Thank you for your interest in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the University of Central Arkansas. Since its founding in 1907 as Arkansas State Normal School, UCA has been Arkansas' premier institution for teacher education.
That mission remains strong today with both undergraduate and graduate level preparation programs for teacher licensure. The MAT program serves candidates who have earned an undergraduate degree and now want both the intensity and rigor of a graduate-level program as well as the opportunity to earn an Arkansas teaching license.
The MAT program has rolling admission. The program takes new applications continuously. You may begin taking courses at the start of the next available, full term after you meet the MAT program entrance criteria and are accepted into the program. For full term start dates (Fall, Spring, Summer I, Summer II), check UCA's academic calendar.
PLEASE NOTE: if you wish to speak to a member of the faculty about the program, it is always best to make an appointment. While we welcome drop-in visitors, we cannot always guarantee someone will be available to answer your questions on short notice. Faculty have many responsibilities that take them out of the office for meetings, school visits, etc.
Step 1: Apply to UCA's Graduate School
- Complete the Graduate School application available here. A $25 application fee is required.
- Submit original, sealed transcripts to the UCA Graduate School from all previous schools attended. (Not necessary for UCA transcripts). The required minimum undergraduate GPA for admission is 2.7 or 2.5 with a 3.0 in the last 60 hours of attendance.
- By the end of your first semester, submit scores on Praxis I (to the MAT office) or GRE (to the Graduate School). Passing minimum Praxis I scores (Math 171, Reading 172, Writing, 173) or GRE scores are required for admission with full qualifications. Without passing scores, you will be conditionally admitted and will not qualify for financial aid. GRE scores MAY be used in place of Praxis I if you meet minimum GRE scores (Verbal 142, Quantitative 142, Analytical Writing 3.5). If you elect to take the GRE and do not meet the minimum qualifying score on that exam, you must also take the Praxis I exams until you are able to meet the ADE minimum scores. Conditional admission affects financial aid and advance registration eligibility. In order to continue in the program, candidates must meet minimum requirements on all parts of one of these assessments by the end of the first term of study.
Step 2: Apply to the MAT program at the SAME TIME
- Complete and submit on-line the MAT application available here. Application must be submitted on-line, using this form. Paper copies are not accepted.
- You may only select ONE (1) licensure area on Page 2 of the application.
- For 7-12 licenses, you must complete the appropriate transcript review pages. (See pages 5-11 of the application.)
- Submit a 2nd set of original transcripts to the MAT office. (Not necessary for UCA transcripts)
- Submit 2 professional references to the MAT office - Letter of Recommendation for Admission.
- Please contact Donna Wake at dwake@uca.edu if you have questions about the admission test requirements.
For additional requirements for admission and program reference the MAT Admission Requirements or download the MAT Program Brochure. For detailed information on the program, see the Master of Arts in Teaching program description in the graduate bulletin.
You may also want to reference the MAT Program of Study as well as the option for the Provisional License.
Special Notice
The MAT program will no longer be able to accept early childhood (P-4) candidates after the Fall 2013 semester.
Program Requirements
The program requirements can be found through this website's "Resources" links. The MAT Program of Study is also cross-referenced in this document - MAT Program of Study
Partnership for Transition to Teaching
The MAT program is working closely with the Partnership for Transition to Teaching grant program. If you are a highly qualified mid-career professional or a recent graduate from an institution of higher education and want to become a licensed mathematics or science teacher in our partnership school districts in the Little Rock or North Little Rock School Districts, funds up to $5000.00 are available for you to complete the Master of Arts in Teaching Program in the College of Education at the University of Central Arkansas. This funding opportunity is made possible through a $2.3 million grant from the U. S. Department of Education.