Application Deadlines

Teaching experience or coursework in education is not required, though we expect applicants to have prior work with children or adolescents. Prospective students are encouraged to read more about how to apply and frequently asked questions on our website 

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree or significant coursework completed in the content area for which they plan to seek certification.

We urge prospective applicants with questions about their coursework or academic background to contact the appropriate faculty member in their content area: Laura Snyder for English, Indira Gil for math, David Upegui for science, and John Palella for social studies.

We will invite selected applicants to interview in-person, online, or over the phone with the appropriate faculty. 

Current Brown undergraduate students can find more information on our website about fifth-year programs.

If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.

MAT Secondary Education (English, History/Social Studies, Math, Science): Includes graduate-level coursework in teaching and pedagogy. There are 8 required courses throughout the program. The summer focuses on teaching methods, curriculum development, and practicum experience in Brown Summer High School. The academic component of the year includes preparation in literacy and teaching English Language Learners, instructional design, assessment, and special education. 

Candidates will complete a course in the socio-cultural contexts of education and a residency-based seminar instructed by a local teacher leader. The program also includes a full-year practicum and student teaching placement.

Requirements for Certification

Upon completion of this degree and passing the state-required Praxis exams, you will be recommended for a Rhode Island Department of Education teaching certificate in your secondary-level discipline, along with an endorsement in teaching multilingual language learners. 

Those interested in obtaining licensure in a different state will be eligible through reciprocity based upon agreements in the Interstate Certification Agreement with NASDTEC.

Additional Information

Each teacher education program that receives funding from the federal government is required to make public the results of the professional test taken by each completer. Brown University’s Teacher Education Program had a 100% pass rate in 2025.

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Please visit the Office of Student Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates.

Scholarships

Merit and need-based scholarships are available. More information can be found on the Department of Education’s cost and financial aid page.

Brown's master of arts in teaching(MAT) equips future educators with the classroom experience, pedagogical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed as secondary teachers. Through personalized mentorship, extensive student teaching and focused preparation in your chosen content area, you'll develop the skills needed to pursue teacher certification and begin a meaningful career in secondary education.

Brown's MAT degree program provides a pathway into the classroom while building a strong foundation for continued professional growth in education. Graduates pursue careers as secondary educators across public, charter and independent school settings. You'll gain the skills needed to pursue initial certification, teacher certification and a teaching license as you transition into the classroom with confidence.

Brown's MAT degree program prepares future educators through immersive classroom residency experiences that connect coursework with real-world teaching practice. During the yearlong residency, students gain hands-on teaching experience through student teaching placements, working alongside experienced mentor teachers and MAT faculty.

A master of arts in teaching (MAT) is designed for aspiring educators seeking classroom experience and teacher certification through a practice-focused program. Brown’s MAT emphasizes student teaching, classroom residency and preparation in specific content areas to prepare graduates for careers as secondary teachers. A master of education (M.Ed.) typically supports current educators or professionals seeking advanced knowledge in education, leadership or policy.

No. Prior teaching experience or coursework in education is not required to apply to Brown’s MAT program. Applicants should have an appropriate academic background in their subject area and some experience working with adolescents. Through the program’s immersive student teaching and classroom residency experiences, students develop the skills needed to become effective secondary educators.