MAT students attend a week-long virtual conference each summer. For more than 40 years, this conference has drawn international speakers to discuss current issues in children's and adolescent literacy and state-of-the-art instructional strategies. The conference is a course and other courses do not meet during this week.
To receive the Master of Arts in Education degree, students must complete 30 units in 2 summers. Receive up to 6 units of credit for credential course work completed in the past 4 years.
Who Should Apply for the Summer MAT in Language Arts?+
If you are interested in completing a Master’s degree but can’t imagine how you can do this while teaching full time, this is the program for you. The Masters of Arts in Teaching K- 12 Language Arts Concentration which can be completed fully online in two summers is designed to accommodate busy elementary, middle, and secondary teachers wanting to spend a few weeks each summer learning new ideas to take back to the classroom.
What Makes This Program Different From Others?+
In addition to a summer-only schedule, which is friendly for busy teachers, the weeklong Reading and Language Arts conference is unique! For more than 40 years, this conference has drawn national speakers to discuss current issues in children's and adolescent literacy. The conference is a course and runs from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for one week in late June. Other courses do not meet during this week.
What Are the Specifics I Should Know?+
This two summer, 30 unit degree program includes attending the weeklong SDSU Reading and Language Arts each summer. The speakers at the conference are international experts in literacy who discuss state of the art instructional strategies in literacy. Each summer you will take 3 additional courses in literacy theory, research and practice that result in effective instruction. This summer program is designed to meet the schedules of traditional and year round teachers because the courses meet in the afternoon from late May to early July.
Is this a MAT program for K-12 teachers?+
Yes, the courses in this program address instructional issues that occur in grades K-12.
What is the focus of this MAT program?+
This MAT program focuses on instructional issues in all of the curriculum areas. A special emphasis relates to literacy issues in each of the disciplines.
I am a secondary teacher. Is this program also for me?+
Yes! While many participants are elementary school teachers, the degree is for either elementary or secondary curriculum and instruction. Each year, your instructors make sure that your needs as an adolescent educator are addressed.
Can I transfer in units from my credential program or another university? +
If you have completed a post-baccalaureate credential program within the past 4 years (at the time you plan to start the Summer-only MAT) then we may be able to use up to 6 units of your credential work towards your Master’s. If you completed your credential program at an undergraduate level or more than 4 years ago then you will have to take 6 additional graduate level units to complete the MAT. These courses are not scheduled into the three summers.
How many weeks do I have to attend summer school?+
Students in the Summer MAT attend classes for a 6-week period, usually from the end of May to early July each summer. Courses are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays with an occasional Tuesday night class (for Reading Conference meetings). All courses are online and include both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
What are the class times?+
The conference which you will take each summer meets for one week (M-F) from 9-4, and a Tuesday from 4-6 p.m., Each summer you will also take online back-to-back classes from 4-6:30 p.m. and from 7-9:30 p.m. on class nights including both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
Can I be a student in this program if I’m a year-round teacher?+
Yes, because the only course that meets during the school day is the Literacy Conference. Year-round teachers are welcome! We record all the sessions for you, and you simply watch them at home or on your computer. It's the next best thing to being there.
Do I have to take a comprehensive exam?+
Yes, there is a comprehensive exam taken at the completion of the 2nd year. The questions are based totally on the instruction you receive during the three-year program. The pass rate is 99% on the first try.
Do I need teaching experience before applying?+
No, you only need a teaching credential. Students who have successfully completed their credential program are welcome.
Is a California teaching credential required?+
No! Every year we have students from many states who spend part of each summer in San Diego.
Are courses offered online?+
Starting summer 2021 all course are online and include both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
Must I attend for three consecutive summers?+
While it is recommended that you complete the program in 2 summers, it is not mandatory.
What score do I need on the GRE? +
There is no minimum score required for the GRE. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GRE is waived for applicants planning to start Summer 2021.
Do I have to write a thesis?+
No thesis is required for this program.
Is financial aid available? +
Please contact the office of the SDSU Office of Financial Aid or 619-594-6323.
Who should I contact for more information?+
Melanie Falkenberg (mfalkenb@sdsu.edu)
Dr Marva Cappello (cappello@sdsu.edu)
Dr. Diane Lapp (lapp@sdsu.edu)
How do I apply?+
Everything you need to know can be found at our How to Apply page.
1.Submit the Cal State Apply application
-personal statement
-letter of recommendation
2. Request official transcripts from your Bachelor's degree and all credential coursework.
