Elementary Education (MAT)

Program of Study 

Area 1 Professional Core
EDUF 6116Educational Research Methods3
ELEM 6156Theories, Concepts, and Applications of Child Development3
EDCI 6228Foundations of Education - Special Education (Students must earn a grade of B or better in order to be certified to teach in the state of Georgia.)3
Area 1 Total9
Area 2 Teaching Field Studies
EDCI 6000Induction into Elementary Education0
EDRG 6118Methods and Materials for Teaching Literacy P-5 3
ELEM 6159Imagination, Curiosity, & Creativity in Teaching and Learning3
ELEM 6166Assessment Methodologies, Instruments, and Procedures in Elementary Education3
ELEM 6125Developing Mathematical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom3
ELEM 6135Developing Scientific Thinking in Young Children3
ELEM 6145Exploring the World with Young Learners3
Area 2 Total18
Area 3 Student Teaching
EDUC 6699Teaching Residency and Classroom Management3
Area 3 Total3
Area 4 Other Requirements Required Hours
ELEM 6000M.A.T. Exit Portfolio0
Area 4 Total0
Total Credit Hours30
1

Required if not met in previous degree program.

Note: For admission to the M.A.T. program, candidates must have a degree in an approved field (subject to transcript evaluation) and 25 semester hours of approved coursework with a grade of "C" or better.

Note: Contact advisor for information about endorsements.

Admission Requirements

  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
  • A passing score on the Elementary Education GACE Content

*Students enrolled in this MAT program must complete a minimum of supervised residency (student teaching) and/or practical experiences (totaling at least 300 clock hours) in at least two different settings, serving children of three different age groups (PK-K, 1-3, and 4-5) and with varying abilities. Students must contact our Center for Quality Teaching and Learning (CQTL) if they need help to secure a placement: https://www.columbusstate.edu/education-and-health-professions/cqtl/ 

*This program is offered entirely online

Teacher Education Admission Requirements

  • Candidates must apply for Teacher Education during their first semester, after being admitted and starting classes.
  • Admission to Teacher Education is completed through TK20. Candidates must have been admitted into the university and registered for courses at least two weeks before purchasing TK20. Information on Tk20 is located at: https://www.columbusstate.edu/education-and-health-professions/tk20.php
  • Candidates must meet all requirements for admission to Teacher Education during their first semester of enrollment in the MAT program. For a list of requirements visit https://cqtl.columbusstate.edu/teacher-education.php

Additional Program Requirements

  • Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies
  • Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" in more than two (2) courses
  • Courses earned with grades of "D" may not be used toward a graduate degree or certificate, but will be calculated in the overall grade point average.
  • A minimum of 20 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (⅔ of the required hours). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence
  • Transfer courses must be approved by the students’ advisor and program coordinator. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred.
  • All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • maintain high levels of professionalism and ethical standards that demonstrate commitment to the teaching profession
  • establish effective written and oral communication with students, teachers, administrators, and parents/families
  • organize and implement differentiated instruction to support students’ performances commensurate with their levels of readiness and diverse backgrounds
  • evaluate, select, and implement appropriate instructional practices related to curriculum (e.g., reading and writing) with attention to the inclusion of technology
  • develop assessments and analyze assessment data for future instructional decisions
  • use current research in elementary education that are grounded in the historical context of curriculum theory to refine classroom practices