Sacred Heart University

What you'll study

Students follow undergraduate coursework for their bachelor’s degree during years 1–4 and then move into the MAT curriculum in year five. Tracks available:

• Elementary Education (open to undergraduates majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Elementary Education with Special Education Cross-Endorsement (Interdisciplinary Studies majors; most cross-endorsement courses are taken in year five)
• Secondary Education (open to undergraduates majoring in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, or Spanish)

The special education cross-endorsement requires completion of a 30-credit set of course and clinical requirements in the graduate year to be eligible to apply for Connecticut Comprehensive Special Education (PK–12) cross-endorsement; additional licensure tests apply. The program emphasizes contemporary instructional methods, supervised clinical experiences and teacher residency placements in partner districts.

Entry requirements

• Must meet dual-degree progression criteria while an undergraduate to matriculate into the MAT.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher by January 15 of the sophomore year to begin undergraduate education courses that lead into the MAT.
• Grade of C or better in all undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies courses.
• Successful completion of the bachelor’s degree by May of the fourth year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 to enter the MAT.
• Degree-specific baccalaureate requirements: Elementary and Elementary with Special Education cross-endorsement candidates must earn a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies; Secondary candidates must earn a BA in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, or Spanish.
• Submission of a Praxis Core Academic Skills score report (no minimum score required) or an official SAT/ACT report in lieu of Praxis Core.
• Signed Statement of Understanding and Essential Functions document.
• Candidates for the special education cross-endorsement must submit a one- to two-page essay explaining their interest.
• Failure to meet any progression criteria will result in dismissal from the dual program, withdrawal from graduate courses and removal from the residency.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher certification and K–12 classroom roles. Typical employment routes include:

• Preschool, elementary, middle or high school teacher
• Special education teacher (with cross-endorsement)
• Career and technical education teacher
• Instructional coordinator or curriculum leader
• Educational consultant
• Corporate trainer or school administrator (with further experience/credentials)

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Dual-degree students benefit from academic advising and college resources while undergraduates and can save on total tuition compared with completing degrees separately. The program highlights tuition-paid full-time teaching residencies in partner districts that provide paid, school-based experience and may reduce financial strain during the transition into teaching. Prospective and current students are directed to admissions offices for detailed financial-aid and scholarship information.