Master of Arts in Teaching

• Overview
• Curriculum Summary
• Course Descriptions
• Course Schedule
• Admission Information
• Application Process

Overview

Belhaven University, formerly Belhaven College, has a long tradition of academic excellence in preparing teachers. Originally founded as a woman's college, Belhaven's first "professional degree" was in teacher education. Since that time, the College has produced thousands of teachers who have filled classrooms in Mississippi and many other states. Building on this tradition, Belhaven offers two non-traditional teacher graduate programs: the Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching. The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed exclusively for students who hold the bachelor's degree and wish to teach at either the elementary or secondary level but have not completed an undergraduate teacher education program.

While serving different audiences, all degree programs acknowledge the expertise, experience, and needs of adult learners. Both programs also foster inquiry into the nature of learning and the effects of teaching, transfer of theory to practice, self-directed learning and reflection, collegial interaction with peers, commitment to innovation and change, and the development of leadership skills and professional efficacy.

Belhaven offers a challenging educational experience for practicing and aspiring teachers who desire to enhance their knowledge and skills. Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing professional educators who can provide distinctive Christian leadership and service in the classroom, the school, and the community.

Objectives for the Master of Arts in Teaching Program

The goal of graduate teacher education is to prepare competent teachers who demonstrate both academic excellence and professional knowledge while providing distinctive Christian leadership and service to students, parents, and communities. The conceptual framework of the department reflects and supports the following objectives:

• ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: The Master of Arts in Teaching program seeks to provide experiences that will enable the teacher candidates to:
  • Develop an enhanced knowledge base of educational strategies, curriculum development, and instructional management skills needed in the elementary and secondary schools.
  • Acquire further knowledge about the growth and development of children and adolescent youth and how they learn.
  • Acquire additional skills and knowledge of educational technology and its uses in the classroom.
  • Evaluate subject matter content knowledge and develop greater critical thinking skills and creative inquiry processes.
  • Acquire knowledge about philosophical and psychological principles of education.
• PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE: The Master of Arts in Teaching program seeks to provide experiences that will enable the teacher candidates to:
  • Synthesize best teaching and curriculum practices through collaborative problem solving.
  • Evaluate instructional strategies and build a variety of teaching modules that will improve learning within the classroom and school.
  • Use professional materials, organizations, and current research to expand their knowledge about innovations and trends in education to improve instruction in the school.
  • Design and implement research studies that observe, record, and evaluate students' behavior in order to plan appropriate instructional programs and improve learning environments.
  • Acquire greater knowledge as to appropriate research methodology and analysis of current trends in education and the implication for today's schools.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and use of a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.
  • Develop the ability to evaluate instructional management plans in terms of effectiveness in meeting a school's goals and objectives.
• LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: The Master of Arts in Teaching program seeks to provide experiences that will enable the teacher candidates to:
  • Develop leadership skills to enhance instruction in the classroom and to communicate with parents, administrators, and the school community.
  • Use and conduct research to improve instruction and assessment.
  • Promote cooperative exchanges within the classroom, among faculty, and with parents  to provide greater opportunities in the curriculum and instruction in the school.
• CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: The Master of Arts in Teaching program seeks to provide experiences that will enable the teacher candidates to:
  • Integrate the Christian worldview in involvement with students, parents, coworkers, and the community.
  • Demonstrate integrity in research and implementation of programs to improve instruction.
  • Analyze and develop models of service to schools and communities

Curriculum Summary

Course Descriptions

See University Catalogue for Masters of Arts in Teaching course descriptions.

Admission Information

As you apply for admission to Belhaven University, you can use this checklist to assist you in the process. Each item required is necessary to apply, be accepted and register at the college.  If you have any questions about admission, contact orlando@belhaven.edu or 407-804-1424. 

1. COMPLETE the APPLICATION for Admission

• Baccalaureate degree from regionally-accredited institution of higher learning required.

2.  TRANSFERRING CREDITS

• Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided.  See Transferability of Credit Notice.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

3.  PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION

• A professional resume which demonstrates a minimum of 2 years of significant full-time work experience.
• Submit two recommendation forms, if requested.
• Undergrad GPA of at least 2.8 cumulative or on the last 60 semester hours earned toward a bachelor degree.
• Entrance essay which demonstrates analytical and verbal ability- answering the question "How will this degree help you achieve your educational/life goals?" if requested.
• A veteran who wishes to be assessed for military credit or who will use veteran benefits must submit a copy of Form DD214 and/or DD295 to Belhaven University.

4.  SUBMIT TEST SCORES

• Proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States or by a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 173 computer-based, or 61 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).