M.A.T. in P-12 Education
Pedagogy-Only

Cultivate comprehensive learning for P–12 students

Expand your knowledge and build specialized skills to earn your initial teacher certification with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree. Mercer University offers an M.A.T. in P–12 education to prepare you to help Pk–12 students learn, focus, and realize new strengths beyond their core academic courses. Earn a master’s degree and prepare for 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

A pedagogy-only M.A.T. degree for Pk–12

You could be eligible to earn your initial Pk–12 teaching certification sooner. Mercer’s master’s degree in P–12 education is pedagogy-only—making it possible to complete in as few as 18–24 months.

You will complete 31 credit hours—no content concentration courses required—before taking the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessment in the area in which you seek certification. Graduates of Mercer’s M.A.T. in P–12 Education are eligible for initial teacher certification.

Your Mercer master’s in P–12 education experience

Mercer’s master’s in P–12 education is designed for busy adults like you:

• Professionals wishing to transition to a teaching career
• Paraprofessionals or waiver teachers who hold bachelor’s degrees
• Teachers seeking a Clear Renewable master’s level certificate to replace a non-renewable certificate
• Other academic professionals interested in initial teacher certification and a master’s level teaching certificate

Students will take a blended combination of online and on-campus courses at Mercer’s Atlanta or Macon locations. Each offers multiple start dates per year, so you can begin your studies at a time that works best for you.

Explore M.A.T. in P–12 Education courses

Learn about the diverse needs and learning styles of Pk–12 students, including exceptional learners, in foundational courses. You will also complete methods classes that will prepare you for all aspects of classroom management, including:

• Culturally and Educationally Responsive Pedagogy
• Curriculum and Instruction for SEC and P–12
• Educational Assessment and Research
• Literacy in the Disciplines
• Special Topics in Education (specific to P–12)

View course descriptions and program requirements for the M.A.T. P-12 to learn more.

How will this degree prepare you to lead P–12 students?

Your successful completion of Mercer’s P–12 master’s program will prepare you for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)-approved Content Pedagogy Assessment and Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessments. Upon passing, you will be eligible for Level 5 teaching certification.

As a new teacher, the comprehensive education you will gain by specializing in Pk–12 will also open doors to lead young students of any age. As you apply for positions in P–12 schools in Georgia, you will demonstrate an understanding of:

• The characteristics of children and adolescents—ranging from social to cognitive to physical
• The different learning approaches of P–12 students and how to adapt to meet their diverse needs
• How to design and implement an integrated curriculum that is developmentally appropriate
• How to evaluate students’ learning and achievement using various assessment strategies
• Research-based strategies and instructional technology and how to integrate them into P–12 curriculum

Learn more about our M.A.T. in P-12 Education

• Program Requirements
• Course Descriptions
• Admissions
• Tuition and Aid

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.