Program Purpose and Goals

The primary purpose of the MAT program is to prepare teachers who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to build strong curriculum, pedagogy, assessments, and the relationships that bring about significant changes to improve schools, support learners and their development, and positively impact student achievement.

Program completers will be able to:

• Create supportive environments based on their knowledge of learner development and learning differences.
• Demonstrate subject matter knowledge and apply this knowledge to engage students in learning content.
• Plan instruction that supports student learning through the use of multiple instructional and assessment strategies including technology.
• Demonstrate professional attributes, engage in critical reflection, and collaborate to ensure learner growth.

Students who complete the first year of the MAT program will be able to apply for initial teacher licensure with the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board.

Students who complete the second year will be able to engage in action research, a critical and reflective analysis that enables teachers to integrate and apply a variety of research-based methods in their classrooms and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

MAT Application Checklist

• UH Hilo application form
• $50 Application fee

Required Documents to be Uploaded in the Documents Tab of the Online Application

• MAT Supplemental Application Form (PDF)
• Statement #1: Interest in the Teaching Profession
• Statement #2: Beliefs about Student Learning
• Completed chart: MAT Experience Working with Children or Young People Form (PDF) Minimum 40 hours (more preferred) of previous experience working with school-aged (P-20) youth.

Requested in the Recommendations Tab of the Online Application

• Three letters of recommendation from people who have observed your performance teaching students at your desired grade level and can address your potential in the education field.

Sent Directly to the UH Hilo Graduate Division

• Official transcripts from all non-UH system colleges and universities attended.
• Official transcripts from UH system institutions will be pulled via STAR.
• We recommend certified electronic transcripts sent directly from your institution to the UH Hilo Graduate Division hilograd@hawaii.edu.
• Hard Copy Transcripts should be mailed to:

UH Hilo Graduate Division
200 W. Kawili Street
COBE Building, Room 201
Hilo, HI 96720

Sent Directly to the UH Hilo School of Education

• Official report, PRAXIS II scores (UH Hilo code: 4869)

Mandatory Advising

• Mandatory advising prior to submission of application (please contact the School of Education)

For International applicants

• Baccalaureate degree transcripts from international institutions must be submitted to an independent transcript evaluation service, more information can be found at International Graduate Student Information.
• Official college transcripts in the original language and official translations into English must be provided. To expedite your application, all graduate applicants with international transcripts are required to send the baccalaureate transcript for professional evaluation by one of the credential evaluation services listed on the International Graduate Student Information page.
• Only graduates of accredited universities will be considered for acceptance.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score report, if required
• International Graduate Student Supplemental Information Form (PDF)
• Copy of passport

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 15 for cohorts beginning in the following Summer semester. Incomplete application packets will not be reviewed.

The UH Hilo Graduate Division receives all applications and supporting documents and maintains the applications through final notification. If you do not hear from us within 30 days of submitting your application, please contact the Graduate Division at (808) 932-7927.

Applications that meet the requirements will be forwarded to the School of Education Admissions Committee where they are subjected to a comprehensive review. Admission decisions made by the committee will be forwarded to the Graduate Division which sends the final notification to the applicant.

Admission Status: The applicant’s admission status is valid only for the semester to which the applicant is accepted. Applications from students who do not register or who withdraw from the University are voided but retained for a period of one (1) year. Students may reapply for admission to the next cohort by reapplying to the Graduate Division and submitting a $50 application fee.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission

An applicant must:

1. have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or from a nationally recognized foreign institution.
2. have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 sem. cr.
3. take the PRAXIS II: Content Area Examinations.
4. have a minimum of 40 hours (more preferred) of previous experience working with school-aged (P-20) youth.
5. submit two professional statements detailing interest in the teaching profession and beliefs about student learning.

Additionally,

6. School of Education interview may be required.
7. for applicants seeking elementary licensure, these courses must be completed, each with a grade of C or better, and in combination passed with a GPA of 2.75 or above:
   • ED 341 Literacy for Elem Teachers (3)
   • ED 343 Math for Elem Teachers II (3) , and
   • ED 347 Intgr Sci/Soc Stud Elem School (3) .
8. for applicants seeking licensure at the secondary level, the baccalaureate degree should be related to the content area of licensure.
9. for applicants seeking licensure in English or Social Studies, there may be additional prerequisite coursework.
10. applicants for whom English is not the native language must obtain a score of 550 (paper based test), 213 (computer based) or 79 (internet based) on the TOEFL, or a 6.0 on the IELTS. Students with bachelor’s degrees from English-speaking institutions do not need to submit TOEFL scores.

First year, for licensure:

Second year, to complete the MAT:

• ED 680 Teacher as Researcher I (3)
• ED 681 Teacher as Researcher II (3)

Some courses are specific to the elementary track and others to the secondary track. Some courses are common to both tracks.

The first three semesters in the MAT program prepare the student to become licensed to teach. Continuation in the program for 2 more semesters (6 more credits) leads to the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Time:
  • 1 year (30 credits) for teaching license (Summer, Fall, Spring)
  • 1 year (6 credits) to complete the Masters Degree (Fall, Spring)
• Tuition, 2019-2020 academic year:
  • $484 per credit hour, resident
  • $1,102 per credit hour, non-resident
• Total Credits: 36 credits

What are the minimum entrance requirements?

Completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits, 3 recommendations, professional statements, PRAXIS II scores.

Do I have to take the GRE?

No. The PRAXIS II exam is the only required exam.

Will the MAT help me earn a teaching license?

Yes, the MAT is a licensure preparation program.

Can I transfer credits?

No, transfer credits are not accepted.

When will the program start?

The MAT begins in Summer Session, and is 3 semesters in length (summer/fall/spring) for teacher licensure, and 2 additional semesters to complete the master’s degree.

Is financial aid available?

Contact the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office for information (808) 932-7449.

How many credits do I take?

Students must take the prescribed courses in sequence.

Do I need a computer?

Yes, or at least daily access to one.

Points of Contact