MAT in Elementary Education- K-6
Cato School of Education
School of Education
Fulfill your mission of service and leadership; impact the future
The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education K-6 (MAT) program is designed for students who hold an undergraduate degree in something other than education. You may be a professional in another field, but the classroom and your ability to influence the future are both calling out to you. This program prepares future educators for the ever-changing classroom setting and sets candidates—and their future students—up for success.
Upon successful completion, students will earn North Carolina licensure in elementary education. Flexible scheduling and evening classes are available. The program is conducted in two phases. At the end of Phase I, candidates apply for initial "A" level licensure. Courses in Phase II cannot be taken prior to finishing Phase I or prior to obtaining the "A" initial level license. At the end of Phase II, candidates earn the MAT and upgrade to an advanced masters "M" level license.
Not enrolling for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Interested? Attend an Online Information Session
Professional Course Work
The MAT is a two phase program consisting of 42 hours of graduate professional education course work in Phase I and 9 hours of graduate professional education course work in Phase II. All students must earn a grade of C or better in all education courses. A 12 credit-hour student teaching internship in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System (CMS) is required. This experience is the capstone of Phase I. Enrollment in EDUC 499 Professional Internship takes place only after the completion of all Phase I professional course work.
It is suggested that EDUC 518 Foundations and Curriculum in Elementary Education should be taken as early
in the program as possible, and that
EDUC 527 Teaching Reading & Other Language Arts should be taken before EDUC 524 Diagnostic
and Corrective Reading Techniques.
All students must apply to the Cato School of Education for admission to the Teacher Education program (TEP). Students may only take five EDUC courses before being admitted to the TEP. Applications to the TEP can be obtained in the School of Education Office in Jernigan 203.
Student Teaching
MAT students must apply for student teaching in the term preceding their planned student teaching semester (EDUC 499). All Phase I professional course work must be completed before the student teaching semester.
To be accepted a student must:
- Have positive recommendations by two Queens faculty members;
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.500;
- Have a major grade point average of 2.75;
- Earn a grade of C or better in all education courses;
- Have acceptable Student Disposition Forms from both student and faculty;
- Be in good standing at the University; and
- Receive the approval of the School of Education faculty and the Teacher Education Committee;
- Print, complete and return to the Cato School of Education the appropriate application.
"I was so impressed with the high-quality instruction and level of preparation that I received at Queens...It was exciting to work with such knowledgeable professors, collaborate with diverse classmates from various walks of life, and have the opportunity to practice my skills in many different school environments." Shonita Alford MAT '15, current MED student
About the Cato School of Education
The Cato School of Education has a long-standing commitment to provide educators with the skills needed to deal with the complexities of today's classroom setting. Our faculty provide transformational experiences for our students as they develop into the best teachers that they can become.
Contact Us
Interested in developing your role as an educator? To speak with an admissions counselor about the program or application process, please contact us at graduateadmissions@queens.edu or 704-337-2313.