Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Degree
Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree leading to Initial Certification is designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in music (e.g., Performance, Theory, Composition, History, Ethnomusicology or Therapy) but not Music Education and who are interested in a career as a music teacher in a public or private school. The program leads to New York State Initial Certification in Music K-12 (pending passing of NYS certification exams). The program also includes New York State Field and Clinical experiences.
Students in the M.A.T. degree program will be expected to refine their musicianship and performance skills, develop proficiency in music methods and pedagogy, and build a solid foundation in educational theories, assessment, and preparation for teaching to a diverse population. Additionally, the Music Education candidates will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become certified music teachers, starting with the conceptual framework of the Five Towns College Music Education division: Teaching is Prepared Performance.
Learning goals for students focus on mastering content knowledge, knowledge of the learner, diversity, instructional methodology, communication skills, reflective-assessment strategies, collaboration, and shared inquiry.
Candidates will be prepared for the teaching profession through musicianship and performance, music education (pedagogical training), and professional development (education courses) to develop into collaborative, reflective music educators of excellence that are dedicated to the growth and development of all learners.
VIDEO: FTC Graduate Music Reel
Admissions Standards
All applicants for admission must demonstrate by audition significant musical skills and a commitment to advance their personal and professional accomplishments. Click here for M.A.T admission requirements. Here is the link to the Graduate Application.
VIDEO: FTC Music Performance Reel
Transfer Credits
Students do not transfer credits into the M.A.T. program from their Bachelor programs. Students may transfer in up to 18 credit hours of graduate level coursework, for courses that apply to the M.A.T. degree, not electives. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended must be received before students complete their first semester. The College reserves the right not to accept transfer credits. Grades below B in graduate classes do not carry credit. There is no residence requirement for the MAT program.
Graduation Requirements
1. Completion of all course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
2. Complete the Student Teaching experience with a grade of 3.0 or higher and receive Disposition reviews by cooperating teachers with an Effective rating of (4) or higher,
3. Successful submission of the Teacher Preparation Assessment Exit Portfolio with a score of 3.75 (75%) or higher.
Grades
Only courses for which a student receives a final grade of A, or a B can be applied towards the MAT degree. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Failure to maintain the required 3.0 GPA maybe subject to dismissal from the program.
Program Course Requirements
Students in the graduate program in Music Teacher Education take 12 credits of courses in Musicianship and Performance, 20-29 credits of Music Education courses, and 9 Professional Education credits to complete the 41+ credit requirement for the Master of Art in Teaching degree. A list of the required courses for students in the graduate program in Music Education leading to the Master of Art in Teaching degree and other curriculum-related information are available in the Five Towns College Catalog.