Virtual Open House Thursday, December 4: 5–6:30pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom!
You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp, participate
in a Q&A with current students, and meet key program representatives.
What You'll Learn
The M.A.T. in Social Sciences is is a 39-semester hour program that will develop your
skills as a teacher and increase your understanding of social sciences. Students will
take courses like Foundations of Teacher Leadership in a Diverse Society; Child and
Adolescent Development; Political Science; Anthropology; and Advanced Teaching Methodologies
in Secondary Social Science Education. The program also includes practical experience
during an semester-long internship paired with a seminar course. Successful completion
of the program leads to recommendation of licensure from the North Carolina Department
of Public Instruction.
Where You'll Go
WCU’s M.A.T. graduates will be eligible to teach social sciences in grades 9-12. The
National Education Association states the average salary for North Carolina public
school teachers is $47,783 for the 2014-15 school year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
is projecting a 6% increase in high school teacher hirings by 2022. There are also
a number of opportunities across the nation and internationally for primary and secondary
teachers.
The M.A.T. in Social Sciences will give you the education you need to take your existing
academic background and use it in the classroom. The program will expand your understanding
of social science and cover subjects related to teaching methodology, curriculum building
and other skills necessary for success in the classroom, and for teaching licensure.
The program requires applicants to provide a senior-level research paper that synthesizes
primary and secondary sources and develops and sustains a coherent argument.
Degree Options
School
College of Education & Allied Professions, School of Teaching & Learning
Location
Residential / Online Components
Length
Part Time & Full Time Options - Designed for career changers
Time to Complete:
24–30 months (varies with licensure area & internship timeline)
Credits:
36 semester credit hours required
App Deadline:
Aug. 1 (Fall) & Dec. 15 (Spring)
More Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp WCU's MAT - Social Sciences Program
WCU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Social Sciences prepares individuals to become
licensed high school Social Sciences educators (grades 9–12). The program is designed
for career-changers and professionals with a non-education bachelor’s degree who want
to enter teaching.
The program is structured in two phases: Phase I leads to initial licensure, and Phase II culminates in advanced licensure
and the conferral of the master’s degree. Coursework combines professional education
core, advanced teaching methods, and social sciences content, paired with field-based
experiences.
WCU’s MAT in Social Sciences prepares students to teach grades 9–12 in Social Sciences,
combining pedagogical training with deep content knowledge. Candidates complete a
professional core, advanced teaching methods, and social sciences content courses,
along with field experiences.
CEAP develops skilled professionals through evidence-based instruction, practical
experience, and field-based learning. Programs emphasize inclusive teaching, leadership,
assessment, and collaboration.
The portfolio is an organized collection of electronic artifacts documenting advanced
competencies in professional education. Candidates demonstrate growth in leadership,
differentiation/diversity, research, and assessment through coursework, field experiences,
and reflective practice.
What’s Happening
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