Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT)

Download the MAT Application (PDF) | Tuition/Fees

Admission Requirements

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Adequate general education coursework. For students seeking an initial teaching licensure, a transcript review will determine adequate background in the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, English, U.S. history and mathematics.
An academic major in the arts and sciences or an appropriate discipline (or interdisciplinary major).
College algebra and English composition or the equivalent.
3.0 (B) average in last 60 semester hrs.
Praxis I scores are required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for admission to state approved teacher education programs.
- The Board on Teacher Education and Licensure voted to allow the use of the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) as an optional test for the Praxis I Reading and Writing tests for individuals seeking entry into teacher education programs. The cut scores for the VCLA prescribed by the Board of Education are as follows:

Writing Sub Test: 235
Reading Sub Test: 235
Composite Score: 470

An individual choosing to use the VCLA (Reading and Writing) as a optional assessment for the Praxis I Reading and Writing tests will be required to meet the Praxis I Mathematics assessment. SAT / ACT are acceptable if they meet the state equivalency requirements stated below. A copy of the scores you wish to submit should be sent directly to the GTE Office in Staunton.
- See score equivalencies below.
  SAT (Taken prior to April 1, 1995): 1000 (min. 450 verbal, 510 math)
  SAT (Taken after April 1, 1995): 1100 (min. 530 verbal, 530 math)
  ACT (Taken prior to April 1, 1995): Composite of 21, mathematics score not less than 21, English plus Reading score no less than 37
  ACT (Taken after April 1, 1995): Composite of 24, mathematics score not less than 22, English plus Reading score no less than 46.

Correct, fluent written and spoken English. Non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL score of 600 or above.

Admission Process

Applicants must submit the following:

Application for admission/enrollment (Download a Print Application - PDF doc)
Official transcripts of all post-secondary work
Two letters of reference from professional educators (including higher education faculty and administrators) and /or employers, public school faculty and administrators who have observed/supervised the applicant in instructional, tutoring, training or guidance roles
A goal statement essay
The application fee.

An interview is suggested and may be required.

Master of Arts in Teaching

Deadlines for applications are as follows: Fall - July 31st, Spring - November 15th, Summer - April 15th. For questions contact the MAT office at mat@mbc.edu

Transfer Credit

The MAT Program accepts transfer credit only if ALL the following conditions are met:

The credit was earned in a course equivalent to one of the following courses: Developmental Psychology and Diversity, Language Arts, Assessment.
The MAT Director determines on the basis of catalogue and course materials submitted by the student that the course content is identifiable with the College's MAT curriculum.
The credit was earned in a regionally accredited graduate program.
The credit was earned no earlier than three calendar years prior to the student's admission to the program;
The credit was earned no earlier than three calendar years prior to the student's admission to the Mary Baldwin College MAT program

Special Students

Individuals who possess bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions are eligible to enroll in courses as special students. Special students need not apply for admission to the graduate program. No financial aid services are provided to special students. Teachers seeking recertification credits may enroll as special students. No more than three courses may be taken in any five-year period. Students enrolled as undergraduates or postgraduate teacher certification students at Mary Baldwin College may be permitted to take up to two MAT courses as special students. They must receive permission from the MAT director.Application for special students (PDF)

For more Information

You may request application materials and information by sending your name, address and specific interests to mat@mbc.edu. You may also download a Print Application - PDF doc. Questions? Please contact: Master of Arts in Teaching Program

MAT Program Locations: Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, South Boston, and Staunton