Brown University’s one-year, on-campus master of arts in teaching program combines intensive coursework, immersive teaching experiences and personalized coaching to prepare culturally responsive and impactful educators.
By uniquely blending academic excellence with residency experiences, Brown’s master of arts in teaching (MAT) program equips you to become a critically reflective and effective secondary teacher.
This program offers the following degree:
- Master of arts in teaching (MAT)
- MAT in Secondary English
- MAT in Secondary Math
- MAT in Secondary Social Studies
- MAT in Secondary Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering/Physics
You’ll learn within a particular area of focus while developing an understanding of the broader educational landscape, including how to enact positive change. By drawing connections between coursework and classroom experiences, you will continuously integrate theory and practice in meaningful ways. As a student in the MAT program, you will develop a deep understanding of the social contexts of education and its impact on students, families, communities and schools. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to teach in diverse communities with empathy, cultural competence and disciplinary rigor.
The program begins with an intensive six-week summer semester, applied directly at Brown Summer High School, a three-week enrichment program for local high school students. During the year-long residency, you’ll start teaching on the first day of school, preparing yourself uniquely for post-graduation teaching. Supported by mentor teachers and MAT program faculty, you’ll progress from observation to full classroom leadership.
Application Information
Teaching experience or coursework in education is not required, though we expect applicants to have prior work with children or adolescents.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a major in their chosen discipline or have substantial study in related areas. Please see our website for more information. 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, Diane Silva Pimentel 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.
If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Not required
TOEFL/IELTS:
Brown University requires some international applicants to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. Please see the Graduate School's website for more information.
Official Transcripts:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) recommendations required; two (2) recommendations required for current Brown undergraduates.
Writing Sample:
Applicants for the MAT in English must submit a writing sample, no more than 5 typewritten single-spaced pages, in addition to their personal statement.
Personal Statement:
750-1000 word personal statement that gives your reasons to pursue graduate work in the field of your study. It should address why you want to teach your subject to structurally and economically disadvantaged students and how you believe education can be a tool for equity.
Resume/CV:
Required
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
- Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates.
- Scholarships: Available. More information can be found on the Graduate Tuition & Fees website. International students are eligible for scholarships.
Completion Requirements
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 2023.
Alumni Outcomes
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