Cultivate comprehensive learning for P-12 students
Help students learn, focus, and realize new strengths beyond their core academic courses through Mercer University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in P-12 Education. This program is designed to prepare individuals for initial teacher certification to support P-12 students with the specialized skills and knowledge to guide students toward success. Diverse field experiences throughout the program prepare teachers to support the needs of students of all ages by focusing on theoretical and pedagogical issues in the classroom through research, assessment, and technology integration. Mercer’s M.A.T. in P-12 Education offers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and Georgia initial teacher certification in one of the following areas:
- Art
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Drama
- English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Engineering and Technology
- Foreign Languages
- Health and Physical Education
- Music
Successful completion of this program, along with passing scores on the required Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)-approved Content Pedagogy Assessment and Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessments, lead to eligibility for Level 5 certification.
Pedagogy-only
Did you know? You could be eligible to earn your initial teaching certification sooner. Mercer’s M.A.T. in P-12 Education is pedagogy-only. This program requires students to complete and pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessment in the area in which they are seeking certification, so it no longer requires content concentration courses. The 31-credit pedagogy-only M.A.T. in P-12 Education can be completed in as few as 18-24 months, so you can get in the classroom sooner. Graduates of Mercer’s M.A.T. in P-12 Education are eligible for initial teacher certification, and Georgia public school teachers are candidates for a pay increase with a master’s degree.
Designed for busy and working adults
Mercer’s M.A.T. in P-12 Education program is designed for:
- Re-careering professionals
- Paraprofessionals who have bachelor’s degrees
- Teachers who hold non-renewable certificates and who want to earn a Clear Renewable master’s level certificate
- Teacher candidates from a wide variety of academic majors who are interested in earning both initial certification and a master’s level teaching certificate
Day field experience requirement
During the program, students will apply classroom knowledge and benefit from hands-on field experiences. Students will complete a sequentially planned series of field experiences in diverse settings and meet grade-band cluster requirements of the program. If students are currently on a provisional license, they can complete this item in their own classroom. View program requirements to learn more. Field experiences are coordinated through the Office of Field Placement.
Expand your knowledge
Through program curriculum, students will gain knowledge in:
- Understanding the social, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical characteristics and needs of children and adolescents
- Understanding how students differ in their approach to learning and how to adapt the learning environment to meet diverse needs in the P-12 education environment
- Designing and implementing an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Developing and implementing a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate students’ learning and academic achievement
- Integrating research-based strategies and instructional technology effectively into all components of the P-12 school curriculum
Learn more about our M.A.T. in P-12 Education
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your personalized admissions appointment or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6062 or MercerEducation@mercer.edu for more information.
Meet Our Faculty
Mercer’s Tift College of Education is supported by faculty and staff who devote themselves to preparing students to become transforming educators within their communities and throughout the world.
Professional licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.