Changing the Classroom
While earning their Environmental Education Master’s, students can also earn an additional Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with an Oregon Preliminary Teaching License at the Single Subject (Middle/High School) teaching level with endorsements in Integrated Science or Biology. It is also possible for students to earn an MAT and Oregon Preliminary Teaching License at the Multiple Subjects (Elementary School) level. Other licensure options and endorsements are available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Teresa Coker for more information on additional options.
This unique option distinguishes the Environmental Education Masters program at SOU from similar programs.
Additional Program Requirements for the MAT Program
Meet the prerequisite coursework for admission to the Single Subject (Middle/High School) MAT Program for either the Integrated Science Endorsement or the Biology Endorsement.
OR:
Meet the prerequisite coursework for admission to the Multiple Subjects (Elementary) MAT Program.
Applicants are required to earn 12 credits (C- or better) in each of the following areas:
- Social Studies with at least one course in each of the following: history, geography, and a behavioral science.
- Sciences with at least one course in the following: a biological science and a physical science.
- Language Arts with at least one course in the following: communication, writing, and English literature.
- Math 211, 212 and 213.
It is recommended that the applicant complete these courses prior to entry into the program. Check with the School of Education about possible additional prerequisite requirements. It is possible to test out of these courses
Additional Application Requirements for the MAT Program
- Meet the January application deadline for the Environmental Education program.
- Complete the Dual Environmental Education-Teacher Licensure supplemental application.
- Complete an interview process arranged by the School of Education.
Because applicants to the Environmental Education program have completed the GRE, the additional tests typically required for entry of the School of Education are not required.
Applicants for other endorsements must apply through the School of Education. Please contact Teresa Coker for more information.
Teaching Licensure FAQs
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Applicants applying for both the Environmental Education and MAT programs must submit the three letters of recommendation required for the Environmental Education program. At least one of the letters of recommendation must include the recommendation form included in the Dual Environmental Education-Teaching Licensure supplemental application packet. The third letter of recommendation must be from a professor speaking to the applicant’s academic potential as a graduate student.
Where do I send my application materials?
Please refer to the Environmental Education Application page for a checklist of materials to submit. Please send the MAT application materials to:
Applications Coordinator
School of Education
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd
Ashland, OR 97520
How long will the program take?
The Environmental Education graduate program typically takes 18 months (July through the following December). MAT students typically add an extra two terms in order to complete student teaching.
How many more credits does the MAT program add?
The MAT option adds 32 additional credits to the Environmental Education program.
How will I complete the additional coursework?
Most MAT students take several classes throughout the Environmental Education graduate program in order to complete the additional coursework. These classes usually meet in the evenings and one Saturday per month at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center in Medford. The Medford campus is about 15 miles from the Ashland campus. Public transportation is limited and most students carpool to their Medford classes.
Nationally Accredited Graduate Program
by the North American Association for Environmental Education
