Apply Request Information

Master of Arts in Teaching

Dr. Kim Tolley, Program Director
(650) 508-3464, ktolley@ndnu.edu



Notre Dame de Namur University has long been recognized for the excellence of its graduate programs in education. Presently NDNU offers five credentials, two certificates and seven master’s degrees within the School of Education and Leadership.

NDNU’s Master of Arts in Teaching Program

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for secondary school teachers interested in deepening their knowledge and appreciation of a chosen subject area. Coursework in this program also prepares students to increase their effectiveness in teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, and assessment. A multiple-subject credential holder may also consider pursuing a MAT if he or she is interested in serving as a school- or district-level resource teacher in a particular discipline (e.g., music, art, science, religious studies, theatre arts, English/language arts) and would like to pursue advanced study in that discipline to prepare for this role.

As educators, we are engaged in a wonderful and complex profession. How will we grapple with the complexity of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in ways that improve student learning and achievement? How will we continue to develop the skills necessary to support every student to learn and achieve at high levels? How will we know if our values, beliefs, and practices promote justice and equity? How will we share our experiences, our stories, and our insights to inform others who care about improving education? How will we know what is “working” in our classrooms, our schools, and our communities? Attending to these questions requires ongoing learning and personalized support. Throughout the MAT program, students address these questions as they reflect on their teaching practice.

Distinctions:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching program includes four graduate courses in the academic subject area and four graduate courses in education.
• The program culminates with a thesis project that integrates research, practice, and personal reflection.
• Through the thesis experience, students develop their ability to ask thoughtful questions, collect information, analyze information, and reflect on issues regarding teaching, learning, and schooling that will enable them to improve their practice throughout their careers.

Curriculum: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) (30 total units)

Introduction to Educational Research
Educational Research
Four education electives, chosen with the Program Director
Four electives from the discipline of emphasis, to be selected in collaboration with the chair of the academic department

Full course descriptions are available in the NDNU Catalog.

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.

Program Requirements

Students may apply to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters and should meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in the MAT subject emphasis from an accredited institution
• An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. (A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is required in NDNU Credential programs.)
• A teaching credential, significant teaching experience, or successful completion of all examination requirements for student teaching in California
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews with the program director and with the chair of the academic department in which the student proposes to take coursework

Notes: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not an institutional requirement for entrance into NDNU graduate programs. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Faculty

Jamie Almanzan, MA, Stanford University; Lecturer
Mary Buckman, MA, San Francisco State University; Lecturer
Cathleen Calice, MS, California State University, Hayward; Lecturer
Lu Chang, Ed.D., University of the Pacific; Professor
Robert Ferrera, Ed.D., University of Southern California; Associate Professor
Kristin Geiser, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Winifred Kum, Ed.D., University of San Francisco; Lecturer
Lorraine Paul, M.Ed., Notre Dame de Namur University; Lecturer
Kim Tolley, Ed.D., University of California Berkeley; Associate Professor

Articulation with Credential Programs

Graduates of NDNU's credential programs have a unique opportunity to count up to five of their credential courses toward certain master's degrees, significantly reducing the time and financial resources required to earn a degree. For additional information, contact Dr. Kim Tolley.

NDNU’s School of Education and Leadership

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted University offering four bachelor degrees and over 15 graduate degrees and certificates. The School of Education and Leadership, under the direction of the Dean, Dr. Joanne Rossi, offers bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies and human services in addition to education credentials, certificates, and master’s degrees. The credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The programs were reaccredited in 1998.

Contact:

Dr. Kim Tolley, Program Director
(650) 508-3464, ktolley@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions
Ralston Hall
Tel: (650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: grad.admit@ndnu.edu
M – Th 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
F 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.