Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) English

Our robust 31-37-credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to begin teaching on day one. The curriculum for our full suite of MAT programs includes 5 core courses in education, 4 core courses within your content specialization, 2 teaching methods courses within your content specialization, and a semester-long supervised practicum and seminar teaching in the field.

All MAT students take the following five core courses in education: Applying Human Development to Teaching and Assessment, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Teaching Students with Exceptional Learning Needs, Sheltering Content for English Language Learners, and Special Education Law.

While students in all MAT programs take the same core education courses, all methods, practicum seminars, and content courses are taken within your area of content specialization.

We offer the opportunity to progress from your preliminary license through your professional license within one program. As soon as you pass your MTELs (state teacher tests), you can apply for your preliminary license and begin your career as a classroom teacher. Once you have completed your core classes and student teaching, you will be endorsed for your initial license. Upon completing your MAT and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional license. This means that graduates of our program are able to complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework.

We offer two program options:

• MAT: For students with an undergraduate degree in English.
• MA/MAT: A 49-58 credit dual-degree program for students who do not have an undergraduate background in English. This program includes comprehensive coursework in English foundations and literature. This option is also appropriate for students with a BA in English who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D.

All MAT English students take the following English Content Courses: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Literature, Contemporary Approaches to Teaching Composition, Contemporary Approaches to Teaching Literature, and one English elective.

Classes are offered evenings, weekends, online, and summers providing maximum flexibility for working professionals.

Exciting 300-hour practicums are an integral part of all MAT programs. We have strong partnerships with more than 50 area schools throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore offering excellent field work opportunities for those seeking placement. Educators already working in the classroom may be able to complete their practicum at their place of employment.

Career Opportunities

The United States is experiencing a massive teacher shortage. The Department of Education reports a shortage in Language Arts teachers, among many others, in Massachusetts. Along with the need for entry-level teachers, many districts are projecting a shortage in leadership positions at departmental, school, and district-wide levels. Language Arts educators with backgrounds in special education, English language learning, and working with diverse families and communities are in especially high demand. Massachusetts teacher standards have a strong national reputation and many who hold teaching licenses in Massachusetts have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully obtain licensure in other states.

*Sources: Hannah Natanson, “America Faces Catastrophic Teacher Shortage,” The Boston Globe, August 3, 2022; U.S. Department of Education, “Teacher Shortage Areas,” August 2022.   

READ THE GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK.