Ways to Pursue an M.A.T at Wheaton College
Pursue a career in Elementary or Secondary/K-12 education through the various program options at Wheaton College Graduate School. Students with a Bachelor's in a liberal arts major or its equivalent from another accredited college/university or current Wheaton undergraduates may choose from the General M.A.T or the Accelerated M.A.T. program options.
The General M.A.T.
The General M.A.T. is available to students who have earned a B.A. from an accredited college/university with a liberal arts major or its equivalent.
- Pass the Illinois Content Area (Subject Matter) Examination (elementary licensure candidates pass the content area examination during the second/spring semester);
- Complete the Wheaton Teacher Education Program (WheTEP) application and process;
- Submit the Student Teaching Application; and
- Submit the Graduate Candidacy Form.
This program is two years in length (no summer courses). Those seeking an elementary license must have a liberal arts major, or be willing to complete course work in a liberal arts discipline equivalent to a major prior to admission.
Typical Course Sequence (PDF)
This program is three semesters in length (no summer courses). Wheaton College offers secondary education licensure in:
- English/Language Arts (PDF)
- Foreign Languages (French, German, or Spanish) (PDF)
- Mathematics (PDF)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space, or Physics designation) (PDF)
- Social Science (History designation) (PDF)
The Accelerated M.A.T.
The Accelerated M.A.T. is for Wheaton undergraduate students who choose to pursue an accelerated M.A. in elementary or secondary education.
M.A.T. candidates will take their methods course(s) during their senior year.
Prior to taking method course(s):
- Pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or have SAT/ACT scores submitted to the Illinois School Board of Education
- Complete the Wheaton Teacher Education Program (WheTEP) application, and
- Submit the Student Teaching Application.
During the semester the methods course(s) is/are taken:
- Pass the Illinois Content Area (Subject Matter) Examination and
- Submit the Graduate Candidacy Form.
In this combined program, begin your Graduate coursework in your senior year at Wheaton College, and complete a fifth year to obtain an M.A.T. The B.A. degree includes general education, approved M.A.T. major, and professional education courses. In the 5th year, complete student teaching (fall semester) and enroll in courses that include graduate courses in education and a Category I graduate Bible and Theology course.
Wheaton College offers secondary education license in:
- English/Language Arts (PDF)
- Foreign Languages (French, German, or Spanish) (PDF)
- Mathematics (PDF)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space, or Physics designation) (PDF)
- Social Science (History designation) (PDF)
