The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program seeks to create a learning environment that provides models, growth experiences, and communities of practice for equipping Christian educators. The entire early childhood and elementary school curricula are addressed, and graduates are eligible for initial state licensure recommendation for elementary education (2nd-6th grade) with an add-on in early childhood (PreK-3rd grade) in South Carolina as well as with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The program is designed to meet your scheduling needs. You may begin your course of study at the beginning of the fall or spring semesters, and may complete the program in four terms of full-time study or extend the time to complete the program.
You will be trained as a Christian educator, involved learner, effective practitioner, and authentic professional who makes decisions and creates effective learning communities.
Objectives:
Our objective is to help you become a:
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Learner who knows content, children, and pedagogy.
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Designer who demonstrates effective planning and preparation for instruction.
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Presenter who models effective educational methodology, communication, and technology techniques.
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Evaluator who assesses, diagnoses, and monitors individual needs to implement differentiated instructional opportunities.
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Manager who creates and effectively manages a nurturing environment.
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Partner who collaborates with the child, family, community, and other professionals.
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Professional, committed, reflective, model educator who learns from experience and contributes to the profession
Opportunities:
This program will prepare you to teach pre-K to sixth grade in these contexts:
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Public schools in the United States (The program leads to initial teacher licensure recommendation in South Carolina, which has a reciprocal agreement with most other states.)
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Christian schools in the United States
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Private and charter schools in the United States
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International schools all over the world
Your Next Step:
Review our course requirements and begin the application process.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts for highest earned degree and any master’s degree work
- Academic Proficiency as evidenced by passing: Official Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators report, SAT, ACT, or GRE
- Church leader reference and Professional reference
- Application Essay (800 words total, typed)
- Minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA
Featured Faculty
Dean of the College of Education, Professor of Education
Dr. Mitchell serves at Columbia International University as Dean for the College of Education. She desires to support educators in their quest to serve as teachers and educational leaders, sustained
M.Ed. Program Director, Professor of Education
Dr. Moore’s passion is to work with Christian educators to enhance classroom skills that use biblical integration and teaching with intentionality to develop spiritual formation in students.
Director of Professional Education Field Experiences, Associate Professor of Education
Mrs. Murdaugh embraces the motto of “changed lives change lives”, she desires to train with excellence highly qualified Christian teachers who think, teach and lead biblically wherever God leads.
Teacher Education Program Director, Professor of Education
Dr. Hoekstra enjoys sharing the practical experiences from 16 years of middle school teaching with future teachers. She desires to prepare teachers with a biblical worldview who, by God’s grace, can
