Teaching English as a Second Language (Phase II), M.A.T.

After completing the graduate certificate, students have the option to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language by taking 12 additional hours, which leads to the “M” license after two years of teaching experience. 

The M.A.T consists of 12 credit hours for a combined 30 credit hours

Required Courses (9 credit hours):

• MDSK 6260: Teacher Leadership (3)
• TESL 6476: Advanced Pedagogy in Teaching English as a Second Language (3)
• TESL 6691: Seminar in Professional Development (3)
• or  MDSK 6691: Seminar in Professional Development (3)

Elective Course (3 credit hours):
Select one of the following:

• ENGL 6161: Introduction to Linguistics (3)
• READ 6204: Teaching Reading to English Language Learners (3)
• RSCH 6101: Research Methods (3)
• TESL 6206: Globalization, Communities, and Schools (3)
• An approved Study Abroad program ***
• An approved course substitution (3)

**Written approval for any study abroad experiences and/ or elective courses not listed here must be provided in advance by the Graduate Program Director

Capstone:
The capstone experience for the M.A.T. is fulfilled by completing the Comprehensive Electronic Portfolio project. In addition, candidates for the M.A.T. complete an electronic licensure portfolio during coursework that demonstrates their readiness for the advanced Standard Professional II teaching license.

Admissions & Requirements: 

• Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
• Completion of UNC Charlotte’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.
• A minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 in the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.
• Students with a GPA below 3.5 in the Graduate Certificate may be considered for admission to the M.A.T. program with scores above the 30th percentile on the GRE Test.
• Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
• Three recommendation letters that include at least one from a full-time faculty member who has taught the student in the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language program. Applicants will provide reference contact names and email addresses through the application portal. 
• A statement of purpose (500-1000 words).

Application Deadlines: 

• August 1 (fall)
• December 1 (spring)
• May 1 (summer first half term)
• June 15 (summer second half term)

Applicants can apply for this program via the Graduate Admissions portal.

What Can You Do With Your M.A.T. in Teaching English as a Second Language?

UNC Charlotte alumni who completed the M.A.T. in Teaching English as a Second Language are working in educational organizations such as:

• Union County Schools
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
• Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
• Educational Testing Service
• Uplift Education

Our graduates hold job titles such as:

• ESL teacher
• Early childhood specialist
• Elementary school principal
• ESL program coordinator

Solid salary expectations

Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, collects job and salary data from UNC Charlotte graduates. Lightcast surveyed graduates of UNC Charlotte’s M.A.T. in Teaching English as a Second Language program and found their estimated average annual salary to be $76,100.

Why Earn Your M.A.T. in Teaching English as a Second Language Online From UNC Charlotte?

By choosing UNC Charlotte’s online M.A.T. program, you’ll enjoy a number of advantages, including:

Learn from faculty experts. Our M.A.T. faculty research efforts have garnered numerous grants to enhance the training of our students and provide services to the immigrant population. Faculty members are also passionate about teaching, their academic disciplines and their students. Faculty also use their research and community service experience to bring new instructional methods and innovative educational trends into the classroom. Faculty members have received awards from the UNC Charlotte Cato College of Education for Excellence in Research, Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Diversity and Sustained Service to Public Schools.

Complete your M.A.T. online in just one year. Designed for working professionals, our fully online program allows you to continue working full time as you earn your M.A.T. Our program features both synchronous (set time to meet) and asynchronous (no set time) courses.

Receive strong student support. The Center for Graduate Life provides the support and sense of community students need to meet the challenges they face throughout their graduate experience. The Center offers workshops on topics such as:

• Grant writing
• Presentation skills
• Publishing in scholarly journals
• Understanding the academic job search

Enjoy personalized career advising and support during your job search. The University Career Center provides services, programs and support for students and alumni. Services include:

• An Education Career Fair held each spring semester
• Individual appointments with career advisors
• Hire-A-Niner online job and internship database
• Access to Southern Teachers Agency, which offers free placement services in PK–12 private and independent schools across the South

Learn from faculty experts. Our M.A.T. faculty research efforts have garnered numerous grants to enhance the training of our students and provide services to the immigrant population. Faculty members are also passionate about teaching, their academic disciplines and their students. Faculty also use their research and community service experience to bring new instructional methods and innovative educational trends into the classroom. Faculty members have received awards from the UNC Charlotte Cato College of Education for Excellence in Research, Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Diversity and Sustained Service to Public Schools.

*Rates are subject to change*

Resident:

• $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

• $536.98 per credit hour

Non-Resident:

• $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».