Frequently Asked Questions
- May I take courses in the MAT program prior to admission?
- Is there conditional admission?
- What if I don't meet all the admission requirements?
- What is the Statement of Philosophy?
- What undergraduate academic or teaching content majors are required for admission?
- What are the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test and PRAXIS II Content Area Exercises?
- May I retake the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test and PRAXIS II Content Area Exercises?
- What are non-program course requirements?
- When and how do I complete the Technology Competency Requirement?
- May I be a part-time student?
- May I transfer education courses from another school prior to program matriculation?
- May I complete this program taking only late afternoon and evening courses?
- How many credits are required?
- When are MAT program courses scheduled?
- What are the kinds of activities and time estimate for FNED 546 and ELED 500?
- When should additional courses be completed?
- Can applicants earn middle level, special education, or other teaching endorsements?
- Will the MAT Program lead to teacher certification in Early Childhood (pre-K - Kindergarten)?
May I take courses in the MAT program prior to admission?
The only program courses that may be taken prior to matriculation are CEP 552, ELED 500, and FNED 546.
Is there conditional admission?
No.
What if I don't meet all the admission requirements?
- If you don't meet the requirements because you lack certain background courses (e.g., college-level mathematics), you may be accepted but required to complete additional course work (See FAQ #10).
- If you do not achieve a minimum score on the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test (0014), we will suggest you retake it. Admission to the program will not be granted without a passing score.
- We may suggest you consider a Second Bachelor's degree if your GPA does not meet our criterion of 3.0.
- You may wish to include an explanatory letter if some of your criteria do not meet our requirements and the Committee will take this into consideration.
What is the Statement of Philosophy?
The Statement of Philosophy is a required component of the MAT application that provides both a writing sample and information about your disposition for teaching. The MAT Committee will score the essay.
What undergraduate academic or teaching content majors are required for admission?
Unlike undergraduates in teacher education programs, you are not required to have a specific academic major or teaching content major. However, some districts require you to have academic or content majors related to one or more of the subjects that you will teach.
What are the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test and PRAXIS II Content Area Exercises?
These are two standardized tests required for teacher certification in the State of Rhode Island. The PRAXIS II
Content Knowledge Test is a multiple-choice test with 120 questions related to four content areas: mathematics,
science, language arts, and social studies. A score of 145 on the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test is required
prior to admission. The PRAXIS II Content Area Exercises is a test where you apply your knowledge of teaching
and content knowledge by hand-writing your response to the four prompts-mathematics, science or social
studies, reading/language arts, and interdisciplinary instruction. A score of 148 on the PRAXIS II Content Area
Exercises is required prior to student teaching. See 
http://www.ets.org/ for more information about the nature of
the test, topics covered, cost, registering, and schedule for testing. Both tests are two hours each. They can be
taken together or separately.
May I retake the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test and PRAXIS II Content Area Exercises?
Yes.
What are non-program course requirements?
During the personal interview and plan of study meeting with the program advisor, the MAT applicant will understand what non-program courses are required prior to specific courses and student teaching. Prior to student teaching, MAT students will show evidence of:
- Two college-level math courses. Minimally, college level algebra, pre-calculus, or statistics. Grade C or better. If lacking, the MAT Admission Committee recommends MATH 143 and MATH 144. Complete prior to enrolling in math methods.
- Two college-level science courses in different areas that include lab work. Minimally, a balance of life and physical sciences. Grade C or better. If lacking, the MAT Admission Committee recommends BIOL 109 and PSCI 103. Complete prior to enrolling in science methods.
- Two college-level social science courses, one of which represents knowledge of U.S. History. Grade C or better. If lacking, the MAT Admission Committee recommends POL 201 or similar. Complete prior to enrolling in social studies methods.
- Two college-level humanities courses. Grade C or better. Complete prior to enrolling in language arts/reading methods.
- Health/physical education-related course. Grade C or better. If lacking, the MAT Admission Committee recommends PED 346 or HED 346. Complete prior to student teaching.
- Fine or performing arts course. Grade C or better. If lacking, the MAT Admission Committee recommends ARTE 340 or MUSE 341. Complete prior to student teaching.
When and how do I complete the Technology Competency Requirement?
You are required to complete the Technology Competency Requirement before you student teach. You will submit a
score report as evidence as part of your Preparing to Teach Portfolio. See Department of Education Studies HBS
218 or HBS 222 or the following web site: http://www.ric.edu/techcomp.
Students have various options to fulfill the Technology Competency requirement. Evidence includes
- Learn the required skills independently and pass the Technology Competency Test
- Complete a three-credit course, INST 251: Introduction to Emerging Technologies
May I be a part-time student?
Yes. Some courses should be taken with other courses to obtain full benefit and to be able to continue the program without interruption. See program requirements for specific information.
May I transfer education courses from another school prior to program matriculation?
This question is handled on a case-by-case basis. No course that was counted as part of another degree will be allowed. Courses that may be considered must be at a 400-level or better, and no more than six credits from another institution can be brought in to the program.
May I complete this program taking only late afternoon and evening courses?
No. The program requires at least two semesters with some or all daytime classes.
How many credits are required?
There are 42 credits in the program, although additional credits may be required by the MAT Admissions committee (See FAQ #10).
When are MAT program courses scheduled?
- ELED practicum courses are scheduled during the daytime (between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
- Other graduate courses are scheduled from 4-7 p.m. or 7-10 p.m. (Note FNED 546 is 4-8 p.m.)
- Some 500-level program courses are available during the summer sessions.
What are the kinds of activities and time estimate for FNED 546 and ELED 500?
- FNED 546 Contexts of Schooling: The course is scheduled for four hours, one day per week. Also, there are 15 additional hours during the semester for observations/classroom work (occurs during school hours).
- ELED 500 Reflections: The Art and Science of Teaching: The course is scheduled for three hours, one day per week. Also, there are additional hours during the semester, which include 3 1-hr classroom observations and a 6-session after-school teaching project.
When should additional courses be completed?
Prior to associated ELED methods courses, e.g., math content courses before mathematics methods course. Other course work is required prior to student teaching. See FAQ #10.
Can applicants earn middle level, special education, or other teaching endorsements?
Yes. Admission to the MAT program is required. Additional course work is above and beyond MAT program requirements. See College Bulletin for requirements.
Will the MAT Program lead to teacher certification in Early Childhood (pre-K - Kindergarten)?
No
Page last updated: Monday, October 26, 2009
