School of Education at Johns Hopkins University - Graduate Education Programs:


AMAT

Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT) Program for Johns Hopkins University Undergraduates Interested in Becoming Teachers

WHAT IS AMAT?

AMAT is the program option at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) that assists JHU undergraduates to become teachers. Qualified undergraduates with at least 60 credits begin their master's degree and teacher certification prior to completing their bachelor's degree. Candidates can pursue certification in Early Childhood Edcuation (pre-K through 3; pending state approval), Elementary Education (grades 1-5), or Secondary Education in the disciplines of English, Spanish, French, social studies, mathematics, and four sciences (biology, chemistry, earth/space/environmental science, and physics). The AMAT program option begins each semester; successful candidates receive certification eligibility and the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in one to five years after the completion of their undergraduate program.

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE AMAT PROGRAM?

The AMAT program was designed with the undergraduate student in mind and has proven successful for those undergraduate students who would like to become teachers and begin the coursework for their MAT while an undergraduate. AMAT students may complete up to 12 graduate credits as an undergraduate. Upon the completion of their undergraduate program, students continue their master's degree and complete the course work, internship, and portfolio through either the FlexMAT, SIMAT or ProMAT program options. The curriculum for all these programs integrates the theory and practice of teaching and culminates in a supervised internship in a school setting. Courses are offered at the Homewood, Columbia and Montgomery Campuses. Candidates admitted to the program in FlexMAT and SIMAT pay for tuition and books for all 39 credits; the Montgomery ProMAT programs provides considerable financial support. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For more information contact the Financial Aid Office at 410-516-9808.

Candidates take the 12 credits of graduate coursework at their own pace while completing their undergraduate degree. Candidates are not obligated to take a specific number of courses per semester, but no more than three are recommended, ensuring a manageable course load. The candidate’s course load and flexibility will determine the number of graduate courses completed before the undergraduate degree is awarded.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE AMAT PROGRAM

  • Completion of 60 undergraduate credits, with a GPA of at least 3.0 in all college level work; sufficient content course work
  • Submission of application, fee, all official transcripts and an essay that convinces reviewers that the applicant has a commitment to becoming a teacher who believes in positive educational change
  • Passing scores on Praxis I, SAT, ACT, or GRE exams
  • Submission of Criminal Disclosure Statement
  • Interview with program coordinator and/or faculty adviser, which includes a review of undergraduate course work

WHAT IS THE GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF THE AMAT PROGRAM?

  • Candidates may complete up to 12 graduate credits while completing their undergraduate degree
  • Candidates have a maximum of five years to complete all MAT degree requirements after completing their undergraduate degree
  • Candidates successfully complete an internship in a JHU partnership school
  • In lieu of a master’s thesis, candidates submit and present a digital portfolio of their work to a review panel following the internship
  • Candidates become eligible for certification through successful completion of all MAT program requirements, including: the supervised internship, Praxis I and II exams, state required content course work, the portfolio, and 39 JHU credits

WHAT UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS ARE PROVIDED FOR THE CANDIDATE?

  • A faculty adviser to assist the candidate with academic course planning and portfolio support
  • A program coordinator to provide support and resources to the candidate and intern related to field placements, the internship, certification, and graduation
  • A supervising teacher, recommended by the school principal, and paid by the university to assist the intern on a daily basis with any tasks and/or issues related to teaching (FlexMAT and SIMAT program options)
  • A university supervisor (retired educator) who works with the intern, providing feedback and support throughout the semester long internship
  • Electronic support and mentoring through the Electronic Learning Community

Interested students should contact the Department of Teacher Preparation as early as possible to develop an undergraduate program aligned with the content background required for initial teaching certification. Candidates for admission are interviewed by university faculty to assess their content knowledge and dispositions toward teaching and may be required to submit letters of recommendation.

For additional information please contact the AMAT program office at 410-516-9759 or vgugliucciello@jhu.edu