Students in the USC MAT program complete a teaching credential and Master's degree in just over a year of full-time study. Each year the MAT program admits a new cohort of approximately 75 students. They begin the 13-month program in June and finish the following summer. Class size is usually limited to 25 students so that there is ample opportunity for personalized instruction and hands-on learning.

Distinctive Benefits

• Students earn both a Master's degree and are prepared to request a Californa teaching credential in 13 months.
• Students have significantly more field-based experiences and achieve a higher level of sophistication with using technology as an instructional tool.
• The program is specifically designed to prepare teachers for diverse students in urban schools.
• MAT graduates will be in high demand and can enter the salary scale at a higher level in most school districts.
• The program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Course of Study

Courses in the program are divided into four broad categories, providing students with theoretical foundations and teaching strategies for successful entry into the teaching profession.

Foundations

Foundations classes provide in-depth knowledge in sociological and psychological theories and their application in the classroom. Foundations classes also introduce students to the latest strategies for infusing technology into instruction.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Methods classes lay the foundation for teaching linguistically and ethnically diverse students in urban schools. Courses introduce students to planning, implementing, and assessing instruction across all content areas.

Language and Literacy

Language and literacy issues are at the forefront of educational reform efforts nationally. Courses include theories of language and literacy for both primary and second language learners and the application of these concepts across all content areas.

Math for America Fellowship

The Math ƒor America Fellowship is a five-year program for mathematically talented individuals who are new to teaching. MƒA LA Fellows will receive a full tuition scholarship to attend the Masters of Arts in Teaching and Teaching Credential Program at the USC Rossier School of Education. During years 2-5 Fellows teach in LAUSD public secondary schools and receive an annual stipend of $20,000, mentoring and professional development services. To find out more please visit MƒA

Supervised Field Experience and Student Teaching

Supervised field experiences are an integral part of every course. From the beginning of the program, students are placed in local classrooms to learn practical applications of theories and instructional methods from experienced teachers. Students complete twenty weeks of student teaching. AKA known as Guided Practice.

Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT)

As part of state credential requirements, all students complete a teacher performance assessment (TPA) that includes Embedded Signature Assignments (ESAs) that are incorporated into MAT coursework and the Teaching Event. The Teaching Event project is meant to be a demonstration of your thinking as a student teacher and an analysis and reflection of your instructional choices.

Multiple Subject Program of Study

MAT without credential preparation--31 Units
MAT with credential preparation--33 Units
MAT with credential preparation and BCLAD--36 Units

First Summer

• EDUC 516 The Framing Experience (2)
• EDUC 517A Understanding the Social Context of Urban Schools (2)
• EDUC 518 The Application of Theories of Learning to Classroom Practice (4)

Fall

• EDUC 519 Human Differences and Teaching Special Populations (4)
• EDUC 566 Teaching Mathematic and Science (4)

Spring

• EDUC 567 English and Language Arts in Elementary Social Studies (4)
• EDUC 554 Visual and Performing Arts in Elementary School (2)
• EDUC 517B Understanding the Social Context of Urban Schools (2)

Second Summer

• EDUC 568 Guided Practice (6), OR
• EDUC 569 Capstone Portfolio in Learning and Instruction (4)
• EDUC 543 Instruction for Limited-English Proficient Students (2)
• EDUC 551 Teaching Physical Education (1)
• Optional: EDUC 558 Culture Learning (3)

Single Subject Program of Study

MAT without credential preparation--28 Units
MAT with credential preparation--30 Units
MAT with credential preparation and BCLAD--33 Units

Students pursuing a single subject credential follow essentially the same course of study, with classes that pertain to their single subject content area. Following is an example of a single subject credential course of study.

First Summer

• EDUC 516 The Framing Experience (2)
• EDUC 517A Understanding the Social Context of Urban Schools (2)
• EDUC 518 The Application of Theories of Learning to Classroom Practice (4)

Fall

• EDUC 519 Human Differences and Teaching Special Populations (4)
• EDUC 566 Teaching Mathematics and Science, OR
• EDUC 534 Integrating English and Social Studies in Secondary Classrooms (4)

Spring

• EDUC 535 Teaching Secondary English and Language Arts, OR
• EDUC 539 Teaching Secondary Science, OR
• EDUC 542 Teaching Secondary Social Studies, OR
• EDUC 545 Teaching Secondary Mathematics (4)
• EDUC 517B Understanding the Social Context of Urban Schools (2)

Second Summer

• EDUC 568 Guided Practice (6), OR
• EDUC 569 Capstone Portfolio in Learning and Instruction (4)
• EDUC 543 Instruction for Limited-English Proficient Students (2)
• Optional: (3) EDUC 558 Culture Learning

For 568, 569, and 543 -Although some classes are indeed categorized into the semesters listed here, they may actually span two semesters. Upon admittance into the program, please check the scheduled start and ending dates for each class.

*BCLAD is the Bilingual, Cross Cultural, Language and Academic Development Credential.