The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed to provide initial teaching licensure at the following levels: Early Childhood (PreK-3), Elementary (K-6), Middle School (4-8), Secondary (7-12), Visual Arts (K-12), and Special Education. The MAT program admits only those individuals who wish to earn an initial teaching license and a graduate degree simultaneously.

Candidates for both degree and initial teaching licensure face additional requirements because of licensure. Tennessee requires that all individuals seeking initial teaching licensure must provide evidence of a strong general education and mastery of a major in the arts or sciences earned at the undergraduate level. State and national standards for initial teaching licensure may mandate that an individual complete undergraduate deficiencies in either general education or a major area in the arts or sciences, in addition to required graduate credit hours.

Licensure requirements include the successful completion of undergraduate or other content deficiencies, field experiences, and internal and external assessments, including the Praxis II tests. Completion of coursework for the degree must be complemented by successful completion of all licensure requirements before CBU recommends for the license.

• MAT Course Requirements

To obtain an application packet for the MAT or Licensure Only program, you will need to attend the weekly Tuesday information meeting. If you live out of town, please contact jdaugher@cbu.edu for additional information.

Admission Requirements For the Initial Teaching Licensure Program
(MAT or Licensure Only)
1. Attend the weekly Tuesday information and orientation meeting on the CBU campus, "How to Become a Licensed Teacher in Tennessee." The meeting begins at 3:30 p.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at the meeting. Call (901) 321-4350 for the location and directions.
2. Earn passing scores on the PPST (Praxis I) test (preferred) or acceptable scores on the GRE or MAT.
3. Complete the application, including all official transcripts (with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 minimum preferred), letters of recommendation, and required essays.
4. After a successful review of the application, have an interview with the Graduate Education Admissions Committee.
5. Background check

Accelerated Program Calendar
CBU offers all graduate education courses on an accelerated eight-week calendar during the fall and spring semesters, allowing students to complete two eight-week terms in the fall and two eight-week terms in the spring. Summer courses are offered using four-week terms. Many of our MAT initial teaching licensure candidates finish in a year or a year plus a semester, with the final semester as student teaching. The CBU program combines fast pace with high quality instruction, allowing students to meet their goals sooner, whether the goal is a career change or salary advancement. In addition to the accelerated calendar, newly admitted students have cohort opportunities. They may move at a set pace with other newly admitted students and complete a pre-planned program of study simultaneously with their peers in the cohort they enter.

• MAT Graduate Recommendation Form (PDF Format)
• Licensure Only Graduate Recommendation Form (PDF Format)
• Education Financial Assistance