Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education (Grades 6 –12)
Application Information

Why choose this program?

Teaching is incredibly rewarding for those passionate about their subject area and enjoy working with young adults! As part of the MAT-S program, you will:

  • gain a deeper understanding of your subject area
  • take classes with other new teachers
  • learn from education experts
  • receive mentoring and support from experienced teachers
  • understand what it takes for a successful teaching career
  • earn your Master of Arts in Teaching in 15 months

Application Requirements

  • Transcripts (GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or on the last 60 hours of coursework)
  • Passing Praxis subject-specific exam score (see below for details)
  • 3 letters of recommendation that address your potential for success in this program
  • Personal statement that describes: 1) your interest in our program and the field of education and 2) your experience that would contribute to your success in our program

May 1st - - all requested materials must be received in the Office of Graduate Admissions for guaranteed consideration. Praxis scores will be sent directly to LSU’s School of Education (see below for details).

Coursework begins in late May.

Access the online LSU Graduate School application

  • First-time users must create and account to start an application
  • Admission Type: on-campus
  • Academic Program:
    • Degree Type Master's
    • Select a Program: Education - Secondary Education (Grades 6-12) - MAT
  • What is the semester or module you plan to enroll: Summer 20xx
  • Make sure to carefully read the instructions on the Application Instructions page
  • Fill in all Personal Background Information including your Social Security Number
  • Fill in all Academic History: transcripts from your institution are required; be sure to follow the instructions for uploading
  • Answer questions regarding Prior LSU Enrollment if applicable
  • Supplemental Education
    1. select Specialization (Biology, Chemistry, English, Math, Physics, Social Studies)
    2. list Praxis scores
    3. answer if you hold licensure (if yes indicate licensure held)
  • Application Attachments please upload
    • resume/curriculum vitae
    • statement of purpose - you should address such matters as areas of interest, your plans for development
    • writing sample
    • other documents in support of your application
  • Department Information
    • enter financial information
    • relevant coursework - list no more than 12 courses that you feel have prepared you for graduate study
    • research and/or teaching experience - teaching experience may include tutoring, summer camp experiences, etc.
  • Test Scores
    • passing scores on all state mandated portions of the Praxis series must be presented by applicants (see Praxis section below)
  • Employment
    • account for your activities for the past five calendar years; do not include academic enrollment information which is covered in the Education History section or summers if you were not enrolled in school
  • Fill in Selective Service/Military Information
  • Residency
    • information in this section is required if you are claiming Louisiana residency for tuition purposes
    • scroll down to the bottom of the page to ensure you enter high school information regardless if you claim Louisiana residency or not
  • Fill in Disciplinary Information
  • Recommendations
    • enter the information for each of your recommenders
      • we suggest you contact each recommender individually to ask them if they are willing to serve in this capacity. You will want to ask them to include information about their perception of your academic abilities, professionalism, and aptitude for teaching
    • select if you waive your right to examine the letter or not
  • Fill in Authorization statement
  • Certification
    • This is the final step in the application process prior to payment and submission. No changes to your application through the online system are allowed once you confirm your submission.

Due to Louisiana state laws, applicants cannot be admitted to the MAT-S Program without passing scores on the Praxis subject-specific exam required for the subject area to which the applicant is applying. Please note that the Praxis core exam is no longer required. When registering to take the exam, please keep in mind the following:

  • applicants are encouraged to register for a test date at least 3-4 weeks before the May 1 deadline to ensure LSU’s receipt
  • select LSU (recipient code 6373) as a score recipient when registering for the exam.

Learn more about the Praxis tests, locate testing centers, and register for a test at this website.

Praxis Subject Specific Tests

MAT-Secondary Education (Grades 6–12) applicants must pass one of the Secondary Education subject-specific tests.

To Be Certified In You Need to Take Test Code Qualifying Score
Biology Biology: Content Knowledge 5236 154
Chemistry Chemistry: Content Knowledge 5246 146
English English Language Arts: Content and Analysis 5039 168
French French: World Language 5174 157
Mathematics Mathematics: Content Knowledge 5165 159
Physics Physics: Content Knowledge 5266 145
Social Studies Social Studies: Content and Interpretation 5086 153
Spanish Spanish: World Language 5195 157

 

Applications will be reviewed after the May 1 application deadline. Applicants will be contacted if application materials are missing. Once the complete application is received, it will be reviewed by the MAT-S Admissions Committee. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions before the start of summer courses. An admission decision cannot be made if an application is missing Praxis test scores.

College of Human Sciences & Education scholarship applications will be available in March, School of Education scholarship applications will be available in February. Applicants will be sent additional information when applications are open.

LSU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

 

Resources

LSU Graduate School

Apply to LSU Graduate School

LSU General Catalog

LSU Tuition & Fees

Questions?

Jennifer Cook, PhD
221H Peabody Hall

Email Dr. Cook