In California, the appropriate credential to teach a specific subject in a departmentalized classroom at the middle school or high school level is the single subject teaching credential. This credential authorizes public school teaching in a departmentalized classroom. The single subject credential is also utilized by those who wish to be subject area specialists in any K-12 setting (such as fine/performing arts, physical education, and other elective areas).
The Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education (MAT) program allows the candidate to obtain both the single subject credential and the master’s degree through an integrated program of coursework, fieldwork, and student research. This program is targeted to individuals who wish to begin their teaching careers with both a teaching credential and a master’s degree.
Major themes found in both the credential and master’s degree courses include teacher as a constructivist, nurturer, moral educator, reflective practitioner, mediator of diversity and change agent. Students must declare their interest in the MAT program on the admission application.
