Exercise Science and Physical Education

Program Coordinator: Carolyn A. Masterson
Office: University Hall, Room 4139
Phone Number: (973) 655-5240
Email:mastersonc@mail.montclair.edu

Overview:

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program in Physical Education is designed for students who have a baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain New Jersey initial certification in Physical Education K-12 and a master's degree simultaneously. MAT offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and the skills needed to effectively teach PE in K-12 schools.

MAT students take a sequence of state approved courses that prepare them to receive state certification. Through selected master's courses in Physical Education, students expand their knowledge of pedagogical practices and thinking to incorporate higher levels of concerns of the professional educator.

The MAT program is particularly attractive to those applicants seeking to change careers to enter the teaching profession. The MAT curriculum consists of courses offered by the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education and the College of Education. It also includes supervised fieldwork in school districts. Historically, MAT students are leaders in their classes and are academically successful. Through their hard work they acquire many opportunities for teaching positions in school districts.

Students who apply to this program must hold a bachelor's degree in a liberal arts field, and they must apply to the Montclair State University Graduate School. Students who have not taken the prerequisite courses as part of their undergraduate work are responsible for taking these courses as part of their work programs.

Work Program for MAT Program:

Additional Student Responsibilities:

• Applicants must have an undergraduate 2.75 GPA
• Take the GRE test
• Take the required Praxis II exam
• A statement in response to the Portrait of a Teacher that reflects the applicant’s views
• Create a work program with Post BA/MAT Program Coordinator Dr. Carolyn Masterson
• Maintain a 2.75 to student teach and a 3.0 in the Program to graduate.

Order of Acceptance into the Graduate Program

• Decisions for all teacher education programs go through a two-step process. Once files are complete, the Graduate School initially reviews them.
• Graduate school then forwards qualified applicants to Dr. Masterson and to the Teacher Education Admission Director.
• Once this is complete, and you have made your admission recommendation, the file needs to be reviewed by Director of Teacher Admissions.
• When both the Director and Dr. Masterson have made a recommendation for you to be accepted, Dr. Masterson processes the final decision and a letter is sent to you.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What time are classes offered?

  A: o Undergraduate classes are typically offered during the day 8am-4:30pm, with some exceptions. While taking undergraduate courses it is often difficult to work full time due to courses only being offered during the day. Most students work part-time, at night, or on the weekends. o Graduate classes are offered at night. Education courses are typically offered from 5:30-8:00pm & 8:15-10:45pm and Phys. Ed. courses from 6:30-9:00pm.

• Q: What are prerequisites?

  A: o The praxis in physical education must be taken prior to being accepted into either program. o The GRE must be completed in order to be accepted into the MAT program. o A written essay about The Portrait of the Teacher, which is part of the graduate application. o 2.75 GPA

• Q: What fees do you pay for graduate and undergraduate classes?

  A: Graduate students pay graduate fees for both undergraduate and graduate classes.

• Q: How do you apply for a graduate assistantship?

  A: MAT students may apply for a graduate assistantship when filling out the application for the program. Assistantships run for one full academic year, beginning September 1 and ending June 30. There are approximately 200 assistantships per year. You must be a fully matriculated Masters student, with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Students must be full time taking a minimum of 9 credits a semester and a maximum of 12. Graduate assistants will receive tuition remission for up to 24 credits per academic year.

• Q: How long is the process?

  A: That depends on the student, how many classes they take a semester and if they take summer classes. Most students finish in approximately 2 years.

• Q: What areas are you eligible to be placed in for field work and student teaching?

  A: Montclair State University Center of Pedagogy department places students in areas that the University is affiliated with. Most placements are within 20 miles of Montclair State University.

• Q: What classes have limitations as far as the amount of students allowed?

  A: All classes do have caps which are usually around 25-35 per class. If you begin taking classes from lowest level to higher level classes you should not have a problem registering for classes. As you earn more credits your registration priority increases and you will be able to register earlier in the process each semester. When you meet with your advisor they will help you choose which classes you should be registering for each semester.

Other questions and answers can be found on the Montclair graduate website FAQ's.

*Candidates who have not done previous academic work, must take: Introductory Psychology, Psychology & Human & Intercultural Relations. They must also satisfy a speech proficiency and physiology and hygiene requirement.