Students in the MATC program can choose from several concentrations. This list is not exhaustive and will be added to/modified on a continuing basis. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss any of these options as well as other possibilities. (Note: The pull-down lists are suggestions of popular courses from which nine (9) credits can be chosen.) Students are strongly encouraged to consult the MSU Course Descriptions (via the MSU Office of the Registrar) for current courses offerings.
Students must at least choose one of several concentrations—nine (9) credits—from any of the following areas that encompass a wide variety of research paths, including educational psychology and science and mathematics education. Additional courses than those listed in each area can be considered.
One popular concentration consists of the nine (9) credits of CEP courses that lead to the Educational Technology Certificate:
Other combinations of the following courses may also work as Educational Technology concentrations within the MATC (additional credits in these courses may also fulfill elective requirements)
One in five children in the U.S. is an English language learner (ELL). The rapid growth of the ELL population has demanded that every teacher become prepared to teach children with diverse language backgrounds and proficiency levels in English. In light of the growing need, MATC is offering a concentration option in ELL to address this emerging need among our teachers. The concentration is comprised of three courses with a focus on language diversity and ELL instruction, and qualifies for the MATC Concentration in ELL instruction.
This concentration does not include a practicum (TE 896), which is required for the MATC plus ESL K-12 Endorsement option.
Beginning in Fall 2019, all candidates recommended for certification in an additional content endorsement must have completed a minimum of 30 Student Contact Hours of clinical experience in the content area of the endorsement. Candidates will complete these hours as components of required coursework.
The Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction, which is administered by the Department of Teacher Education, is designed for students who aspire to be scholars, curriculum developers and policy leaders in literacy at school, district, state, national and international levels. The specialization focuses on literacy theory, research and education. It is for students who wish to address issues of language and literacy development; literacy use; literacy instruction; literacy contexts of social, cultural and linguistic differences and the possibilities of transforming how people read and take action in their worlds.
The Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction is designed for students who aspire to develop strong expertise in literacy and language instruction. The specialization is available only online.
The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.
Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction
Students must complete the following (21 credits):
Total: 10 Courses
Total: 10 Courses
*To qualify for the Reading Teacher (BT) endorsement, all required coursework must be complete, the Reading MTTC (005–Reading Teacher) must be passed and the applicant must have the endorsement added to their valid Michigan teaching certificate (see our Certification section).
** To qualify for the Reading Specialist (BR) endorsement, all required coursework must be complete, the Reading Specialist MTTC (092–Reading Specialist) must be passed and the applicant must have the endorsement added to their valid Michigan teaching certificate (see our Certification section).
+If you choose to complete the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction (BT or BR Endorsements), including passing the relevant MTTC, the completion of BT or BR requirements will exempt you from the requirement to take TE 846 for the Michigan professional certificate. Upon completing coursework requirements and passing the required MTTC, the candidate must apply to have the endorsement added (see our Certification section).
++ If completing the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction and seeking the “BT” (Reading) Endorsement:
+++If completing the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction and seeking the K12 “BR” (Reading Specialist) Endorsement:
Showing two endorsement options:
The Graduate Specialization in K-12 English as a Second Language, which is administered by the Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education, is designed for students who aspire to become endorsed to teach English as a Second Language at the elementary and/or secondary level in a K-12 setting.
The graduate specialization is available to master’s students who are enrolled in the Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Curriculum, the Master of Arts degree in Education, and the Master of Arts degree in Special Education at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the graduate specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree. The planned program of courses meets the content knowledge requirements set for by the Michigan Department of Education for the K-12 Endorsement in English as a Second Language (NS).
Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in K-12 English as a Second Language
Students must complete 23 credits from the following:
For more information, see K-12 English as a Second Language Specialization requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Children’s and Young Adult Literature is designed to provide in-service elementary and secondary teachers with materials and methods for reading and teaching children’s and young adult literature. The program centers on teaching for social justice, incorporating children’s and young adult literature by and about people and communities who have been and continue to be marginalized by and underrepresented in the school curriculum in the United States. Participants study a broad range of genres of texts (including film) and explore the kinds of critical conversations that surround pieces of literature, whether those texts are written for children, adults, or both. The graduate certificate is available only online.
Read more about the requirements and course offerings on the Office of Registrar website.
To apply, fill out the Intent to Enroll form (PDF download) and email MATC Programs Coordinator, matc@msu.edu.
The online Graduate Certificate in Elementary STEM Education supports in-service elementary teachers in strengthening their knowledge of student learning, engagement, and effective instructional practices across STEM disciplines. The program emphasizes inquiry-oriented teaching approaches that help educators create meaningful, engaging STEM learning experiences for elementary students.
Read more about the requirements and course offerings on the Office of Registrar website.
To apply, fill out the Intent to Enroll form (PDF download) and email MATC Programs Coordinator, matc@msu.edu.
*To qualify for the Reading Teacher (BT) endorsement, all required coursework must be complete, the Reading MTTC (005–Reading Teacher) must be passed and the applicant must have the endorsement added to their valid Michigan teaching certificate (see our Certification section).
** To qualify for the Reading Specialist (BR) endorsement, all required coursework must be complete, the Reading Specialist MTTC (092–Reading Specialist) must be passed and the applicant must have the endorsement added to his or her valid Michigan teaching certificate (see our Certification section).
*** If completing the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction and seeking the K12 “BR” (Reading Specialist) Endorsement: Both TE 842: Elementary Literacy Assessment and Instruction and TE 843: Secondary Literacy Assessment and Instruction must be taken