Master of Arts in Teaching for New Teachers

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a 36-hour, nonthesis graduate degree program.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for New Teachers, a 36-hour, nonthesis graduate degree program, fulfills all requirements for a Texas Standard Teaching Certificate. Coursework includes professional education courses and extensive field experiences. The program is designed for students holding bachelor’s degrees who are interested in pursuing graduate study in education while preparing for teacher certification at the secondary level.

Our dedicated faculty offer new teachers an exceptional amount of personal contact, coaching, support and supervision through this rigorous academic program. Teacher candidates receive a support team of a field supervisor, a mentor and a cooperating teacher for multiple semesters of observation and teaching experiences. Additionally, program support continues with an internship experience that hones strong analysis of student work, classroom management, and an alumni network for collaboration and support.

Professional education courses include extensive study of the historical, political and philosophical backgrounds of American education; the structure, culture and curriculum of secondary schools and their diverse students; and the developmental psychology of children and adolescents. These courses and their related field observations serve as the foundation for the seminars in teaching and curriculum development, which not only offer instructional methods but also close examination of the epistemologies and ways of learning that characterize the subject.

Application forms may be obtained through the Rice University Online Application System.

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The program is designed for students holding bachelor’s degrees who are interested in pursuing graduate study in education while preparing for teacher certification at the secondary level.

Application forms may be obtained through the Rice University Online Application System.

In support of the application, candidates must have an undergraduate degree and submit:

  • Official transcripts of previous university studies which reflect a minimum of 24 hours of content area courses in your selected teaching field
  • Four letters of reference accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet (minimum of two references must be academic)
  • Overall 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in content area
  • Demonstrated content knowledge
    • 24 credit hours in content area, or
    • Minimum 12 credit hours in content area (15 for math and science) and Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)
  • Graduate Record Examination score (no more than 5 years old, scores must be at or above the 70th percentile)
  • Passing scores on (or documented exemption from) the THEA test
  • $85.00 application fee

The Texas Education Agency requires candidates to undergo a criminal background check prior to field-based experience, prior to clinical teaching, and prior to being hired as a first-year teacher. Candidates may be ineligible for standard certification if they have been convicted of an offense. Candidates have an option to request a preliminary history evaluation through TEA [19 TAC Chapter 227.1(b) & Chapter 227.101(c)]. 

Interview

In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, applicants will be required to participate in an interview conducted by members of the program faculty and staff.

Application Deadlines

January 15 - Fall semester admission and early admission (classes start in summer)

March 15 - Late fall semester admission (classes start in fall)

October 15 - Spring semester admission

Interested candidates who have missed the application deadline should contact the Education Department at 713-348-4826 for additional options.

The Education Program welcomes students transferring from accredited institutions of higher education.

Information for Military Veteran Applicants

You may find information about veteran benefits, credit transfers, and application process here.

Information for Transfer Applicants

Six credit hours may transfer from another Institution of Higher Education (IHE) that specifically correlate with the Rice University Education (EDUC) courses. The transferring courses must demonstrate an alignment to the Teaching Standards in 19 TAC, Chapter 149.  

A candidate transferring from another IHE as an undergraduate student must complete at least 24 credit hours of a 30 credit hour coursework program in the Rice University Education Department.   The Department does not offer an undergraduate degree in Education; therefore, candidates must major in the area they want to teach.  To be admitted to the program, candidates must have completed 12 credit hours in their content area, 15 credit hours for math and science.

Graduate students transferring from another IHE must complete at least 30 credit hours of a 36-hour coursework program and must have 24 credit hours in the content area or 12 credit hours in the content area, 15 for math and science, and passing scores on the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).

Candidates transferring into the Rice University Education Department from an alternative certification program must complete 36 credit hours of a 36 credit hour coursework program.  Clock hours from an Alternative Certification Program are not accepted for a graduate degree at Rice University.

If a transfer candidate has a bachelor’s degree and has 12 hours of content in a teaching certificate that the program offers or 15 hours of math or science content, then a passing score on the PACT is required prior to admission into the Rice University Education Department.

If a candidate has taken and passed the content and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility exams those scores are transferable.  Field-based experience from another educational preparation program is not transferable for the required Education Department’s field-based experience work in the semester or the year prior to the clinical practicum or internship year.

Rice University is committed to keeping the costs of the Master of Arts in Teaching program for new teachers as low as possible to attract the most qualified people to teach in Houston-area public schools. Incentives include significantly reduced tuition for all admitted students, financial aid and program tuition aid. The tuition for full-time graduate students entering in the 2017-18 academic year is $2,800 per course. All students are required to maintain continuous enrollment unless an official leave of absence has been granted.

Fees include but are not limited to:

  • Student services fee: $8 per person
  • Parking fee: $70-$240 per year; varies depending on the parking permit selected
  • Graduate Student Association fee: $21 per session (no more than $42 per year)
  • In addition, all graduate students are required to have health insurance

Additional information regarding tuition and fees can be found on the Cashier's website.

For complete information about Rice University tuition visit graduate.rice.edu/costofstudy.

Scholarships

Rice University believes in the importance of developing teacher leaders. The Master of Arts in Teaching Program offers a limited number of merit-based, partial scholarships to highly qualified prospective students. Scholarship opportunities can be discussed during the interview stage of the application process. Currently, there are two scholarship options available to participants:

  • the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers, and
  • the MAT Teaching Fellow program.
Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers
The Rice teacher preparation program has been recognized by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation as an exemplar teacher prep program in the state. This honor allows our students (Texas residents) who are pursuing teacher certification to apply for the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers. If selected by the foundation, fellows will receive a scholarship of $8000 per year for up to four years, as well as ongoing training and development opportunities, mentorship from sitting public school educators, and involvement in a statewide aspiring teachers network facilitated by Raise Your Hand.
Teaching Fellow 
New MAT Teaching Fellows plan to enter the classroom with pedagogical skills that help create a culture of learning by engaging diverse learners in inquiry-based learning, They want to develop literacy and assessment skills that meet the need of the students they will teach. These Teaching Fellows see their potential to become instructional leaders.
We are offering a select number of scholarships for our new MAT program that will reduce tuition to a minimum 50 percent of our normal per course tuition rate of $2,800 for each course.
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation that support your qualifications to be an instructional leader
  • A signed letter confirming your intention to work in a high needs school for 3 years
  • A focused interview with the New MAT Leadership Team
  • An essay on your specific leadership skills: Write about ways you have shown leadership in your life. Describe a successful experience that you led with a group. Offer an example that shows you could be a good teacher coach. Include ways you have helped to solve problems in a job, in special activities, in an organization. Finally, describe your vision for an ideal school campus and the way you would help facilitate that vision. Include any experiences that show you are a change agent.
Please submit your Teaching Fellow Letter of Recommendation (on school stationery) and Essay to education@rice.edu with a cover letter identifying yourself and your intent to apply for a Teaching Fellow scholarship.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid offers need-based aid in the form of loans and College Work Study to graduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or refugees.

Living and Housing Costs

Houston has a reasonable cost of living for a major city. The Graduate Apartments, which opened in the summer of 1999, offers housing at moderate cost and is close to campus. Also available as housing options exclusively to Rice graduate students are the Morningside Square Apartments and the Rice Village Apartments. Visit the Graduate Student Association website for information regarding other housing options.

 

Professional Education Courses

The course of study consists of 18 hours of required professional education courses. These courses allow teachers to further develop their pedagogical knowledge, learn new strategies for student engagement, and broaden their instructional leadership skills.

Field-based Experience

Next, students engage in a two-semester, pre-service field-based experience. In the fall semester, students engage in Curriculum Development and Content Specific Theory and Methods. In the spring semester, students complete a field-based practicum in a Houston-area public school. Teacher candidates receive a support team of a field supervisor and a cooperating teacher to guide them through this year-long experience. Students will have extensive opportunities to hone their pedagogy skills during this experience.

Teaching Internship

Finally, the plan of study culminates with the teaching internship in a Houston area school. During the internship year, the student is teaching on a State of Texas probationary certificate as a full-time, salaried teacher (teacher of record) in the area and at the level of the certification being sought. The intern participates in a year-long seminar course at the University and receives extensive support from both a field supervisor and a mentor teacher throughout his/her entire first year of teaching. As part of the Seminar for First Year Teachers, all students are required to create a digital professional portfolio. The portfolio represents the culmination of experiences, chronicles the student’s growth in attaining the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful as a new teacher, and it reflects the students’ understanding of teaching and learning. A teaching internship requires a full school year at an accredited public school or other school approved by Texas Education Agency (TEA). The Education Program will approve the standard certificate after a successful internship experience. 

Certification Requirements for a Texas Secondary Certificate

Our graduate degree requires a teaching internship and eligibility for state certification, both of which are contingent on a student having eligibility to work in the United States. Standard certification can only be recommended after the intern has completed one full year of teaching with students. 

Download Plan of Study Tool

Calendar of Progression from Application to Standard Teacher Certification

Candidates interested in the Education Program will follow the process from application to admission and teacher preparation that will generate questions, develop learning strategies, and foster a similar development in students. 

Learn More

For those seeking a career change and who are interested in pursuing graduate study in education, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for New Teachers is the preferred route. This program fulfills all requirements for a Texas Standard Teaching Certificate at the secondary level. Coursework includes professional education courses, advanced content coursework, and extensive field experiences that pave the way for a fulfilling, new career in education. STEM professionals who enter the program will have opportunities for credit courses and professional development through the Rice University K-12 Initiatives. Please schedule an advising appointment to discuss your individualized plan of study.

Schedule Advising Appointment

  • Extensive field experiences: Each professional education course incorporates field-based experiences into its curriculum to facilitate they synthesis of theory and practice.
  • Exceptional support: Teacher candidates receive a support team of a field supervisor, a mentor and a cooperating teacher for multiple semesters of observation and teaching experiences.
  • Affordable: Rice University believes in the importance of developing teacher leaders. We are committed to keeping the costs of the Master of Arts in Teaching program for experienced teachers as low as possible. Financial incentives include significantly reduced tuition for all admitted students. Additionally, we offer a limited number of merit-based, partial scholarships to highly qualified students.
  • Designed for teacher leaders: We seek to develop instructional leaders who continue to grow in their profession; honing their pedagogical skills, encouraging and mentoring their peers, and contributing to the professional development of their educational communities.

We regularly host information sessions on campus and invite you to join us for one at your convenience. Please view our calendar to find a time that works for your schedule. Also, you may request additional information or schedule an appointment to meet with an academic advisor. We welcome the opportunity to visit with you one-on-one to learn about your professional growth goals and discuss how our program will serve your needs.

Schedule Advising Appointment

RSVP for an Information Session