The Citadel offering state’s first accelerated master’s to teach math and science
May 20, 2011
CHARLESTON, SC – May 20, 2011 – Beginning this fall, The Citadel School of Education will offer thefirst and only master’s program of its kind in South Carolina thatprepares career professionals in months rather than years to teach highschool mathematics and biology.
Aimed at professionals in the fields of science and math who are looking for new career challenges, The Citadel’s new Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program allows students to continue to work in their current jobs while taking classes and provides financial aid and grants to help pay for tuition and fees. A stipend, made possible by Boeing, is available to help with living expenses during the final semester of student teaching.
“South Carolina has a tremendous need for teachers in STEM education – science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Carolyn Kelley, director of The Citadel STEM Center of Excellence. “I think most people are drawn to STEM fields because they want to make a difference in people’s lives. Many science and math professionals later find they are drawn to teaching for the same reason.”
The Citadel launched its STEM Center in 2010 to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education across the region.
A traditional MAT program takes two years to complete. The Accelerated MAT program takes only 15 months. Applications are now being accepted for the fall semester. Information is available from The Citadel Graduate College online. Click here. http://www.citadel.edu/education/teacher-education/acc-mat-master-of-arts-in-teaching.html
Applicants must meet The Citadel Graduate College admissions requirements. The 36 credit-hour program’s coursework is taken over a 12-month period (fall, spring, and summer) followed by a semester-long, student-teaching internship. Successful completion of the program will qualify the student to be recommended for a South Carolina teaching certificate/ license in their chosen discipline. Kelley said graduates from this program are needed in the Lowcountry and this MAT for math and biology would benefit them when looking for employment and getting hired.
“We are fortunate in South Carolina to have a significant pool of science and math professionals,” Kelley said. “This program will prepare them to inspire the next generation of innovators in the state’s workforce.”
