piedmont is here to help you make a difference.
The minimum requirement for entry into our MAT program, is a BA or BS degree. Once accepted, Piedmont’s MAT in Middle Grades Education provides a flexible and convenient pathway to statewide certification. Our graduate students may choose fall, spring, or summer semesters, complete courses online, and design course schedules that fit their needs. Through coursework and internships, candidates develop a deep understanding of and empathy for the diverse social, emotional, and instructional needs of young people in grades 4-8. Our MAT program will make you a determined, ethical, and compassionate classroom teacher, ready to meet the challenges and promises of modern education. Graduates also join an accomplished coalition of Piedmont alumni who year after year pursue excellence in Georgia schools.
How a Piedmont Middle Grades Education MAT Degree Helps You
The Middle Grades Education MAT degree prepares students to teach in both public and private schools.
- Helps gain teaching certification in the state of Georgia.
- Gives you both the knowledge and confidence to teach all types of students in a wide range of subjects pertinent to students in grades 4-8.
- Obtain a master’s degree in a setting and on a schedule that best suits your busy life.
- Opens employment opportunities across the state, in both public and private systems.
Career Opportunities
A Middle Grades Education MAT degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A Middle Grades Education MAT degree equips you with specialized skills and knowledge to effectively teach and inspire students in grades 4–8, making you a strong candidate for rewarding roles in the public school system.
A Middle Grades Education MAT degree equips you with the skills and strategies to effectively teach and inspire students in grades 4–8, helping you thrive in a dynamic and competitive private school setting.
More About MAT Middle Grades Education
Learn more about MAT Middle Grades Education and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont University’s MAT Middle Grades Education degree requires coursework in assessment, research, and critical skills for 21st century classrooms, as well as content methods needed to implement best classroom practices. The MAT Middle Grades Program consists of a minimum of 37 semester hours, which includes three internship experiences. Students may take up to six years to complete the program. No course older than six calendar years may apply toward graduation. Before taking the Internship III semester, the candidate must pass the appropriate GACE content area tests to be recommended for initial certification. Successful completion of all program requirements and passing scores on the GACE content area tests will lead to recommendation for Georgia certification in Middle Grades Education.
At Piedmont, we are committed to producing quality educators, and we do so in an environment dedicated to that purpose. The Charles and Catherine Sewell Center for Teacher Education was dedicated in 2020 following the extensive renovation of Nielsen Hall, originally built in 1972. Here, we train the state’s next generation of teachers.
Eligibility for application requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university.
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- All official, final transcripts from every college attended
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Testing requirements are currently waived
- Personal Affirmation Form
All Piedmont MAT middle grades education candidates must maintain certain standards once accepted to the degree program and must complete the following:
- A minimum of 120 field experience hours
- Maintenance of a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses attempted, with not more than one grade of “C”
- Submission of and an approved application for graduation two semesters before graduation
- A successful completion of a capstone project
- A successful completion of three internships
Related Programs
Intrigued by a Middle Grades Education MAT degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Middle Grades Education, adolescent development, and effective teaching strategies for grades 4–8.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning a Middle Grades Education MAT degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in education.