Students accepted into the Accelerated BA/MAT program are eligible to take up to three courses for graduate credit at the undergraduate tuition rate prior to full admittance to the Graduate MAT Program.
- Graduate level Education courses can be applied towards the 120 credits required for the undergraduate degree. They may also count toward the MAT graduate degree if accepted into the MAT Graduate Degree Program.
- For MAT courses to count for graduate credit, a student must complete the additional BA/MAT Accelerated paperwork as directed by the MAT program.
- Only grades of C or higher are accepted for graduate credit. A failing grade in a MAT course will result in termination from the MAT Accelerated Degree Program.
- MAT courses can only be taken in the student’s junior and senior year and only in the fall or spring semesters at the undergraduate rate.
Eligible courses (up to 3) for BA/MAT Accelerated Program students:
Psychological Foundations of Learning: 56:300:500: (3 credits)
This course examines child and adolescent development and focuses on developmental stages, learner motivation, student interests, creating a healthy learning climate, language development, and individual differences. (NJPST 1)
Exceptionalities: 56:300:501 (3 credits)
A survey of the neurological, sensory, orthopedic, communicative, and social disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, present in children and the impact of these on the psychological and academic development of the child. Students will also examine the effect of the disabilities on cognitive, mental, and social growth, the factors to be considered in assessment and rehabilitative developments, and strategies for professional collaboration to meet students’ needs. (NJPST 2)
Fundamentals of Education: 56:300:510 (3 credits)
An examination of the foundations of teaching and instruction based on the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers. The completion and documentation of the 50-hour clinical experience (field experience) is a course requirement. (NJPST 1-11)
Early Childhood Learning: 56:300:509 (3 credits)
This course will develop the student’s ability to critically analyze and enhance literacy-based early childhood environments. It will provide a comprehensive overview of birth to age 8 settings to ensure students are able to plan and support developmentally appropriate materials and methods that meet the diverse needs of children, staff, and families. Learners will explore the importance of play, the effects of family and community on young learners, and the needs of multilingual, special needs, and at-risk students. (NJPST 2, 3, 4, 10)
Literacy Foundations: 56:300:511 (3 credits)
This introductory course will examine the critical areas of language development, phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, word study, comprehension, and digital literacy. Students will investigate the ways in which these topics inform early literacy programs and reflect on the philosophical and theoretical perspectives that shape their teaching practice. (NJPST 3, 4, 7)
Mathematical Foundations in Education: 56:300:512 (3 credits)
This course focuses on preparing pre-service teachers to develop, plan, and evaluate math lessons that are developmentally appropriate for learners from early childhood to 6th grade. Students will learn how to assess student math knowledge and skills based on content outlined in the NJSLS through a student-centered inquiry approach, working with manipulatives, different technologies, and other methods to build mathematical knowledge. (NJPST 4, 7)
Reading and Writing in the Secondary Curriculum: 56:300:515 (3 credits)
This course will focus on developing literacy practices across the curriculum for middle and high school grades. Emphasis on higher order comprehension skills, vocabulary development, and content area reading and writing. (NJPST 4, 7, 8)
Undergraduate GPA Requirements
| GPA 3.0 or higher | Undergraduates with 70+ completed* credits can take up to 3 courses total. *One class per semester; two classes with special permission and at least 90 earned credits |
| GPA 2.99 or lower | Undergraduates with 90+ completed* credits can take a course. If a student receives a B or higher in an education course, they may be eligible to take up to 2 more. |
* Courses in which students are currently enrolled will not “count” towards completed credits until all grades are posted after the semester ends.
How do I learn more about or register for a MAT class? First, make an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your elective options and take a graduate-level course. Second, after meeting with your Academic Advisor, make an appointment with the MAT to review requirements.
To be admitted officially to the MAT Graduate Degree Program, a student must submit a graduate application to the Graduate School at Rutgers University – Camden via RUC Graduate Admissions.