Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start?
Admission to the MAT program can be granted in spring and fall semesters. Applications for the program are due October 15th (for spring semester) and February 15th (for fall semesters). What tests do I need to take for admission? All MAT students must take the General Knowledge portion of the FTCE test and submit official scores to be considered for admission. Conditional admission may be granted for out of state students without GKT scores, but GKT passing scores must be submitted by the deadline set by the Graduate School. You do not need to take the GRE exam unless your undergraduate GPA (cumulative or last two years) is below a 3.0.
How long is the program?
The MAT program is a full time, credit hour program and can be completed in 4 or 5 semesters full time, depending on start date. How do I know what to register for? There is an orientation session each semester for new students. You will also receive a letter with registration suggestions for the first semester. The program coordinator and the academic advisor can both help you map out your plan for completing the coursework.
How many field experiences are there?
The MAT program has year long residency comprised of two field experiences: a supervised practicum and a final internship. The year long residency is completed during semesters 4 and 5 in the program.
In the first semester of the residency, MAT students will spend the morning in an elementary classroom and the afternoon in USF coursework. In the second semester of the year long residency, MAT students will spend continue in the same elementary classroom full time.
Starting Fall 20semester, for Final Internship, MAT students can intern in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties only. Guest internships are not allowed for students accepted into the MAT program in the Spring 20or later.
What is a paid final internship?
MAT students may also choose to complete a paid final internship. This option is for MAT students who secure a teaching position in a local school district after successfully completing EDE 694The final internship coursework can be taken as you also teach full time in a K-6 classroom.
What is the ESOL endorsement?
The state of Florida requires that all elementary classroom teachers are endorsed to work with English Language Learners. The ESOL endorsement is a three-course sequence that is embedded in the credit hours of the MAT program. All MAT graduates are ESOL endorsed.
Can I also pursue the reading endorsement?
Yes! MAT students can choose to also complete 4 additional courses needed for the reading endorsement. Students choosing this option would need to contact the academic advisor to discuss the procedures.