Sweet Briar College

What you'll study

Graduate-level coursework is combined with extensive PreK–12 clinical field experiences that emphasize practical readiness to lead a classroom. Candidates fine-tune pedagogical skills and learn to create learning environments where students can thrive.

• Elementary Education (PreK–6): prospective elementary teachers must major in elementary education and complete the required education courses across B.A. and M.A.T. for PreK–6 licensure.
• Secondary Education (6–12): candidates must major in the associated discipline (B.A. or B.S.) and complete required education courses; licensure is earned during the M.A.T. year. Specified majors include Biology (B.S.) for biology licensure, Chemistry (B.S.) for chemistry licensure, English and creative writing (B.A.) for English licensure, History (B.A.) for history and social science licensure, and Mathematics (B.A.) for mathematics licensure.
• PreK–12 arts tracks: candidates must major in the associated discipline and complete required education courses; licensure is awarded during the M.A.T. year. Specified majors include performing arts (dance track) for dance arts licensure, performing arts (theatre track) for theatre arts licensure, and visual arts (history and image or studio art track) for visual arts licensure.
• Special Education (K–12): students may add a special education general curriculum endorsement to their primary licensure track. This endorsement qualifies candidates to serve as special education teachers and supports general educators to better serve diverse learners.

Entry requirements

Men and women who hold bachelor’s degrees from Sweet Briar or other institutions may apply. Some candidates enter the M.A.T. after earning an initial teaching license during a B.A. program, while many elementary, secondary, and PreK–12 candidates earn their initial license during the M.A.T. year. Program duration depends on previous coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to teach and lead in PreK–12 classrooms across elementary, secondary, and PreK–12 specialty areas, holding initial teacher licensure in Virginia. The program emphasizes readiness to manage a classroom independently and to implement differentiated instruction for diverse student needs.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page does not list specific scholarships; prospective applicants should consult Sweet Briar’s financial aid office and graduate funding resources for scholarships, assistantships, and other support available to M.A.T. students.