EDUCMAT000 - Master of Arts in Teaching (New & Experienced Teachers)

To ensure success in and accessibility of the program experience, sessions are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. All required courses for this degree are offered in the evenings, on Saturdays, or in a blended format. As students begin their plans of study, they will work closely with their own academic advisor to chart their movement through the program.

Evening courses are offered once per week for 15 weeks. Saturday classes meet in the fall or spring semesters. Additionally, many of our courses utilize the Canvas platform and Blackboard Collaborate, a web conferencing tool, to enhance the face-to-face instruction – allowing for a blended learning environment and greater flexibility in course instruction and delivery.

Each course earns three credit hours towards the 30-hour MAT. The program can be completed in three years if a student takes 6-9 hours each year.

Prerequisites

We have outlined the following criteria needed to succeed in each Master of Arts in Teaching path. If you have any questions about your eligibility, we are more than happy to discuss your individual circumstance in depth. Please contact us at education@rice.edu.

MAT w/ Principal Certification For Experienced Teachers applicants must have:

• Bachelor's Degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Two Years of Teaching Experience (by matriculation semester)

MAT For Experienced Teachers applicants must have:

• Bachelor's Degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Two Years of Teaching Experience (by matriculation semester)

MAT For New Teachers applicants must have:

• Bachelor's Degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Content Area Hours in Selected Teaching Field: 24 hours (min.)
• Content Area GPA of 2.75 or higher

MAT For Rice Undergraduates (5th Year) applicants must have:

• Overall 3.0 GPA in current studies
• Content Area Hours in Selected Teaching Field:  12 hours (min.) needed; 15 for math and science
• Minimum 2.5 GPA in content area

If content hours requirements are not met, please contact us at education@rice.edu for alternate options.

Admissions Interview

Applicants will be interviewed by members of the Education Admissions Committee when all application documents have been received and reviewed.

Veterans and Transfer Applicants

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 30 credit hours of a 30 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 seeks to attract to its faculty, staff and student body qualified persons of diverse backgrounds. In accordance with this policy, Rice does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status.

Application components vary by selected path. Please review the lists below to understand which items will be requested as a part of your admissions process. There will be an opportunity to attach all supplemental documents in the online application. Additional steps like the interview will be scheduled after we have received your submitted application. We recommend you request your academic transcript(s) and secure your references early.

MAT w/ Principal Certification For Experienced Teachers    

• Graduate Studies Application
• Official transcripts of all college or university coursework
• Three letters of reference
  • Accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet. Two references must be from a supervisor. An academic reference is strongly preferred.
• Statement of Intent
• Valid classroom teaching certificate
• Service record from the school district(s)
  • A minimum two years of teaching experience is required.
• Principal Mentor Form
  • Serves as verification of campus support for practicum year
• Application Fee ($85)
• Interview with the Admissions Committee
• Timed Writing Sample
  • 60 minutes, to be submitted on the day of the interview

MAT For Experienced Teachers    

• Graduate Studies Application
• Official transcripts of all college or university coursework
• Three letters of reference
  • Accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet. Two references must be from a supervisor. An academic reference is strongly preferred.
• Statement of Intent
• Service record from the school district(s)
  • A minimum two years of teaching experience is required.
• Application Fee ($85)
• Interview with the Admissions Committee
• Timed Writing Sample
  • 60 minutes, to be submitted on the day of the interview

MAT For New Teachers    

• Graduate Studies Application
• Official transcripts of all college or university coursework
• Three letters of reference
  • Accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet. Two references must be from a supervisor. An academic reference is strongly preferred.
• Statement of Intent
• Application Fee ($85)
• Interview with the Admissions Committee

MAT For Rice Undergraduates (5th Year)

• Graduate Studies Application
• Official transcripts of all college or university coursework
• Three letters of reference
  • Accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet. Two references must be from a supervisor. An academic reference is strongly preferred.
• Interview with the Admissions Committee

We accept applications three times a year. Current Rice undergraduates interested in the 5th year MAT path should apply during their sophomore year of undergraduate study.

Interested candidates who have missed the application deadline should contact us at education@rice.edu for additional options.

Your journey through the Master of Arts in Teaching program is one that will not only prepare you to be an outstanding educator but also equip you with the means to have a longstanding career in education. All students begin with a selection of professional education courses which allow you to further develop your pedagogical knowledge, learn new strategies for student engagement, and broaden your instructional leadership skills. From there, your experience will vary based on the path you choose. All students work closely with an education faculty advisor to develop a plan of study.

Plan of Study for MAT with Principal Certification For Experienced Teachers Students

Equipping students with transformational leadership skills required of successful education change makers. This pathway includes a state of Texas Principal Certification.

Three major components include:

• Professional Education Courses
• Specialization Coursework
• Principal Practicum

By choosing this path, students not only demonstrate their preparation for educational excellence but also gain the transformational leadership skills required of successful education changemakers. At the conclusion of the program, students in this path will receive the Master of Arts in Teaching as well as a Texas Principal Certification.

Professional Education Courses

The plan of study consists of 18 hours of required professional education courses. 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.

For current Rice undergraduates, students earn their Bachelor’s degree while majoring in the subject(s) they plan to teach while also taking graduate-level professional education courses.

Courses include: Race, Class, Gender in Education, Assessment, Teaching Diverse Learners & Literacy Across the Curriculum.

Specialization Coursework (12 credit hours)

Focus on building the skillsets needed to be an effective school leader. This coursework includes Instructional Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and two electives. Students may choose to take additional professional education courses to support their academic content specialization.

Principal Practicum (6 credit hours)

The principal certification intern is in a fall-spring residency in a TEA approved school during the practicum. The intern participates in a year-long seminar course at the University and receives extensive support from the instructor, a field supervisor, and a site supervisor. The candidate logs in 80 clock hours of specific activities in the approved school that meet the Instructional Leadership Standards each of the two semesters with the site supervisor’s approval. The candidate also completes 135 hours of formal observation in residency under the field supervisor’s direction. The Education Program will approve the principal certification candidate for a standard certificate after a successful intern experience and the written recommendation from the field supervisor and school administrator.

Plan of Study for MAT for Experienced Teachers Students

Equipping students with transformational leadership skills required of successful education change makers. This pathway includes a state of Texas Principal Certification

Three major components include:

• Professional Education Courses
• Specialization Coursework
• Capstone

In this path, students are encouraged to deepen your knowledge of teaching pedagogy and enhance their teaching practice.

Professional Education Courses

The plan of study consists of 18 hours of required professional education courses. 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.

For current Rice undergraduates, students earn their Bachelor’s degree while majoring in the subject(s) they plan to teach while also taking graduate-level professional education courses.

Courses include: Race, Class, Gender in Education, Assessment, Teaching Diverse Learners & Literacy Across the Curriculum.

Specialization Coursework (12 credit hours)

Focus on building the skillsets needed to be an effective school leader. This coursework includes Instructional Leadership and three electives. Students may choose to take additional professional education courses to support your academic content specialization.

Capstone (6 credit hours)

The capstone, in conjunction with other course offerings, aims to deepen your knowledge and practice in a particular area and to prepare you to serve as educational leaders in a variety of contexts. This two-semester course is your demonstration of particular expertise. You will select a chairperson to help guide you through the preparation of the capstone. Upon completion, you will defend your work before an academic committee.

Plan of Study for MAT for New Teachers Students

Prepares the recent college graduate and career changer for the teaching profession

Three major components include:

• Professional Education Courses
• Field-based Experience
• Internship

In this path, students are encouraged to deepen their knowledge of teaching pedagogy and enhance their teaching practice.

Professional Education Courses

Students with less than 2 years of experience in the teaching profession or no previous teaching experience are best suited for this path. MAT students in this path are supported by a team of educators focused on establishing the foundations necessary to be an effective teacher.

Field-based Experience

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.

Internship

During the internship year, the student is teaching in a Houston area school 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 and written recommendation from the field supervisor and school administrator.

Plan of Study for 5th-Year MAT for Rice Undergraduate Students

Prepares current Rice undergraduates for a career in the teaching profession with 4+1 degree plan

The Rice University Bachelor’s degree is conferred upon completion of undergraduate studies and the MAT and Texas Teacher Certification is awarded one year later after completion of the teaching internship. Students must complete the requirements for their bachelor's degree (at least 120 hours) and the MAT degree (30 hours) independently of each other (i.e., no course can be used simultaneously to satisfy both an undergraduate and a graduate degree requirement.)

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you how our program can complement your undergraduate studies and further your professional growth and career goals. Contact us by phone 713-348-4826 or email education@rice.edu to make an academic advising appointment.

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.

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Fingerprinting/ Criminal Background Check

Candidates will not be issued either a probationary or a standard teaching certificate from the State of Texas without the fingerprinting/criminal background check. Candidates may apply for the criminal background check prior to submitting an application into an educational preparation program, but must be done prior to being on any school campus with the program. If the results of the process are unsatisfactory, the candidate may petition the TEA for reconsideration of the results.

For further information about preliminary checks:

• TEA: National Criminal History Checks-FAQs
• TEA:  Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation-FAQs

A school district may deny the placement of a participant with a criminal background.

Criminal history record information includes both conviction and arrest records. The State of Texas (by House Bill 1508 in 2017) the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) require that an educator preparation program inform all certification program applicants and candidates about the State’s rules on criminal background checks from the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, the Texas Education Code Chapter 22.0831 and the Texas Administrative Code, Part VII, Chapter 227, Subchapter B. For further information about criminal history checks see TEA’s Investigations web page: http://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/

Rice University is committed to keeping the costs of the Master of Arts in Teaching program as low as possible. Incentives include significantly reduced tuition for all admitted students, financial aid and program tuition aid. Program cost reflects a significantly reduced rate from normal Rice University tuition, and is designed to accommodate part-time students. Scholarship programs are available for teachers pursuing the Path for New Teachers and the Path for Experienced Teachers.

Does not include books, other supplies as needed, late fees, university required fees, State exam fees, or State certificate fees. Additional information regarding tuition and fees can be found on the Cashier's website.

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.

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

Students in the Master of Arts in Teaching program may be eligible to receive federal student loans, Grad PLUS loans and private loans. The enrollment requirement for eligibility is at least half-time or 4.5 hours. Visit for Rice University's Office of Financial Aid more information.

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.

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 & Principal Fellowship Programs

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. Similarly, Principal Fellows are school leaders, preferably those teaching in high-need schools, who are ready to take on the challenges of instructional and organizational leadership in public schools.

We are offering a select number of scholarships for our MAT program that will reduce tuition up to 25 percent of our normal per course tuition rate. Fellowship opportunities can be discussed during the interview stage of the application process.