Hello,
Thank you for your interest in the California University of Pennsylvania, Master of Arts Teaching (MAT) program. In less than two years* you can earn your master's degree while becoming well-informed about the National Board Certification process. It is a great way to advance in your profession. *Taking 6 credits per semester (including summer)
Our tuition is very competitive. The college of education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (see Tuition Calculator (on the left side of page) for latest tuition info). California University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1852 and it is one of the 14 state universities in Pennsylvania.
We have an exciting program and it would be great if you decided to join us. For more information about the program (tuition, financial aid, etc.) please contact the Office of Web-Based Program at 724-938-5958 or 1-866-595-6348
Our Master of Arts Teaching degree in Advanced Secondary Studies is a 100% online masters program.
California University of Pennsylvania's Master of Arts Teaching degree in Advanced Secondary Studies is a completely online graduate program for middle and high school teachers. The 30-credit MAT degree program is aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and the National Board Certification process. The courses and activities use data from teachers' own practices to reflect on their work and the work of their students to develop a deeper understanding of student learning.
Purpose
The Advanced Studies in Secondary Education program correlates with the five core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). MAT graduates will acquire additional skills in instructional strategies, action research, instructional technology, differentiated instruction, classroom management, assessment strategies, teacher leadership, curriculum design, and reflective practices. At the completion of this program, graduates will have a "jump start" if they decide to apply for National Board teaching certification.
For more information about this program please go to our web site at http://www.cup.edu/go and/or email us at advseced@cup.edu
Curriculum
The program consists of the following courses:
|
Course Name |
Number of Credits |
Course Description |
|
Fall #1 |
||
|
Advanced Instructional Technology |
3 credits MSE 740 |
This course is designed to introduce teachers to various instructional technologies that will be utilized throughout the graduate program and to provide opportunities to use technology to improve classroom instruction. Such tools as PowerPoint, digital images, videotaping, software, multi-media, web-based projects, etc. will be implemented. |
|
Constructivist Instructional Strategies |
3 credits MSE 755 |
This course is designed to introduce teachers to advanced methods in teaching. Various student-centered instructional strategies such as problem based learning, peer to peer, inquiry approach and interdisciplinary instruction, will be the focus of this course. |
|
Spring #1 |
||
|
Reflective Practitioner |
3 credits MSE 760
|
This course is designed to provide teachers with opportunities to reflect on their students' learning and their teaching strategies. There will be intensive writing of self-reflection and analysis of their practices in the classroom. |
|
Teacher Leadership |
MSE 775 3 credits |
This course is designed to develop leadership and collaboration skills of our teachers that will help them to lead educational reform. The course will prepare teachers to understand their role as teacher leaders, develop knowledge of systems change, and learn how to conduct and evaluate staff development. The course will strive to develop teacher leaders that may serve as coaches in their schools for their departments. |
|
Summer |
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|
Curriculum Design |
3 credits MSE 765
|
This course is designed to provide teachers with an opportunity to investigate various curriculum design models, focus on national and state standards, create curriculum maps and write curriculum as it relates to their area of certification. |
|
Advanced Classroom Management
|
3 credits MSE 745
|
This course is designed to provide teachers with opportunities to review the research on classroom management and to develop a management plan for their own classroom and school. |
|
Fall #2 |
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|
Differentiating Instruction: Meeting the Needs of All Learners |
3 credits MSE 770 |
This course is designed to introduce teachers to differentiated instruction in a formal context. Teachers will develop a thorough understanding of differentiation; understanding the diverse needs of the students they teach (cultural diversity, intellectual diversity, gender, etc), and learning about and implementing various differentiation techniques. |
|
Action Research in Secondary Education |
3 credits MSE 725 |
This course is designed to give teachers an opportunity to study real classroom situations and to design a plan of action to improve that situation. Teachers will learn how to conduct a review of the literature and develop an understanding of various research methodologies. Reflection and analysis is a key component of action research. |
|
Spring #2 |
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|
Assessment of Learning |
3 credits MSE 780 |
This course is designed for teachers to develop a thorough understanding of various forms of assessment; designing effective assessment to measure student learning, learning to analyze student work to improve learning and instruction, and applying results of assessment. |
|
Research in Secondary Education |
3 credits MSE 790 |
The thesis is designed for graduate students to select an action research topic of interest as it relates to their area of certification. The thesis will allow teachers to select a question for study, review the literature, plan and implement a study, analyze the results and write a discussion on how to apply the results. |
Teacher Demand
This program is of value to teachers because upon receiving teaching certification most states require teachers to receive on-going professional development credits beyond their bachelor's degree. In Pennsylvania for example, teachers need to obtain 24 credits after their bachelor's degree. In addition, some states are now requiring teachers to receive professional credits. In Pennsylvania, every teacher must receive 6 credits (or equivalent) of professional development every five years.
In addition to developing a deeper understanding of instructional pedagogy, one of the goals of this program is to help teachers become familiar with the process of applying for National Board Teacher Certification. Teachers with 3 or more years of teaching experience may apply for this prestigious certification. Throughout the country, many school districts are providing financial incentives for their teachers to obtain this certification. Check with your district and your state department of education to learn about the National Board Teacher certification process in your state.
More information about the courses please set up a phone conference by calling
Dr. Joseph Zisk
MAT Advanced Studies in Secondary Education, Coordinator
California University of Pennsylvania
Keystone Education Building
250 University Ave
California, PA 15419
724-938-4487
Back to Master of Arts Teaching page
*This is information is for unofficial use only. California University is not responsibility for incorrect information posted by Dr. Zisk.
Please contact the Office of Web-Based Program at 724-938-5958 for official information.
2007