Teaching, M.A.T. (Early Childhood - Licensure)

Degree Program

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) (Licensure), formerly the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), is a highly practical and flexible graduate degree designed to help you thrive as a classroom teacher. Ideal for both current and aspiring educators, this master’s program will equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to become more effective and impactful in the classroom. With many specialization options, the M.A.T. (Licensure) allows you to choose a route that is tailored to your specific educational background and career interests.

The Early Childhood Specialization prepares students who desire to earn a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved Child Development Permit while working towards a master's degree. Additional coursework may be required depending on the level of Child Development Permit desired. See School of Education for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching (Licensure), students will be able to:

1. Analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge of current educational issues, settings, and legislative requirements from a biblical perspective (ULO 1).
2. Identify personal assumptions and generalizations related to diversity (e.g., gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and [dis]abilities) while affirming that all students are valued as image bearers of God (ULO 2).
3. Exhibit growth in one’s professional practice by utilizing professional databases, conducting empirical research, and articulating findings through effective communication in both speaking and writing. (ULO 1, 2, 3).  
4. Synthesize knowledge, skills, and perspectives from concentration-specific content of the master of teaching program to determine implications for professional practice (ULO 2).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have completed all bachelor's requirements prior to the start of the program and must have a bachelor's degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution prior to the start of the second term.
• Must be a California resident in order to fulfill fieldwork requirements.
• Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved organization and verified equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Writing proficiency will be evaluated for each applicant in one or more of the following ways: a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above; passage of the CBEST or all CSET subtests, an academic paper, the application essays, or the GRE. A proctored placement exam may be required.
• Applicants for whom English is not a primary language must verify a score of 100 iBT on the TOEFL exam.
• Complete Biola University's Graduate Education Application.
• Interview with a member of the School of Education.
• Hold a valid Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and submit valid TB tests results.

Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student's academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

Graduation Requirements

1. M.A.T. (Licensure) core courses and Capstone must be passed with a grade of B or higher.
2. Candidates must complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (Licensure) with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Candidates must successfully complete SEED 594 Action Research, and all professional requirements (e.g., conference requirement, concentration reflection) related to the coursework and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs).
4. Candidates must demonstrate professional behavior as an important aspect of their preparation to effectively impact the field of education (inside and beyond the classroom). For candidates on probationary status, or where a candidate has struggled with professional dispositions (scores of 1 or 2), these concerns may prevent the candidate from moving forward in the program and graduation.
5. A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Arts in Teaching (Licensure).
6. Candidates must complete the program within five years of continuous enrollment. Candidates who are not continuously enrolled must complete the program within eight years total.
7. Candidates must meet with a department advisor and graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar one semester prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section).

Transfer of Credits

Students transferring from an accredited graduate program may transfer a maximum of 6 approved credits for their M.A. in Teaching (Licensure). Courses transferred must be equivalent to Biola University's and have direct applicability to the student's program design. Only courses with a grade of B (3.0) on a 4.0 grade scale or higher will be considered for transfer towards the M.A. in Teaching (Licensure) degree; a grade of B- is not transferable. Credits considered for transfer must have been taken within five years prior to the date of admission.

Curriculum Requirements

Offered on campus and online.

¹

Successful passage of SEED 554 is required for advancement in the program. Writing support and documentation may be mandatory for some students.

²

To produce quality research, it is recommended to be the only course taken in the final semester.

³

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher to apply for the CA Child Development permit(s). All fieldwork must be completed in a California classroom. More than 12 credits may be required depending on the level of Child Development Permit desired. See advisor in School of Education.