Admission Requirements:
The MAT program selectively admits candidates based on a complete application portfolio. Admitted students complete a structured sequence of courses, field experiences, and classroom-based research.
To be considered for admission, applicants must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions expected of teacher candidates. Initial assessments will be made through review of complete applications. Fully qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an admissions interview.
The following qualifications are required for consideration for admission:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a total undergraduate GPA of at least 2.70 and, if applicable, a CCSU undergraduate GPA of at least 2.70. GPA waivers will be considered for applicants who have less than a 2.70 GPA, but meet all other admission requirements and have at least a 3.00 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework. Applicants with a GPA of at least 3.00 in an earned master's degree whose undergraduate GPA does not meet minimum standards will be considered for admission if the GPA in the certification content major is at least 3.00.
- Completion of a major in the content area that meets state certification standards. For special education candidates, priority will be given to candidates who complete a major in an academic discipline represented in secondary curriculum. All candidates may be required to complete specific prerequisite courses prior to admission.
- Completion of general education coursework that meets current Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) standards for certification (currently 39 credits distributed across 5 of 6 areas and including a 3-credit U.S. history survey course). Applicants will be considered for admission if there are fewer than 12 credits of general education outstanding. These standards must be met prior to graduation.
- Submission of basic skills test scores in reading, mathematics, and writing that meet guidelines for admission to the professional program for teacher certification.
- Scores on required state content knowledge examinations in the certification area:
In mathematics, sciences, English, and history/social studies, Praxis Subject Assessment (formerly Praxis II) scores that meet current CSDE passing standards are required. Special education candidates must pass the Praxis Elementary Education Assessment: Mathematics Subtest or earn a B or better in MATH 113 or equivalent.
In Spanish, ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency ratings that meet current CSDE passing standards are required. If the ACTFL scores are more than one year old at the time the application is complete, a confirmatory interview with department faculty will be required.
To document their qualifications, applicants will submit School of Graduate Studies and program applications that include the following materials:
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions attended except CCSU;
- Submission of basic skills test scores in reading, mathematics, and writing that meet guidelines for admission to the professional program for teacher certification;
- Acceptable scores on the required test of content knowledge;
- A resume documenting educational and work experiences;
- Two references that assess the candidate's ability to work with children and other adults on the reference form provided. One reference must be from someone, preferably an education professional, who has observed the student's work with children in the age range the student wishes to teach and can knowledgeably assess potential as a teacher. The second reference should be from someone who has observed and can knowledgeably assess ability to work with other adults. Personal references are not accepted.
- A word-processed essay demonstrating a command of the English language and explaining the experiences and thinking that have led the student to choose (a) a teaching career and (b) this particular certification program. Applicants to the modern language specialization must submit a second word-processed essay in target language, explaining why they believe they would be an effective language teacher.
- Evidence of the ability to work with diverse groups of students in an educational setting and an understanding of teaching as a work environment demonstrated through reflection on and documentation of no less than 60 hours of high-quality experience with students at the level the student wishes to teach, including recent experience in a public school setting. See the form "Statement of Experience with Children and Schools" which delineates expectations for this experience.
- Evidence of ability to write at graduate school level, demonstrated through submitted essays and either a GRE writing score or a CCSU sit-down writing examination which may be conducted in conjunction with an interview.
Current Connecticut criminal background clearance.