We hope that these guidelines for applying to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program lead you successfully through the process.
Please email Gillian Homsted at teachuvm@uvm.edu if you have questions.
International Students: UVM is not able to issue an immigration document for participation in this program.
How to Apply
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Your completed application must include the following. See guidance and instructions in the respective dropdown sections below.
- UVM Graduate College Electronic Application
- Statement of Purpose
- Email addresses for three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation, including at least one who can speak to your content knowledge and expertise (math, science, social studies, English, world language)
- One official transcript from each institution (undergraduate or graduate) you have attended
- Please be aware there is a $65 application fee.
Application Instructions:
On page 3 of the UVM Graduate College online application:
- Go to “Curriculum & Instruction”
- Select “Degrees Name - MAT”
- Select the term
- Choose Specialty Concentration (either Middle Level Education or Secondary Education)
Application Deadlines:
- We have rolling admissions and will continue to accept applications until April 1st. We encourage you to apply early.
- AMP students must apply in the semester before they plan to start taking AMP courses. Apply in the Spring for Fall admission, apply in the Fall for Spring admission.
*Please be aware of UVM's Residency Policy before you apply.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is a critical component of the application. It serves as a writing sample, and the reviewers are looking for applicants to tell 'their story'.
The statement need only be 500 words, maximum. We recommend you create your 'statement' as a Word document and upload it with your application to the UVM Graduate College. Take your time and include:
- Identify and tell us why you want to teach a specific content area (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language).
- Influences/experiences that have led you to the choice of a career in teaching and pursuing an MAT degree.
- What has prepared you for undertaking graduate study in education?
- What experience do you have working or volunteering with young adolescents and/or adolescents (grades 5-12) and why are you interested in teaching this age group?
- What are your future professional goals in relation to the program’s mission and philosophy.
Letters of Recommendation
- Within the application you will provide email addresses for three recommenders. UVM will contact each directly by email and provide instructions on how to submit letters of recommendation directly through the UVM Graduate College application portal.
- At least one recommender should be able to speak to your content knowledge and expertise (math, science, social studies, English, world languages). Often this is a former or current professor.
- If you are interested in multiple content areas, it is not required to have a recommendation for each content area.
- If an academic source is unavailable due to length of time since graduation, a recommendation may come from a professional who has supervised your paid employment, volunteer work, or an internship in an agency or organization. This individual is encouraged to speak to your ability to do graduate-level coursework.
- At least one recommender should be able to speak to your potential or ability to work with youth.
Please be aware that this part of the application can take the longest to assemble since you are dependent upon others.
General Requirements
- Completion of bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association.
- A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the content area(s) you plan to teach.
- Evidence of a strong liberal arts background, with a minimum of 18 credit hours.
- If you are an international student please email International Student Services or review the International Student Admissions webpage.
Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) Option
- The AMP is an option only for prospective students who are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at UVM. This option permits students to start their MAT while still enrolled in their undergrad program. Please be sure to select the AMP application.
- Students in the AMP program complete 6-9 credits of graduate work during their undergraduate years, and then complete one additional year to earn their MAT. The additional year for the MAT begins the summer semester after you graduate with your Bachelors, and also incudes the following Fall and Spring semesters. There is no spring start for the MAT program.
- Up to 9 credits are available for the Middle Level AMP.
- Up to 6 credits are available for the Secondary Education AMP.
Attending Graduate College at UVM
For more information, including funding opportunities and academic policies, please visit the UVM Graduate College website.