Master of Arts in Teaching
M.A.T. Program Overview
Prepare yourself to enter the rewarding field of teaching with our Master of Arts in Teaching program. This new adventure will give you the coursework needed to pass your teaching licensure exam in the state of Tennessee. You’ll learn from experts in their field about research methods, instructional theory and design, procedures in classroom management, and more!
Graduate Studies:
College of Education and Behavioral Science
Department chair name:
Alesha Northcutt
Ed.D.
Program Director:
Alesha Northcutt
Ed.D.
Learning at FHU
Why should you pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at FHU?
To put it simply, because we need more high-quality teachers in the PK-12 system in the state of Tennessee and we believe you’re the perfect person to fit that role! We’re also confident that our M.A.T. program will help prepare you to be an educator capable of performing at the highest level. FHU offers six areas of emphasis: Pre-K License, K-5 License, 6-12 License, K-12 Art License, K-12 Music License, and P.E. License.
Ready to Apply?
All current and new students applying for a Master’s or Doctorate program will use the online application process.
Your Future With A Master of Arts in Teaching Degree
An educator equipped with an M.A.T. degree from FHU is guaranteed to make a transformative impact in education. Equipped with advanced expertise in your licensure area, research methods, development psychology, instructional theory and design, and much more, you’ll stand out as leaders in your school, district, and industry. From classroom management to instructional design, you’ll be prepared to shape the future of PK-12 education!
Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Requirements
Our M.A.T. program offers a perfect balance of academic excellence and spiritual enrichment. As a well-respected Christian institution, FHU is committed to providing a supportive environment that fosters growth and achievement for all of its students. With a flexible curriculum and aptly qualified faculty, earning a master’s degree in education has never been better!
I. Required Core: 16 hours
| EDU 500 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| EDU 501 | Research Methods | 3 |
| EDU 503 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 505 | Instructional Theory and Design | 3 |
| EDU 506 | Computer Applications in Education (W) | 3 |
| BIB 540*** | Introduction to Christianity | 3 |
II. Other Courses (Required to meet State competencies): 16 - 22 hours
(Choose one (1) of the following areas of emphases:)
| A. Pre-K License: | (22 hours) | |
| EDU 510 | Teaching Math Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 512 | Procedures in Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDU 545 | Advanced Literacy I: Emergent Literacy Methods Across Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 546 | Advanced Literacy II: Literature and Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 547 | Advanced Literacy III: Teaching Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 548 | Advanced Literacy IV: Teaching Methods Across Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 550 | Professional Reflection and Planning | 1 |
| SPE 541 | Differentiated Instruction and Intervention | 3 |
| B. K-5 License | (22 hours) | |
| EDU 510 | Teaching Math Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 512 | Procedures in Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDU 545 | Advanced Literacy I: Emergent Literacy Methods Across Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 546 | Advanced Literacy II: Literature and Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 547 | Advanced Literacy III: Teaching Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 548 | Advanced Literacy IV: Teaching Methods Across Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 550 | Professional Reflection and Planning | 1 |
| SPE 541 | Differentiated Instruction and Intervention | 3 |
| D. 6-12 License and K-12 Art, Music, and P.E. License: | (22 hours) | |
| EDU 512 | Procedures in Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDU 513 | Education Law | 3 |
| EDU 521 | Teaching Secondary School Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 525 | Learning Theory and Principles | 3 |
| EDU 546 | Advanced Literacy II: Literature & Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 548 | Advanced Literacy IV: Teaching Methods Across Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 550 | Professional Reflection and Planning | 1 |
| SPE 541 | Differentiated Instruction and Intervention | 3 |
IV. Student Teaching 1-12 hours
(Required Courses for Licensure/Job-Embedded Practitioner License)
| EDU 524 | Enhanced Student Teaching OR | (12) |
| EDU 597** | Mentoring in the Classroom (Job-Embedded Licensure students only) | (1) |
Exit Requirements for M.A.T. (Degree-Completer):
- Admission to the Teacher Education program and candidacy status.
- Minimum of thirty-six (36) graduate hours applicable to the M.A.T. program.
- Cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.00 or above, with no more than two (2) “C” grades in their program of study.
- All coursework applicable to the M.A.T. Program of Study must be completed within six years of graduation.
- Successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
Requirements for Licensure-Completer:
- Successful completion of all licensure coursework listed in their program of study within six year of applying for a traditional teaching license.
- Cumulative graduate grade point average of 2.75 or above on the last sixty (60) hours of coursework.
- Successful completion of state required assessments for their endorsement area. (As a reminder, test scores expire after five (5) years.)
- Successful completion of: EDU 524 Enhanced Student Teaching or EDU 597 Mentoring in the Classroom (job–embedded students only).
NOTE: Once licensure requirements are fulfilled, students must contact the Freed–Hardeman University College of Education licensure officer in order to begin the licensure application process.
**Required for students hired on a Job-Embedded Practitioner License.
*** BIB540 can be waived for students who completed their Bachelor’s Degree at Freed-Hardeman University
Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree
To be considered for admission into the M.A.T. program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Interview with the program director
- Copy of Photo ID
Meet Our Faculty
Alesha Northcutt
Director of M.A.T. in Teaching Licensure and the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction; Associate Professor of Education
Frequently Asked Questions About the M.A.T. program at FHU
How will an M.A.T. advance my career?
If you want to teach in the PK-12 school system in the state of Tennessee, you need to hold an active teaching license. This program will go above and beyond to help prepare you to pass the state licensure exam and begin your rewarding career as an educator!
What content areas are involved in completing an MA in Teaching?
All M.A.T. students are required to complete a core set of classes. Afterward, students can emphasize in one of the following areas: Pre-K, K-5, 6-12, K-12 Art, K-12 Music, or K-12 P.E.
How long will it take me to complete a Master’s in Teaching?
Students can complete the M.A.T. program in as little as 15 months. However, students can choose to take fewer hours and complete in 24 months or longer. Whichever fits your schedule best!
What makes graduate education different at FHU?
Because at FHU, it’s more than an education. Our faculty are not just instructors. They act as mentors and guides to help you develop as your pursue advanced education. And your peers? They not only want to make a difference in the classroom, but they want to make themselves, their families, and their communities better. And that’s exactly why we exist: to expand a student’s professional knowledge for a higher purpose.
Want to Learn More?
Check out the Graduate Studies page on our website. If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.