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

Program Overview

UNC Charlotte’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Teaching English as a Second Language equips aspiring teachers at all stages for English as a Second Language (ESL) careers. It also offers a specific M.A.T. pathway for non-education majors seeking initial ESL licensure. Graduates earn the skills to work with English learners in diverse settings, from K–12 schools to universities and nonprofits. With diverse undergraduate backgrounds accepted, our program helps individuals become the teachers they aspire to be while earning a master’s degree.

UNC Charlotte’s M.A.T. in Teaching English as a Second Language program helps students learn self-reflection, polish their teacher-researcher skills and leadership qualities, and prepares them to make a lasting impact in the field. Our program is built with accessibility and advocacy at the heart of what we do. Coursework draws on the most current research in linguistics, second language acquisition, curriculum design and teaching methodologies.

Program Contact

What is an M.A.T.?

The M.A.T. program is specifically designed to complement the Graduate Certificate in Teaching (Phase I), which culminates in student teaching. Only students who complete Phase I at UNC Charlotte are eligible for the M.A.T. Individuals can apply during the student teaching semester to start in the following semester.

Teaching English as a Second Language, M.A.T. at a Glance

Delivery
Online
Credits
16 Credit hours
Admits
Fall

Alumni Spotlight – Emily Francis

Emily Francis leapt from her seat in the audience of The Ellen Show and made a run for the stage. Only after she was standing next to Ellen DeGeneres did the 2016 Cabarrus County Schools Teacher of the Year realize that in her excitement, she hadn’t given the famous talk show host time to finish her introduction. But looking back at her journey—from a one-room shack in Guatemala, to a New York airport facing immigration authorities, to crossing the stage at UNC Charlotte to accept a graduate degree in English as a Second Language (ESL)—it’s clear that Emily had been racing toward a moment like this her entire life.

Courses

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):

Elective Course (3 credit hours):

Select one of the following:

** 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
Application Deadlines

Applicants can apply via the UNC Charlotte Graduate Admissions website.

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:

Our graduates hold job titles such as:

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 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:

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:

Tuition

Resident: $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident: $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident: $1,098.21 per credit hour

Please note: Rates are subject to change.