Secondary Education (M.A.T.)

Secondary Education (M.A.T.)
Education students smiling and having fun in class

Why get an M.A.T. in secondary education?

With a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education, gain the knowledge, experience and skills to teach in today’s classrooms and communities. Subject matter, research, theory and clinical experience will help you teach with confidence. Learn to foster caring, cooperation and improvement with internships available in culturally, linguistically and socioeconomically diverse urban and rural schools. The M.A.T. leads to certification for teaching in secondary schools with concentration in areas such as English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, music and the arts. Our teacher education program prepares teacher-leaders excellent practitioners who work toward improving education in and beyond the classroom.

Why choose UNH for your secondary education degree?

At UNH, you’ll be able to enter the secondary education program at the graduate level or as part of the accelerated master’s program, through which you begin preparation at the undergraduate level with a semester of an initial clinical experience and professional coursework in education. After completion of your baccalaureate degree, you’ll move into a fifth year of study and full-year internship, leading to the M.A.T. degree and a recommendation for a teaching license. Issues related to the challenges and rewards of serving in diverse schools are woven into the teacher preparation program, with unique opportunities through UNH Manchester. 

Potential career areas

  • Secondary school teaching

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Curriculum & Requirements

The Secondary Education program provides certification and an M.A.T. degree for those who wish to teach in secondary schools.

What is the difference between an M.Ed. and the M.A.T in Secondary Education? The M.A.T. requires that at least three graduate-level courses be in an area of subject matter concentration rather than in education.  The basic program to achieve these ends is the five-year program in which students begin preparation for teaching at the undergraduate level with a semester of field experience and professional course work in education. Students complete a baccalaureate degree outside of education and move into a fifth year of study and full-year internship which lead to either the M.Ed. or M.A.T. degree and licensure for teaching. Students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree may also enter the teacher preparation program at the graduate level. With no prior course work in education, these programs will normally require two years to achieve licensure and a degree.

Admission Criteria

In determining admission of students to teacher education graduate programs, several criteria are used:

  1. The undergraduate record. The undergraduate overall minimum grade point average for admission is 3.0.  The undergraduate grade point average of students admitted to the graduate programs in teacher education is approximately 3.55 (based on 2020 admissions). For students pursuing the Accelerated Masters, a minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.
  2. Positive recommendations from EDUC 500 Exploring Teaching,  EDUC 935A Seminar and Practicum in Teaching or the equivalent, and from those able to relay information about a candidate's performance in teaching situations or related areas.
  3. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam scores are required. Applicants must obtain, at a minimum, a qualifying score (as set by the state of New Hampshire at the time of testing) on all three (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) Core exams in order to be considered for admission. Current NH qualifying scores may be found at the ETS Praxis Website under the “Tests required for all licensure areas” page.
  4. Clearance on a criminal history records check through the NH Department of Safety.
  5. Additional required application materials can be found at the Graduate School website under programs.

Degree Requirements

The M.A.T. degree requires a minimum of 32 hours of graduate-­level credits. The exact number of credit hours will depend on the student's academic background, competencies, and professional goals, and will be determined by the adviser.

Any Education course taken for a teacher licensure requirement must be completed with a grade of B- or better.  This applies to any courses from other departments that have been designated as equivalent to an Education course.

Core Requirements (may be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level).
EDUC 500Exploring Teaching4
or EDUC 935A Seminar and Practicum in Teaching
EDUC 605Educational Perspectives in Critical Times4
or EDUC 959 Issues in Education
EDUC 801Human Development & Learning: Cultural Perspectives4
EDUC 807Teaching Reading through the Content Areas (807 is required for licensure in Art, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, Physcis, and Social Studies)2
EDUC 851BMethods of Inclusive Secondary Education: Literacies, Learning, and Transitions4
Subject Field Curriculum Methods Course(s) (for example, EDUC 791/EDUC 891 Methods of Teaching Secondary School Science)
EDUC 900AInternship and Seminar in Teaching (Fall semester) 13 or 6
EDUC 901AInternship and Seminar in Teaching (Spring semester) 23 or 6
1
  • In addition to the 12 credit internship, three graduate level courses (9-12 credits) must in the subject area concentration.  The remaining credits can in Education or another department. 
  • The number of credits for EDUC 900A and EDUC 901A will be determined by the advisor based on professional goals
2

A Master's Inquiry Project is required during the internship year.

Methods Courses Required for Secondary Licensure
Recommended methods courses be completed before the internship.
Art K-12
ARTS 791Art Education (Elementary)4
ARTS 792Art Education (Secondary)4
Biology
EDUC 703FTeaching Elementary School Science4
Chemistry
EDUC 703FTeaching Elementary School Science4
Dance
THDA 786Dance Pedagogy4
Earth Science
EDUC 703FTeaching Elementary School Science4
English
ENGL 892
ENGL 810
Teaching Literature and Literacy
and Teaching Writing
5-10
or ENGL 726
ENGL 725
Teaching Literature and Literacy: Seminar in English Teaching
and Teaching Writing: Seminar in English Teaching
English as a Second Language
ENGL 815/715Teaching English as a Second Language: Theory and Methods4
French
LLC 791Methods of Foreign Language Teaching4
Health Education
KIN 848Skill Development and Assessment in Health Education4
KIN #871Health Education Pedagogy4
or KIN 910 Curricular Issues in Health Pedagogy
Middle Level Science
EDUC 703FTeaching Elementary School Science4
German
LLC 791Methods of Foreign Language Teaching4
Latin
LLC 791Methods of Foreign Language Teaching4
Mathematics High School
MATH 709Teaching of Mathematics in Grades 6-124
Mathematics Middle School
MATH 703Teaching of Mathematics in Grades K-54
or MATH 709 Teaching of Mathematics in Grades 6-12
Music Requirements - A course in teaching methods for elementary grades and a course in teaching methods for secondary grades.
One course in teaching music in elementary grades, to be selected in consultation with an advisor.
MUED 891Teaching Secondary School Music3
Physical Education
HPE 610Elementary Physical Education Pedagogy4
HPE 655Middle School and Secondary Physical Education Pedagogy4
Physics
EDUC 703FTeaching Elementary School Science4
Russian
LLC 791Methods of Foreign Language Teaching4
Social Studies
EDUC 803D/703DSocial Studies Methods for Middle and High School Teachers4
Spanish
LLC 791Methods of Foreign Language Teaching4
Theatre
THDA 727Methods of Teaching Theatre4

This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs.

General Accelerated Master's policy, note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher grade expectations) compared to the policy.

Please see the Graduate School website and contact the department directly for more information.

GOAL ONE. OUR GRADUATES ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE SUBJECTS THEY TEACH. Our graduates:

  • demonstrate depth of knowledge in their subjects.
  • recognize how knowledge in their subjects is created, organized, and linked to other disciplines.
  • identify the organizing themes and central concepts necessary for understanding a subject.
  • identify associated content necessary for students to understand these themes and concepts.

GOAL TWO. OUR GRADUATES ARE COMMITTED TO KNOWING THEIR STUDENTS AND CULTIVATING A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS. Our graduates:

  • understand how students develop and learn.
  • treat students equitably and work diligently to help each student reach his or her potential.
  • create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.
  • recognize diversity among their students and adjust their practice accordingly.
  • create and maintain an atmosphere fostering mutual respect and caring.
  • cultivate within their own students a recognition and valuing of diversity.

GOAL THREE. OUR GRADUATES KNOW HOW TO TEACH SUBJECT MATTER TO STUDENTS. Our graduates:

  • demonstrate specialized knowledge of how to teach subject matter to their students.
  • use multiple approaches to facilitate student learning.
  • create lessons that are engaging and motivating for students.
  • create learning experiences that are appropriately challenging for all students.
  • involve students in thoughtful inquiry and reflection.
  • ensure that students understand the purpose of activities within and across lessons and units.

GOAL FOUR. OUR GRADUATES EFFECTIVELY MONITOR STUDENT LEARNING. Our graduates:

  • use multiple strategies to assess students.
  • regularly assess student progress using appropriate measures.
  • demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions about students and their learning based on classroom, district, and state assessments.

GOAL FIVE. OUR GRADUATES ARE THOUGHTFUL AND REFLECTIVE PRACTITIONERS WHO LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE. Our graduates:

  • make well-reasoned choices and decisions within the complex and demanding conditions of teaching.
  • analyze the effects of their actions and make appropriate changes.
  • take into account the moral and philosophical implications of educational decisions.
  • improve their practice by reflecting on their own experience, observing others, seeking advice, and drawing upon educational research and scholarship.

GOAL SIX. OUR GRADUATES UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF SCHOOL REFORM AND THEIR ROLES AS AGENTS OF CHANGE. Our graduates:

  • assess the relative merits of educational reform efforts and determine their appropriateness to the classroom, school, and broader societal contexts in which teaching and learning occur.
  • develop and articulate their own conceptual and philosophical perspective on teaching and learning based on professional experience and current theories and research in education.
  • develop an understanding of how leadership is informed by varied perspectives on the structure of public education, the nature of educational change, and the teacher's role in the change process.
  • are willing to take risks as advocates for the benefit of students, teachers, and the profession.

GOAL SEVEN. OUR GRADUATES ARE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES. Our graduates:

  • work with colleagues to enhance their own teaching, learning, and professional development.
  • work collaboratively with students, peers, and community members to create and contribute to effective learning environments.
  • participate in professional organizations.
  • continue to pursue avenues of inquiry into the teaching and learning process through study, research, and dialogue.

Apply now

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

  • Fall: April 15
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: April 15
  • Special: Students who plan to begin their internship Fall semester, must have a completed Graduate School application by March 1st and have taken all prerequisite coursework.

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

  • Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
  • Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted. At least one letter should be from a university/college level instructor.

Test Scores: Praxis Required

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam scores are required of all applicants to Master’s level (M.Ed. and M.A.T. ) programs leading to initial certification in Teacher Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education. Applicants must obtain, at a minimum, a qualifying score (as set by the state of New Hampshire at the time of testing) on all three (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) Core exams in order to be considered for admission. Current NH qualifying scores may be found at the ETS Praxis Website under the “Tests required for all licensure areas” page. To have scores sent to our office please use our recipient code which is 3922.

For general information about test scores required for admission into our programs please visit our Test Scores webpage.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

In no more than two pages, describe the reasons you wish to pursue the degree program you have chosen, including relevant personal qualities and life experiences that have shaped your beliefs about learning, development and teaching, counseling, or administration (depending on the program to which you are applying).

Statements must be included with your submitted application.

State and Federal Background Check

A background check is a requirement before an application can be reviewed by the Education department. Here is the document and instructions Department of Education Background Check and Criminal History Release form.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Explore Program Details

Overview

The teacher education program prepares teachers who possess the knowledge, disposition, and skills necessary to take the lead in establishing effective teaching and learning environments within their own classrooms and school communities. Immersion in subject matter, research, theory, and field-based experience provides a base for our graduates to make well-reasoned judgments in complex situations, render informed decisions, model exemplary practice, and take initiative for planned change. Students learn to establish caring environments which celebrate individual differences and backgrounds while fostering cooperation and educational improvement. We stress reflective critical inquiry as a mode of study and community-building as a means for promoting change. We value and support both our students' local practice and their broader leadership within the profession.

Program Themes

Excellence in Practice

We expect our students to gain mastery of subject matter, command professional knowledge, and acquire a good grounding in general education, including global perspectives regarding diverse cultures and environments. They will recognize how knowledge in their subject matter areas is created, organized, and linked to other subjects. Upon graduation, they should possess a specialized knowledge of how to teach subject matter to their students and employ multiple, motivational approaches in teaching their subjects. They will know how to orchestrate learning in group settings, placing a premium on student engagement and thoughtfulness. They will remain mindful of their teaching and learning objectives through selection and use of appropriate measures.

In their commitment to students and their students' learning, our graduates will recognize diverse backgrounds and perspectives in their students as well as individual development. They will be able to adjust their practice to meet students' needs, working diligently to help each student reach his or her full potential. They will create and contribute to a classroom atmosphere which fosters a community of learners, establishes an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring, and cultivates a celebration of diversity.

We expect our graduates to be thoughtful and reflective practitioners who learn from experience. They will be capable of making choices and decisions in complex and demanding situations, analyzing the effects of their actions, taking into account moral and philosophical implications. They will seek to improve their practice by observing others, seeking advice, and drawing upon educational research and scholarship.

Leadership

We believe that, over time, our graduates will become well-informed decision makers and agents of change, providing leadership within the school community and profession. We seek to equip our graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for such leadership, but we recognize that development and demonstration of leadership skills take time and practice within the professional setting. Through study and experience, our graduates will learn to assess the relative merits of educational reform efforts, determining their appropriateness to the classroom, the institution, and the broader societal contexts in which reform is implemented. Drawing upon current theories and research in education, graduates will be able to develop and articulate their own conceptual and philosophical perspectives on teaching and learning. We expect them to develop an understanding of how leadership is informed by varied perspectives on the structure of public education, the nature of educational change, and the teacher's role in the change process. They should be willing to take risks in advocating for high levels of quality within the teaching profession. We expect them to become active members of learning and professional communities. In doing so, they will engage colleagues in their own and others' teaching, learning, and professional development. They will be able to work collaboratively with all members of the community--students, peers, specialists, parents, etc., to contribute to effective learning environments. They will continue to be active learners, participating in professional organizations, pursuing avenues of inquiry through study, research, and dialogue while taking into account the moral and ethical implications of their professional practice and efforts to enhance the school, community, and profession.

Our two program themes, Excellence in Practice and Leadership in the Profession, are reflected in the goals and expected student outcomes that form the basis of our program.

For students in educator preparation programs at UNH, a two-semester, post-graduate teaching internship is required. [Note: A four year undergraduate option, including one semester of student teaching is available for teacher candidates in Kinesiology, Family Studies, Mathematics, Theatre & Dance, and Music.]

In many respects, the two-semester internship experience is the heart of UNH teacher preparation programs, and the selection of healthy, productive sites and competent, supportive school personnel is of critical importance to the quality of our program. We are very aware of the essential role that cooperating teachers and other school personnel play in the professional development of our interns. We view our relationship with the schools as a truly collaborative one in which we strive to create communities where we can support one another and explore new ideas and concepts together.

Resources for Secondary Interns

Check out videos of interns in the field!

Hear from current interns and learn what their internship is like and how they are making the most of their experience. Videos were filmed, directed and edited by Teacher Ed Graduate Assistant, Adam Kraus!

Noble High School Interns

Portsmouth High School Interns

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