Master of Arts in Teaching Degree - Wayne State College Nebraska

MAT program overview

Wayne State College's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) graduate degree is designed for individuals who hold a non-education bachelor’s degree and are looking to become a teacher through Nebraska Department of Education’s Alternative Program Teaching Permit pathways.

The MAT program offers an alternative certification route through the Nebraska Department of Education, providing a path to initial (first-time) teacher certification. No matter where you are teaching across Nebraska, our program ensures you meet all necessary requirements for temporary permits, allowing you to continue making a meaningful impact in the classroom while completing your certification.

View program courses

For more information about the MAT program, please contact:
Dr. Christian Legler
Interim Dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
[email protected]
402-375-7390

As set by the Nebraska Department of Education, the Alternative Program Teaching Permit is issued to applicants who do not meet all requirements for a regular teaching certificate and is valid for teaching only in the Nebraska school system requesting the issuance of such permit. An Alternative Program Teaching Permit expires Aug. 31 in the second year following the year of issuance. You need to take additional college courses to be eligible for a full initial teaching certificate.
Requirements for the alternative permit can be found on the NDE's website and include: an application and fee, fingerprints, official transcript(s), permit form completed by a college or university, a written request for the issuance of a permit from the school system in which you intend to teach, and fulfillment of one of the permit pathways.
Student learning outcomes for the MAT program:
1. Analyze literature to improve educational practices.
2. Develop learning environments that promote student achievement.
3. Cultivate professional relationships with all stakeholders.
4. Utilize evidence-based inclusive practices to develop meaningful learning experiences for students.

MAT core courses (12 credits)

Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students who have been approved by the Nebraska Department of Education for an Alternative Program Teaching Permit through Pathway Five and intend to pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The seminar will provide the student with valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, and professional teacher dispositions. Graded S/NC.
Credits: 3
Description: This class is designed to acquaint students with the latest research related to instructional theory, and further, to create opportunities for teachers to try new instructional approaches. The course surveys systems that teachers may use to assess the pros and cons of various instructional approaches.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to examine the principles underlying the development of a PK-12 public school and post-secondary program curriculum. Emphasis on methods of determining priorities, objectives, scope and sequence and organizational patterns. The roles of state and local involvement will also be examined.
Credits: 3
Description: Explore applications of methods and techniques of strategies for exceptional learners within K-12 settings providing equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive environments. In addition, multi-tiered support systems (MTSS), Universal Design of Learning (UDL), and assistive technology (AT) will be examined.
Credits: 3
Description: Develop prosocial classroom culture, climate and community using evidence-based behavior management strategies. Collaboratively problem solving within multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), functional behavior assessment (FBA), and behavior intervention plan (BIP) processes. Using positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) to develop culturally responsive learning environments which address the influence of family values, social and environmental factors.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements. Graded S/NC.

Content courses (18 credits)

Credits: 1
Description: A study of issues and sensitivity to biases in human relations as they impact people of a pluralistic society with varied histories, values, and lifestyles. Develop abilities to recognize, and use strategies and skills to deal with dehumanizing biases, including, but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination and promote respect for human dignity and individual rights, and celebrate the differences of individuals and groups in a pluralistic society that makes it viable.
Take 17 credit hours of electives by advisement.

Credits: 6
Description: A semester course of full-day learning experiences in an elementary school under the supervision of a cooperating K-6 classroom teacher and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. This is the culminating experience of the elementary initial licensure preparation program at the graduate level. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to clinical practice.
Credits: 6
Description: A semester course of full day learning experiences in the middle level under the supervision of a cooperating 5-9 teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from each content subject area. This is the culminating experience of the middle level initial licensure preparation program at the graduate level. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to clinical practice.
Credits: 6
Description: A semester course of full day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and faculty member from the appropriate content area. This is the culminating experience of the secondary initial licensure preparation program at the graduate level. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to clinical practice.