Is an MAT worth it?

[jaaaayciee]

I'm graduating with my bachelor's in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. I want to go to graduate school and get my Master's, and the most common degree I've been finding is a Master in Arts in Teaching, with the numerous concentrations. However, when I look at the degree information, it seems like the degree has the exact same components that my bachelor's does. I want a master's, but I really don't want to just repeat what I've been doing for four years.

A friend recommended that I get a Master's in History, or maybe try getting a degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, etc.

Just wanted some commentary as I am now stressing out immensely!

[Dracos]

19 hours ago, jaaaayciee said:

I'm graduating with my bachelor's in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. I want to go to graduate school and get my Master's, and the most common degree I've been finding is a Master in Arts in Teaching, with the numerous concentrations. However, when I look at the degree information, it seems like the degree has the exact same components that my bachelor's does. I want a master's, but I really don't want to just repeat what I've been doing for four years.

A friend recommended that I get a Master's in History, or maybe try getting a degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, etc.

Just wanted some commentary as I am now stressing out immensely!

 

 

First, I would recommend checking with the school district you plan on teaching in to see if a master degree offers any type of bonus. Many school districts offer an incentive, for example, I know of one that offers a $2000 bonus for a master and $3000 for a specialist/doctorate degree (as well as higher starting pay). Then, check to see what the requirements are for that incentive. Some may want a master degree in anything, some might expect to see it be within your specific content area (history).

 

Since the curriculum for your MAT looks very similar to your undergraduate courses, I would personally recommend a master in any of those three areas you mentioned. If you're considering leadership positions someday, a master in Educational Leadership could be an excellent option as well. A master in Curriculum would open opportunities for curriculum/district positions as well.

 

Cost is another important factor. I would not recommend taking out more than $20k in debt for an education degree due to the starting salary ranges. I know the American College of Education has affordable master degree programs online (I think under $10k for the entire program), and there's many other universities that have similar programs.

 

Wishing you the best of luck!

[econteacher]

Generally, an MAT is a degree designed for people making a transition into teaching from another discipline or major. For example, I was a political science and economics double major who in my junior year decided I wanted to be a teacher. An MAT made sense for me because, as you said, it is centered around basic pedagogy and (should) get you certified. 

Since you have your undergraduate degree in secondary ed, an MAT most likely does very little for you.

You're correct that you would be much better off either getting a content Master's or some sort of education degree like in curriculum/instruction or even admin if that is a path you are interested in. When you get a job at your school, you may want to look and see if they offer cohort programs or tuition reimbursement. The district I taught in had an agreement with a local university for cheaper tuition for those interested in getting a Master's in School Leadership, for example. So it may behoove you to wait and see what offerings are available. And if you're just graduating (which your post suggests is the case), you may not 100% know what path you'll take in education.

[crashtest]

On 4/20/2017 at 5:03 PM, jaaaayciee said:

I'm graduating with my bachelor's in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. I want to go to graduate school and get my Master's, and the most common degree I've been finding is a Master in Arts in Teaching, with the numerous concentrations. However, when I look at the degree information, it seems like the degree has the exact same components that my bachelor's does. I want a master's, but I really don't want to just repeat what I've been doing for four years.

A friend recommended that I get a Master's in History, or maybe try getting a degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, etc.

Just wanted some commentary as I am now stressing out immensely!

In your case it doesn't sound like a MAT is the right call.  As a previous poster said, it's mostly a transition degree for non-certified people.

If you think you might want to move into k-12 administration at some point (vice principal, principal, etc.) get a masters in educational leadership, as Econteacher said.  Make sure it meets the requirements of your state to hold an administrative position.

If you want to open the option to pick up an adjunct position at the local community college in the summer or night courses a masters in content is the way to go.  If you are VERY lucky you may be able to get a full time position at a community college but those are very rare.  This is also a good option if you really enjoy a topic and want to explore it.  You mentioned history, do you really like history?  If so a master in history (or any other topic you enjoy) would typically get you a pay raise at most public k-12 schools.  Some high end private schools will not consider any candidates without a master in CONTENT but there aren't many schools of this caliber.  Teachers with a masters in content are extremely rare in my experience but that may be a regional issue.  I don't know how social studies fields are but most graduate students in math get teaching assistant-ships, it pays for your school and you get some college teaching experience at the same time.  These opportunists are very rare for teaching degrees, which is a bit ironic.

I can't really recommend the masters in curriculum unless you have some experience. I don't have personal experience with these degrees however, I know many people that have gone that route and they're pretty blunt when they talk about it.  They claim it exist as an easy way to get the pay raise for a masters, designed specifically to be cheap and easy as Dracos implied in their last paragraph.  If that's what you really want, maybe try out teaching first to see how you like it.  It has no value outside of k-12.

If you're seriously considering a masters in special ed, please understand this the hardest job in the whole system.  It is not just hard to manage the students, it is absolutely emotionally devastating more often than anyone wants to admit.  If you're not totally committed to this path, then give it time and see how things go first.

Edited April 29, 2017 by crashtest