MAT Early Childhood Education (PreK-4), Teacher Certification

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed for college graduates who are seeking Instructional I certification. Upon completion of the program of study, candidates are eligible to apply for certification for teaching in Pre-Kindergarten to 4th grade classrooms in Pennsylvania. The MAT program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is guided by Pennsylvania's state standards and by standards of national professional organizations. In addition to the School of Education's national recognition by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), as a point of distinction, this program is approved from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Professional standards are addressed during the coursework and field experiences throughout the program. The program prepares leading teachers for early learning environments in preschool through 4th grade. Throughout the program, candidates have the opportunity to develop classroom and professional skills by participating in a holistic approach to teaching using evidence-based pedagogy. Field and community-based placements that provide the candidate with guided learning experiences are integral to the program. Courses are primarily online in the first year of the program and online and hybrid in the second year of the program to support working professionals. Paraprofessionals and other working educational professionals are encouraged to apply.

The MAT in Early Childhood Education is a 42-credit program consisting of courses and experiences organized into three major areas of study: Childhood Education and Diverse Populations, Professional Core 1: Effective Instructional Strategies, Professional Core II: Family Engagement and Equity, and the Professional Capstone. The program includes focused attention in the areas of Social Justice, Leadership, Diversity, and Technology. Successful completion of the program results in a Master's of Arts in Teaching and eligibility to apply for initial certification to teach in a Preschool – 4th grade classroom in Pennsylvania.

Guidelines for Admission

Graduates with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university or seminary will be considered for admission to graduate study in the School of Education by complying with the details outlined. General admission is based on an applicant's previous academic record as shown by official transcripts of all previous study. Applicants are expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. 

Admission Process Requirements

Phase 1

Along with the Online Application, the following are required for applying to the program: 

  • Transcripts from undergraduate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university

    Undergraduate degree must fulfill one of the criteria below:
    • A minimum overall 3.00 GPA (grade point average) OR
    • A minimum 3.00 GPA on the most recent 48 credits
  • One-page letter of intent, describing why you want to become a teacher
  • One letter of recommendation from an academic or professional contacts (no personal contacts)

Submit official application materials by:

Email to:
gradadmissions@duq.edu

Or

Mail to:
Duquesne University
Office of Graduate Admissions
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Phase 2

Once your Phase 1 materials have been received, they will be reviewed by the Graduate PreK4 Advisor. If you meet the minimum program requirements, the advisor may ask you to meet to review your official transcript and program guidelines.

We have a rolling admission for this program.

Additional Information

Clearances

Prior to the first semester of study, candidates will need to obtain clearances. A list of required clearances can be found on the School of Education's Intranet Clearance page. 

Pennsylvania Department of Education Tests

Level I certification. Students are required to take and pass the exams as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education  before applying for certification. More information regarding these tests will be given to candidates throughout the program.

For further information please contact the Program Director at (412) 396-6088 or prek@duq.edu 

Learning Outcomes

  • Exhibits exemplary knowledge in the content and professional areas of certification.
  • Plans content-area instruction aligned to state and national standards and discipline expectations.
  • Locates and uses resources, including technological resources, to plan and implement instruction.
  • Plans and implements instruction that attends to students’ developmental levels, diverse backgrounds, and academic needs.
  • Designs and uses assessment of student learning to guide improvement.
  • Demonstrates characteristics of professional ethics, relational trust, and cultural competence in interactions with students, colleagues, families, and communities.  

Program of Study

Childhood Education and Diverse Populations

  • GEPK 503 Child Development Typical and Atypical Development Birth through Age 9, 3 credits or
  • GPSY 619 Child and Adolescent Development, 3 credits 
  • GEPK 504 Theory, Research and Practice in Education, 3 credits
  • GEPK 505 Level 1 and Level 2 Field Experience (30 hours), 0 credits
  • GILT 512 Instructional Design, 3 credits
  • GSCE 520 Introduction to teaching, 3 credits
  • GFDE 555 Foundations of Assessments in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GSPE 501 Exploring inclusive teaching support, 3 credits
  • GESL 501 Helping ELLs, 3 credits 

Professional Core I: Effective Instructional Strategies

  • GRLA 525 Engaging Families through Early Literacy Experiences, 3 credits
  • GRLA 526 Methods of Teaching Literacy, 3 credits
  • GEPK 528 Curriculum Design through Creative Play, Movement and the Arts, 3 credits
  • GEPK 535 Methods of Teaching Science in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GEPK 530 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Grades PreK-4 3 credits
  • GEPK 540 Methods of Teaching Social Studies in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GEPK XXX Field Experience Level 3

Professional Core II Family Engagement and Equity, Professional Capstone

 

  • GEPK 542 Family and School Collaborations (Captstone) (taken concurrently with Student Teaching), 3 credits
  • LTEC 592 Student Teaching (15 weeks), 6 credits
  • or LTEC 593 Student Teaching Abroad (3 credits abroad and 3 credits in the US), 3 credits

Total Program Credits: 42