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Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Masters In Teaching Early Childhood

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Converse is a 36-hour program for adults holding a baccalaureate degree in a field other than education.

The initial certification program prepares graduate students to become well-qualified teachers by completing one of our State-approved education programs. While each MAT program has specified core requirements, this degree has considerable flexibility to allow future teachers to pursue special areas of interest or professional experience.

Converse is committed to remaining current in the ever-changing world of education. From add-on certifications, endorsements and recertification courses (online & on campus), to Read to Succeed, workshops and speakers who strengthen our teaching community—we work to prepare students to be leaders in education across our region.

Programs Offered:

Program Details

The MAT is an on-campus program. It requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of work at the graduate level; however, some programs (such as elementary and special education) require additional courses in order to meet all state certification requirements. Programs are approved by the South Carolina State Department of Education and enjoy certification reciprocity with many other states.

MAT Benchmark Worksheets

For information on the general program requirements, please see the Initial Certification Program Requirements & Benchmarks page.

How to Apply

For consideration of admission, the applicant should have the following credentials:

  • Graduation from an accredited college
  • An overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for full admission
  • A major undergraduate program appropriate for requested teaching area
  • A completed application form online, including $40 application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation  (with at least one from an academic source)
  • Official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges attended
  • *A personal statement

MAT Art Education applicants must submit a digital portfolio of 10-15 works along with a listing of works/media, an artist statement and schedule an interview with the Coordinator of Art Education, Dr. Susanne Gunter. You may submit your portfolio and contact her at susanne.gunter@converse.edu.

*Converse’s founder, Dexter Edgar Converse, held the ideal that Converse students “may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly.” Please write a personal statement, approximately 250-300 words in length, on how your personal goals as an educator tie with the Converse concept of The “Ideal” Educator. In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work. Please be specific on how Converse can help you become the “Ideal” Educator, taking special care to organize your essay clearly and proofread your work. The personal statement should be submitted as a part of the application or emailed to the Office of Graduate Admission.

Deadlines for Completed Application and Materials

  • July 15 (For Fall Admission)
  • December 15 (For Spring Admission)

*Converse Graduate Admission admits applicants on a rolling basis upon review of completed materials.

Cost & Financial Aid

See comprehensive graduate tuition and fees here.*

Learn about Financial Aid opportunities.

*Tuition and fees subject to change