MAT in Elementary Education (Gwinnett Campus)
This version of the Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education at the University of Georgia is open to Gwinnett County teachers only. It is specially designed for these GaPSC provisionally certified teachers of record who seek initial teacher certification in grades PK-5.
This 35-credit program can be completed in six academic terms and involves taking two courses during each term. Our nationally ranked program will certify graduates at the T-5 level. The program is flexible, accessible, and designed with working adults in mind. The program offers face-to-face courses in content areas such as language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science; elementary teaching methodologies; reading strategies; integrating curriculum and assessment; responsive teaching and constructing high-quality learning environments; and arts-based pedagogies. The M.A.T. program supports theoretically- and clinically-rich experiences in diverse environments that encourage teachers to develop their identities as thought leaders and agents of change.
The program begins in the Summer semester and last six semesters. All courses will be taught in-person at UGA’s Gwinnett campus.
We are seeking Gwinnett County teachers with a passion for teaching, a wealth of experience, and a drive to engage children and young people.
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 10 elementary teacher education programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Small cohorts allow one-on-one and small group mentorship and supervision
- Program helps build on the student’s experience as a teacher of record to prepare for initial certification
Video: Gwinnett MAT Informational Overview
Curriculum
Summer 2025 courses:
- EDEL 6040: Learning Ecologies I: Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Context (3 credits)
- EDEL 6040L: Learning Ecologies I Laboratory (1 credit)
- EMAT 6420: Mathematics Methods for PreK-Grade 8 (3 credits)
Fall 2025 courses:
- ESOC 7420: Social Studies for the Young Child
- EDEL 6060: Learning Ecologies III: Culturally Responsive Learning Environments and Classroom Management
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start a Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the M.A.T. in Elementary Education
The M.A.T. in Elementary Education (Gwinnett) accepts applicants for Spring admission. Eligible applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale cumulative GPA. Contact the Graduate Program Administrator for specific directions on how to complete your application.
GAPSC Requirements
Candidates are required to have a minimum 2.5 GPA on undergraduate or previous graduate work. Go to the GAPSC website for details.
Deadline To Apply
Applications are due by April 1, 2025 for Summer 2025.
For questions about the M.A.T. in Elementary Education, please contact Jennifer Smith .
Applications will be evaluated by a committee of M.A.T. faculty members. Candidates whose undergraduate grades do not necessarily represent their future potential should use the essay portions of the application to make their case for admission.
Acceptance
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be asked to:
- Attend an online orientation for new Gwinnett County M.A.T. students
- Attend a pre-service session to complete the GaPSC Pre-Service Application (PDF)
- Authorization of background check
- Completion of Georgia Educator Ethics assessment test code 360 ($30)
- Signed and notarized Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP) affidavit
- Meet with your assigned advisor
- Register for classes
Additional Resources
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.