Shorter University set to offer online Master of Arts in Teaching degree

January 7, 2011 - As a new addition to its ever-growing online program, Shorter University has announced plans to launch its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education (P-5) degree in the fall of 2011.

The majority of the program requirements can be completed online with students coming to the Shorter University campus for an orientation and an additional seminar prior to student teaching. MAT degree coursework will be offered and is designed for prospective students who have already earned an undergraduate degree.

"Our MAT program is designed for those who have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fields other than education, but who wish to enter the Pre-K through grade 5 teaching profession,” explains Dr. Sandra Leslie, Dean of the Shorter University School of Education. “The School of Education, along with the university, has wanted this program for some time. It’s a popular program, one that we are asked about frequently, so we are very proud of the fact that we will now be able to offer the MAT and offer it in a convenient online setting.” The student teaching and field placement requirements of the MAT program will be conducted remotely through cutting-edge video sharing technology, Dr. Leslie explained.

Shorter University Provost Dr. Craig Shull believes the program will have a regional appeal for people seeking to build a career in the teaching profession. “Part of Shorter’s mission statement is to provide educational opportunities to individuals who are unable to attend traditional classes through geographically distant locations and online classes. By offering the MAT online, Shorter will be meeting the need of an entire region and furthering the advancement of a noble profession.”

Shorter University’s School of Education also offers traditional degrees including Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (PK-5), a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education (4-8), Music Education (P-12) and Secondary Areas (6-12) in English, math, history and science. A Bachelor of Education is offered in the Center for Teacher Preparation and Master of Education in Early Childhood is also offered through traditional study. Additionally, Shorter’s College of Adult and Professional Programs offers a Master’s in Education in Early Childhood Education.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges, and the Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its lists of best value and best Southeastern college. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Leadership. General education and calculus courses are offered in an online format, and Shorter recently launched online programs that lead toward the Associate of Science, the Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Master of Accountancy degrees. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.