Secondary Education, MAT

The online Secondary Education Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a 30-credit hour degree designed for mid-career professionals who have a content background in English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Science, are seeking to change fields, and are not currently certified to teach. By allowing acceleration through the program with the goal of placement and retention after completion, the MAT helps address the ongoing teacher shortfall in the state of South Carolina. Most importantly, it places well-prepared candidates in the classroom in a timely manner.

• Convenience – Our online classes provide you flexibility to continue working while pursuing your degree.
• Quality – You learn from some of the best minds in the education profession, people committed to preparing you for a long and successful career in the classroom.
• Local Classroom Experiences – You complete field experiences in classrooms in your local area.
• Employment – Using the S.C. Department of Education Internship Certificate Guidelines, you can work as a teacher of record while finishing your degree, lessening the financial burden of tuition and student loans.
• Salary – With a master’s degree in hand, you can begin your career with a higher salary.
• Career – This degree leads to a job that is in demand and makes a difference.

Admission to the Program

The Masters of Teaching in Secondary Education program admits students for summer entry. Only complete applications are considered for admissions. Application decisions will be made shortly following the posted deadline below.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the following deadline:

• March 15

Application Requirements 

To be considered for the Program, applicants must:

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and a preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have received a ‘C’ or better in all pre-requisite content area coursework (English, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies) necessary to meet state teacher certification
• Have received a passing score on ETS Praxis Subject Exam(s) OR have completed a Praxis Subject Exam Acknowledgement
  • Praxis Subject Exam Acknowledgement Forms will ONLY be provided by the program coordinator, Dr. Morrison – ahmorri@clemson.edu, following a transcript evaluation. A transcript evaluation may be requested prior to application
  • See the FAQ section for more information about registering for this exam
• Submit an online Graduate School application which requires:
  • Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required if you are accepted into the program)
  • A current resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Recommendation forms are emailed directly to recommenders via the online application process
  • A personal statement
    • The statement should address your knowledge, accomplishments, and future career goals
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students
  • An interview, in-person or virtual

Additional information concerning supporting materials

The MAT Middle and Secondary program is a 30-credit hour program designed to be completed in 14 months. All coursework is offered online, and cohorts will start each summer. There are in-person field experience requirements embedded throughout the program. An overview of the field experience requirements is provided below:

• Summer I, Year 1: Field Experience: 22.5 hours or 3 days
• Fall, Year 1: Field Experience: 37.5 hours or 5 days
• Spring, Year 1: Full-Time Field Experience Required

Course Requirements/Schedule

Summer I, Year 1 (6 credit hours)

EDLT 8270 — Content Area Reading & Writing
ED 8030/8031 — Methods of Teaching at Middle and Secondary Levels 

Summer II, Year 1 (6 credit hours)

EDF 8020 — Learning and Motivation in Context
EDML 8410 — Advanced Middle School Curriculum and Instruction OR ED 8650 Curriculum Theory

Fall, Year 1 (6 credit hours)

EDLT 8100 - Foundations in Literacy
Discipline-Specific Method Courses —Students select one of the following options:

• EDSC 8610 — Science
• EDSC 8620 — Mathematics
• EDSC 8630 — English
• EDSC 8640 — Social Studies

Spring, Year 1 (6 credit hours) | Classroom Field Experience Required (Full-time)

EDSC 8910 — Directed Internship
EDSC 8920 —Capstone Seminar 

Two Options:

• Internship Certificate with Partner District
• Traditional Student Teaching

Summer I, Year 2 (6 credit hours)

EDSP 8230 — Teaching Individuals with Disabilities in Integrated Settings
EDF 8350 — Early-Late Adolescent Growth and Development 

Additional requirements after entering the program:

• Attendance at the Internship Orientation;
• Criminal Background Check and Full Disclosure Statement from the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED);
• Meet with program faculty at least twice per academic year to ensure that you are meeting the program

This program requires applicants to have content-specific prerequisite coursework. Please see the linked document for details. If you are unsure if your coursework fulfills these requirements and would like to request a transcript review, please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Morrison – ahmorri@clemson.edu.

Prerequisite Coursework

With the support of CU Online, Clemson uses the most advanced online technology to provide a rich, supportive, seamless learning environment. Courses will be asynchronous thus allowing students to access courses when and where they need. 

While students have great flexibility in asynchronous learning, there are key deadlines in each course when learning modules must be completed. Students will be provided with timely support from instructors and technology personnel so that learning is maximized. 

Canvas, a very user friendly learning management system, is used for all courses to guide the learning experiences. 

An orientation module will be provided before the start of the program to allow students to become comfortable with expectations and the technologies before classes formally start.

Tuition and Fees
Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator (be sure to choose the ‘online’ tab at the top of the page).

Financial Aid
For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.

How do I register for the Praxis Subject Exam?
Applicants should register for the Praxis Subject Assessment on the ETS Praxis website. 

Test scores should be sent to both Clemson University (code 5111) and to the South Carolina State Department of Education (code 8108). 

Test Codes:

• English Language Arts: 5038 or 5039
• Mathematics: 5165
• Science
  • Biology: 5235 (discontinued after 8/31/23) or 5236 (available beginning 9/1/22) 
  • Chemistry: 5245
  • Physics: 5265 (discontinued after 8/31/23) or 5266 (available beginning 9/1/22) 
• Social Studies: 5086

Where can I complete my field placements?
Because this program leads to state-level certification, all field placements have to be completed in schools within the state of South Carolina.

What and where can I teach after I graduate from this program?
After completing the MAT Secondary Education program, you will be eligible to apply for a High School Education (Grades 9-12) teaching certificate for your emphasis area in the state of South Carolina.

Review our College of Education Graduate Calendar to view upcoming events and information sessions.

For more information regarding the Program or questions associated with applying, please contact Dr. Morrison – ahmorri@clemson.edu.