Studies for undergraduates at Christian Brothers University give priority to intensive study in the arts and sciences; thus, ensuring that those who choose teaching careers have strong content knowledge, as well as, excellent pedagogical preparation. With the exception of elementary education, which is still available through a conventional four-year degree, undergraduate programs for teacher preparation are initially linked to B.A. and B.S. degrees followed by a "fifth-year" concept that culminates in earning a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree for professional studies in education. Strong preparation in the arts and sciences comes first, followed by a focus on pedagogy in the MAT. Students may begin the MAT degree during their senior year at CBU.

The majors offered in support of initial teaching licensure are in Cultural Studies, English, History, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, linked to licensure tracks in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades Education (4-8), and numerous secondary (7-12) areas (Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, Physics, and Spanish). Several licensure tracks are designed to permit double endorsements through a minor in French or Spanish.

  Click here to download a list of licensures offered at CBU.
  Click here to download coursework paradigms for initial licensure tracks in PDF format.

The "fifth-year" approach ensures not only a strong preparation in the arts and sciences but also offers the candidate an opportunity to begin their teaching career with a master's degree in hand and at a higher professional status. The Department of Education also offers the (MAT) degree for initial teaching licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. The M.A.T. is also available in three concentrations: Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades Education (4-8), and Secondary Education (7-12) integrated with licensure in Biology, Chemistry, English, French, History, Mathematics, Physics, and Spanish. Exceptional preparation at the undergraduate level in the content area of the license sought is expected for students who enter CBU'S MAT program for post-baccalaureate studies.

The way the program works:
• Choose your specialty area as your undergraduate major.
• Meet with your advisor and inform him/her that you want to follow the '5th-year paradigm.'
• During your undergraduate program, take the two required education courses (6 hours) that will take you through foundations of education and practical field experiences in your specialty area.
• During your junior year, apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program through the Education Department.
• Admission procedures include a 22 or higher on the ACT OR a 990 or higher on the SAT OR the Praxis I exam if you have neither of those two scores (information available on the Praxis in Kenrick Hall, Room 118); completed submitted application to the Department; and an interview into the program.
• Complete a background check and fingerprinting in accordance to TN Law 49-5-56. Contact COGENT at (877) 862-2425, (800) 964-7690, or www.cogentid.com to schedule an appointment. Please provide CBU’s ORI#: TNCC79123 /Transcription type DP. Once you are fingerprinted, the information will be sent in about one week.
• Once admitted, you are encouraged to take six graduate hours that count toward the MAT while still an undergraduate student.
• Once your undergraduate program is complete, continue taking your M.A.T. courses, complete your student teaching semester, and graduate with your master's degree AND teaching licensure for K-6, 4-8, or 7-12 in your specialty area.