Texas Woman's University

What you'll study

The MAT focuses on preparing teacher candidates with critical thinking and problem-solving skills and increased subject-matter knowledge needed for instruction. Key emphases include:

• Multiple professional roles: developing identity as researcher, scholar and practitioner.
• Theory- and research-based practices for curriculum and instruction.
• Content knowledge: strengthening subject-area expertise required for certification.
• Educational technology: applying appropriate technology to teaching and learning.
• Assessment: assessing teaching effectiveness and student learning.
• Sociocultural and learning differences: understanding diverse learner needs.
• Collaborative leadership: contributing to school improvement and team-based practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Minimum academic standards include a 2.75 cumulative GPA on the last conferred bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of coursework. Candidates must meet content preparation requirements: typically a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the certification content area (or 15 semester credit hours when seeking mathematics or science certification for Grade 7 and above), as determined by the Certification Officer or MAT Program Director. Admission also requires a passing score on the appropriate TX PACT examination. International applicants must provide an evaluation by a NACES or AICE member service and meet English language proficiency criteria (TOEFL iBT scaled minimums: Speaking 24, Listening 22, Reading 22, Writing 21) unless they hold an accredited U.S. degree or a degree from a country approved by the State for Educator Certification. Background checks are required for field experiences and certification; applicants with felony convictions must disclose and may request a Preliminary Criminal History Review from the Texas Education Agency. Application steps include submitting official transcripts, recommendation requests if required, and an application fee (with limited fee waiver options). Published program application deadlines are Fall July 15, Spring November 1, and Summer April 1.

Career prospects

Completing the MAT and meeting TEA certification requirements positions graduates for initial teacher certification in Texas. The program targets areas where schools report teacher shortages and may prepare candidates for classroom roles across grade levels and subjects for which they are certified. Certification requires program completion, subject content and pedagogy examinations, and recommendation by an approved educator preparation program.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The source notes state-level loan forgiveness opportunities for teachers in designated shortage areas. TWU also references graduate assistantships (applicants must meet general criteria) and a small set of application fee waivers (e.g., McNair Scholars, some alumni). Candidates should consult TWU and TEA resources for up-to-date funding and certification-cost information.