MAT Secondary Education (7-12) Program in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education (7-12) is designed to prepare teachers for Pennsylvania’s secondary school classrooms (grades 7-12).  The program's coursework includes professional education in areas of concentration including, English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) for grades 7-12. The MAT in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) is designed for college graduates who are seeking Instructional I certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Upon completion of the program of study, candidates are eligible to apply for certification to teach in grades 7-12 classrooms in a specific content area in Pennsylvania. The MAT in Secondary Education (7-12) programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and have been reviewed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). All secondary education programs align with professional standards in the content areas; the standards are addressed during the coursework and field experiences throughout the program. 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 candidates with guided learning experiences are integral to the program. The MAT program coursework in Secondary Education is fully online and asynchronous in year 1.  In year two, online and hybrid coursework is available.  All field experiences are based in schools. Paraprofessionals and other working educational professionals are encouraged to apply.

The MAT in Secondary Education is a minimum of 39-credits consisting of courses and field-based experiences. The curriculum meets Pennsylvania standards as well as the standards of national professional organizations. Successful completion of the program results in a Master of Arts in Teaching and eligibility to apply for initial certification to teach in a secondary (grades 7-12) content area in Pennsylvania.

Mathematics: The purpose of the program is to engage teaching candidates in developing the fundamental knowledge, skills, and dispositions for teaching middle school and high school mathematics in ways that promote all students' learning and understanding. Contact information: (412) 396-6088 or secondaryed@duq.edu 

English: The Secondary English Education program at Duquesne University is approved by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). As a teacher candidate in the Graduate Program in Secondary English, you are provided with opportunities to explore issues regarding the theory and practice of teaching English at the secondary level and to engage in teaching adolescents the skills of writing, reading, responding to literature, listening, speaking, and exploring new media while considering student and community contexts. Through a strongly oriented social justice framework, the focus of the program will be to facilitate candidates as more knowledgeable, insightful, creative and compassionate teachers upon entry into the secondary English classroom. Contact information: (412) 396-6088 or secondaryed@duq.edu.

Social Studies: The Secondary Social Studies Education Program at Duquesne University is approved by the National Council for Teachers of Social Studies (NCSS). As a teaching candidate in the Graduate Program in Secondary Social Studies, you will have the opportunity to develop ideas and practices that support this imperative of democratic citizenship as well as develop the fundamental knowledge, skills, and dispositions for teaching middle school and high school social studies. Contact information: (412) 396-6088 or secondaryed@duq.edu

Sciences: The Graduate Program in Secondary Science provides you with opportunities to develop the knowledge and teaching skills and practices essential in educating students in the science content areas for the 21st century. Contact information: (412) 396-6088 or secondaryed@duq.edu.

Field Experiences

A significant feature of the Leading Teacher Program (LTP) is early participation in field experiences. Field experiences are integrated into coursework throughout the Leading Teacher Program. Field experiences are a critical component in preparing professional educators for leadership and distinction in teaching, scholarship and service in the world’s communities. Field experiences occur in off-campus settings. It is in these field experiences that teacher candidates demonstrate the integration of theory and practice. Teacher candidates participate in a variety of settings, with students of different ages, and with culturally diverse and exceptional populations.

Student Teaching

The graduate experience in the Leading Teacher Program culminates in student teaching, which is the most significant professional experience representing a bridge between professional preparation and professional practice. Teacher candidates apply principles and techniques of teaching and learning in a PreK-12 classroom with a mentor teacher for a full semester in their last semester. Teacher candidates must complete an application and satisfy the specific requirements for student teaching.

Student Teaching Application Requirements

The following information applies to all teacher candidates who are applying for student teaching in the fall semester of the same year OR the spring semester of the following year. Teacher Candidates must:

  1. Attend a Student Teaching Informational Session.
  2. Maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA overall and in certification subject area.
  3. Resolve all Incomplete, NP (Not Pass), or Failing grades.
  4. Submit online Student Teaching Application by specified date.
  5. Email an updated résumé to the Office of Student Teaching by designated date.
  6. Read the Student Teaching Handbook in its entirety, and sign and the “Student Acknowledgement” page of the Handbook to the Office of Student Teaching by designated date.
  7. To submit your clearances, you can upload copies to our secure system, EllyDUQ.
  8. Officially register for a credited course titled “Student Teaching.
    • Fall Student Teachers– Updated clearances are due by no later than the third Friday in March.
    • Spring Student Teachers– Updated clearances are due by no later than August 1st.
    • Clearances must be current for the duration of the student teaching experience; students will not receive a student teaching placement until this requirement is met.
    • Students are responsible for retaining copies of the required clearances listed below.
      • Act 151/33 PA Child Abuse Clearance
      • Act 34 PA Access to Criminal History
      • Act 114 Federal Criminal History Record Information/FBI Clearance (Department of Education)
      • Negative TB Test Result **Some school districts, such as bethel park and woodland hills, require tb tests to be no older than months from the start date of student teaching.
      • Act 126 Mandated Reporter (Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training)

Teacher Certification

The School of Education has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer coursework leading to the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate. This certificate is valid for six years, beginning the first-year individuals are employed as a teacher in the State of Pennsylvania. In order for a student to be eligible for certification, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Completion of course and GPA requirements outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) sliding scale (PDE's website details this information, it is found on the Certification Testing Requirements page).
  2. Successful completion of student teaching.
  3. Completion of all requirements for the MAT
  4. Completion of the application for certification.
  5. Recommendation by the Certification Officer of the School of Education.
  6. Successful completion of professional examinations as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Note: Pennsylvania Department of Education may choose to revise passing scores for professional examinations. Teacher candidates must meet the criterion score in effect on the date of application for certification.

The requirements for certification are established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Teacher candidates must meet the requirements established by the state at the time of application for certification.

Leading Teacher Program Policies

All policies are designed to support PDE policies for teacher education programs and initial teacher certification.

State regulations supersede University policies for establishing minimum program requirements. It is possible that the requirements for graduation, the degree, and/or certification may change during the student's tenure at the University. The state policies adopted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Secretary of Education and/or the state legislature at the time of graduation are the requirements that must be met. Candidates are responsible for knowing and fulfilling their program requirements.

Content Area Courses

All secondary  majors must maintain a 3.0 QPA in the academic content area. Therefore, secondary candidates may take content area courses within the core content area to ensure content competence.

The Committee on Student Standing

The School of Education Committee on Student Standing reviews petitions submitted by School of Education Leading Teacher Program students, both undergraduate and graduate, requesting exceptions to existing policies, procedures, and academic decisions within the School of Education and Duquesne University. Advisors work with candidates when it is deemed appropriate to submit a petition to the Committee on Student Standing. All petitions must be submitted electronically through the online Student Standing Petition Form.

Clearances

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and all School Districts who host candidates for Field Experience and Student Teaching, the School of Education requires that all candidates - Undergraduate and Graduate - submit any clearances, required by PDE (Act 151 Child Abuse History, Act 34 Criminal Record Check, Act 114 Federal Criminal History record Information/FBI Clearance (Department of Education) and TB Testing annually during their academic career at Duquesne University. The Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training clearance must be completed and submitted within the first semester of study; this clearance is valid for five years and does not need to be renewed while continually enrolled in the Leading Teacher Program. Clearances are required for the safety of school children and for the adults who interact with them.

Candidates cannot attend a field experience in any school, agency, or educational organization, if they do not have valid clearances for the duration of the semester in which the field experience or student teaching occurs. The only exception is if the student is an employee of the school in which the field experience will occur. In this situation, a district representative must complete the appropriate form acknowledging the student has clearances that align with the district's requirements.

Candidates who do not have their current clearances on file will not be placed for field or student teaching.

Accommodations and Adaptions

English as a Second Language and Special Education

Leading Teacher Programs in the School of Education include three (3) credits of English as a Second Language and at least nine (9) credits or the equivalent credit hours of Special Education. Competencies focusing on adaptations and accommodations are integrated throughout coursework in LTP programs.

Admission Requirements

Phase 1

Along with the online application, the following are required for applying to the program:

  • Transcripts from undergraduate degree in a content area from an accredited college or university.
  • Undergraduate degree must fulfill one of the criteria below:
    • A minimum overall 3.00 GPA (grade point average)
      • A minimum 3.00 GPA in the applicant's content area
  • Provide a one-page letter of intent, describing why you want to become a teacher

Phase 2

Once your Phase 1 materials have been received, they will be reviewed by the Graduate Secondary Content 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.

International Applicants

Connect with International Admissions for additional information and requirements: intladmissions@duq.edu

Additional Information

Clearances

Prior to the first semester of study, candidates will need to obtain clearances. Pennsylvania school law requires clearances prior to being placed in schools. 

List of Clearances:

  • Act 151 Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Act 34 PA Criminal Record Check
  • Act 114 Federal Criminal History Record Information/FBI Clearance (Department of Education) (Fingerprints)
  • TB Testing
  • Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training is valid for five years. 

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 (412) 396-6088 or secondaryed@duq.edu.

Learning Outcomes

  • Exhibits exemplary content knowledge in the subject area of certification.
  • Plans content-area instruction aligned to state and national standards and discipline expectations.
  • Utilizes resources from professional organizations specific to the content area and for education in general.
  • Demonstrates the ability to apply, analyze and evaluate a variety of research-based instructional techniques at the secondary level.
  • Implements instruction that: a) supports the development of students' critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills; b) fosters conceptual understanding of the content; c) incorporates worthwhile tasks in the content area; d) utilizes questioning techniques, and e) engages students in discourse appropriate to the discipline.
  • Plans and implements equitable instruction that attends to students' developmental level, diverse backgrounds, and academic needs.
  • Designs and uses assessment of student learning to guide improvement. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to select and use technology, manipulatives, and other resources in ways that enhance students' learning.
  • Demonstrates characteristics of professional ethics, respect, relational trust, and cultural competence in interactions with students, colleagues, families, and communities.
  • Understands the professional role of a secondary teacher in supporting students' transition from high school to college and/or to the workforce, including ways to work with students, families, and communities in ethical and responsive ways.

Program of Study

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is in the process of reviewing and updating certification bands and competencies, the curriculum will be revised to meet these changes. 

  • GESL 501 Helping ELLs in Mainstream Classroom, 3 credits
  • GFDE 500 Foundations of Assessment, 3 credits
  • GILT 512 Technology in Education, 3 credits
  • GSCE 501 Content Area Reading, 3 credits
  • GSCE 502 Content Area Reading Field (30 field hours), 0 credits
  • GSCE 520 Introduction to Teaching, 3 credits
  • GSCE 522 Educating the Whole Teen, 3 credits
  • GSCE 583 Introduction to Teaching Field (30 hours), 0 credits
  • GSCE 631 Instructional Techniques (all content areas), 3 credits
  • GSCE 632 Instructional Techniques Field (30 hours), 0 credits
  • GSPE 501 Exploring Inclusive Teaching Supports, 3 credits
  • GSPE 655 Secondary Practices and Transitions, 3 credits
  • Student enrolls in 2 content area courses  relevant to their content area (6 credits)
    • GREV 510 Statistics I, 3 credits
    • GSCE 536 Teaching Middle Level Math (for Math only), 3 credits
    • GSCE 540 Adolescent Literature (for English and SS), 3 credits
    • GSCE 593 Secondary Supervised Field (Math or Science or English or Social Studies) (30 field hours) (0 credits)
    • GSCE 634 Teaching Secondary School Social Studies, 3 credits
    • GSCE 635 Teaching Secondary School Math (for Math and Science), 3 credits
    • GSCE 636 Teaching Secondary School Science, 3 credits
    • GSCE 637 Teaching Secondary School English, 3 credits
  • Student chooses either (6 credits)
    • GSCE 589 Secondary Student Teaching (6 credits)
      This option is for student in the U.S.
      Or
    • GSCE 591 Secondary School Student Teaching Abroad, 3 credits abroad and 3 credits in the US (6 credits)
      This option is for supplementary student teaching abroad.

Total Program Credits: 39