Middle-level educators in grades 4-8 are responsible for teaching intellectual skills and knowledge while attending to specific adolescent developmental needs in two of the following content areas: English language arts, mathematics, science and/or social studies. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented Middle Level teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Middle Level teachers create learning environments that develop learners’ opportunities across several content areas:
This program leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Middle Level Education and a renewable (T5) Induction Certificate in Georgia.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Program Highlights
Select one (1) concentration in:
When applying to the Middle Level Education, M.A.T. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.
Professional Studies (9)
Required (3):
Teaching Field/Major (27)
Required (6):
Choose two concentrations:
Language Arts Education Concentration
Required (3):
Advanced Studies – Language Arts (6)
In consultation with their advisement committee, students select coursework numbered 6000 or higher. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, and applications of language arts education at the middle level. One course (ENGL) should be taken from the Department of English and one course (EDLA) from Language and Literacy Education in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.
Mathematics Education Concentration
Required (3):
Advanced Studies – Mathematics (6)
In consultation with their advisement committee, students select coursework numbered 6000 or higher. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, and applications of mathematics education at the middle level. One course should be taken from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and one course from mathematics education in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.
Science Education Concentration
Required (3):
Advanced Studies – Science (6)
In consultation with their advisement committee, students select coursework numbered 6000 or higher. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, and conceptual underpinnings of science as well as the applications of science education at the middle level.
Social Studies Concentration
Required (3):
Advanced Studies – Social Studies (6)
In consultation with their advisement committee, students select coursework numbered 6000 or higher. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, and applications of social studies education at the middle level. One course should be taken from the College of Arts and Sciences and one course (EDSS) from social studies education.
Internship (9)
Required (9):
Program total: minimum of 45 semester hours
For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.
Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.
Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.
The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.
The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.
Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.
Our graduates are informed by research, knowledge and reflective practice, empowered to serve as change agents, committed to and respectful of all learners and engaged with learners, their families, schools and local and global communities.
M.A.T. candidates will select two of four concentrations and use the below program of study to guide their course selections.
Field Placement Experience
In the final semesters of the program, students conduct field experiences in the metro Atlanta area where students will apply educational theory and research, test ideas and practice strategies that they have learned throughout the program of study. Each student works closely with a mentor teacher at the practicum school and is supervised by faculty from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.
Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements
All students must meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements to be eligible for certification:
