Secondary Education Certification Program (MA)

https://www.umflint.edu/mac

Education Department information  

The Master of Arts with Secondary Certification (MAC) Program Specializing in Urban Education is designed to be an exemplary program in the field of clinically-based teacher preparation. Collaboratively designed and delivered by practicing teachers and university faculty, the program meets the challenges of providing intensive training and experience to those who will teach in the most intensive and challenging environments. The 45 credit program is designed to be completed in two academic years. Those candidates who successfully complete program requirements and state of Michigan eligibility may earn their teaching license after the first year of the program.  (Options such as study abroad may increase the overall credit total.)

Curriculum

As part of the teacher candidate’s preparation, UM-Flint faculty members work with MAC candidates and coordinate with the candidate’s coaching teacher. The candidate’s teaching abilities are observed  by both university faculty and coaching teachers and cultivated throughout their teaching placements. Course seminars accompanying field work are offered through a mixture of online (Blackboard) and in-person meetings held on site at participating schools.

Teacher Certification

A successful score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is required prior to student teaching.  In addition, the teacher candidate must pass at least one Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)  in a secondary education content area, and pass all academic and professional dispositions requirements in order to be eligible for a Michigan Interim teaching certificate.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for admission:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A 3.0 or higher undergraduate overall grade point average based on a 4.0 scale.
3. Completion of an application form for the Education Master of Arts Programs (available in the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 FWTL). This application must be accompanied by:

• An official transcript from each college or university attended
• An updated resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• A Personal Statement of Purpose:  Teaching anywhere is a privilege.  Teaching in the urban context is not only a privilege but a callling.  In a 750-word essay, describe why you are well-suited for this challenge.
• A $55 application fee
• An interview with program faculty is required prior to admission.
• A criminal background check that includes fingerprinting, at the candidate’s expense

Admission Deadlines

The program involves cohort groups and accepts applications for Fall semester with an application deadline of August 1.  

Time Limit for Degree

A student in any UM-Flint master’s program is expected to complete all work within five years of the date of first enrollment in the program. Students exceeding this time limit must file a petition with the SEHS Academic Standards Committee. Petitions must describe explicitly the amount of work remaining and a timeline for completion. A student who fails to complete degree requirements within five years may be withdrawn and required to reapply for readmission. Courses that are older than five years may not be counted toward degree requirements.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit (including coursework as a UM-Flint non-candidate for degree or “Lifelong Learning” student) may be accepted for transfer into the program.  All credit transfers must be approved by the Education Department faculty.  Students seeking to transfer credits not designated as program requirements or electives should contact the appropriate faculty advisor.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See the School of Education and Human Services (SEHS)  and Graduate Study  sections of this catalog for academic rules and regulations pertaining to graduate programs offered by the SEHS.