Master of Arts in Teacher Education with Initial Teacher Certification (6-12)
Program Contacts and Leadership:
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Sumitra Himangshu-Pennybacker
Office: (478) 757-2544
Toll-free: (800) 272-7619
Email: sumitra.himangshu@mga.edu
Dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Dr. David Biek
Chair, Department of Teacher Education and Social Work: Dr. Rhonda Amerson
Credit hours: 30
Delivery format: Online/hybrid; five of seven courses are fully online, while practicum and clinical courses require field placement in general education P-12 classrooms during regular P-12 school hours.
Program length: Three semesters / one-year program
Cohorts: Spring cohort begins in January and summer cohort begins in May
Field experience: Practicum and clinical placements in P-12 classrooms; students must be available during P-12 school hours, and fieldwork must directly align with the certification area.
Certification: Initial teacher certification pathway at T5-level, in specific teaching fields related to grades P-12/ 4-8/ 6-12 (refer to Pedagogy Only Specializations document on Application webpage).
Program Overview
The MAT prepares graduate interns for initial teacher certification through a pedagogy-focused, cohort-based curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience through off-site placements where applicants might be teaching or at partner school districts.
Program Mission and Learning Outcomes
The Teacher Education program mission is to prepare adaptive professionals who use evidence-based practices, demonstrate professional dispositions, and support student learning. The program is grounded in the CARE conceptual framework: Competence, Accountability, Reflective practice, and Engagement.
Accreditation / Licensure / Certification
The MAT is part of the Teacher Education program accredited/approved through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Completion supports recommendation for certification to the GaPSC when all program and certification requirements are met.
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive and limited to space available; meeting minimum GPA and GACE scores does not guarantee admission.
Applicants should meet the general admissions requirements for graduate study and these program-specific requirements: (i) Admission to MGA in good academic standing with cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on all coursework, including transfer, transient, and prior degree coursework. [Applicants with GPA 2.5-2.74 may submit a letter of appeal.] (ii) Passing score of at least 220 on all GACE content area assessments for the prospective certification area. (iii) Proof of completion of the Georgia Ethics for Teachers (Test 351). (iv) Biographical statement including professional goals. (v) Two professional recommendations, (vi) ability to obtain a Pre-Service Certificate. The Teacher Education Program recommends the student to the GaPSC for the initial certificate; issuance of the initial teacher certificate is solely determined by the GaPSC.
Upon acceptance: (i) clear criminal background check. (ii) have availability during regular public school day hours for practicum and clinical. (iii) proof of liability insurance. (iv) submit signed program of study and contract agreement, and (v) Principal’s Plan of Support.
Deviations from the program of study without prior consent may result in dismissal.
If the graduate intern cannot obtain a GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate, acceptance is revoked.
Program Format
The MAT is a full-time, year-long program completed in three consecutive semesters. Coursework is online, and field experiences occur at off-site school placements across the semester. Practicum requires three full days per week; Clinical requires participation all day, every weekday, in a general education classroom.
MAT Cohort-Based Curriculum & Course Schedule:
Curriculum and Projected Course Schedule (Summer Cohort)
First Semester - Summer (9 Credit Hours)
Graduate interns must be admitted into the MAT program and hold a valid pre-service certificate.
| EDUC 5001 | Foundations of Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 5007 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| SPED 5001 | Adolescent Development and Diverse Learning Needs | 3 |
Second Semester - Fall (12 Credit hours)
Graduate interns must have successfully completed all Semester 1 Checkpoints in the MAT program and hold a valid pre-service certificate to progress in the program from Semester 1 to Semester 2.
Third Semester - Spring (9 Credit hours)
Graduate interns must have successfully completed all Semester 2 Checkpoints in the MAT program and hold a valid pre-service certificate to progress in the program from Semester 2 to Semester 3.
Curriculum and Projected Course Schedule (Spring Cohort)
First Semester - Spring (12 Credit Hours)
Graduate interns must be admitted into the MAT program and hold a valid pre-service certificate.
Second Semester - Summer (9 Credit hours)
Graduate interns must have successfully completed all semester 1 checkpoints in the MAT program and hold a valid pre-service certificate to progress in the program from Semester 1 to Semester 2.
| EDUC 5004 | Methods of Teaching and Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 5007 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| SPED 5001 | Adolescent Development and Diverse Learning Needs | 3 |
Third Semester - Fall (9 Credit hours)
Graduate interns must have successfully completed all semester 2 checkpoints in the MAT program and hold a valid pre-service certificate to progress in the program from Semester 2 to Semester 3.
Plan of Study
Use the listed Summer Cohort and Spring Cohort sequences as the official plans of study. Students must follow the program sequence to which they were initially admitted unless an approved exception is granted.
Program-Specific Academic Standards and Progression
Graduate interns must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in all major courses; earn a grade no lower than B in all MGA graduate-level education program courses; retake/repeat only two graduate courses where a C or below was earned; pass all key assessments with 80% mastery; meet semester checkpoints; pass the GACE Fundamentals of Reading (Test 350) maintain liability insurance and a valid Pre-Service Certificate; complete residency requirements; and adhere to professional conduct policies from the School, MGA, GaPSC, and associated schools/districts.
Clinical / Fieldwork / Practicum / Internship Requirements
The program requires practicum and clinical experiences during regular public-school hours. Students must be available during school hours, generally 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.;
EDUC 5005 and
EDUC 5006 include required field/clinical placements directly aligned with certification area and grade band requirements. Students must maintain professional liability insurance and a valid Pre-Service Certificate or Provisional Certificate.
Graduation / Certification / Completion Requirements
To be recommended to GaPSC for certification, graduate interns must complete all program requirements, complete the Georgia Ethics for Teachers (Test 351), and provide evidence of passing the GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading Assessment (Test 350). GaPSC makes the final decision to issue certification.
Students must attempt the GACE Fundamentals of Reading Assessment (Test 350) for graduation. To be recommended for initial certification the GACE Fundamentals of Reading Assessment must be passed.