Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Alternative Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I am a college graduate but I did not receive a teaching license. Does your university offer any programs by which I could receive a teaching license or certificate? If so, what areas could I get certified in?
University of the Cumberlands offers two different programs for people wishing to become school teachers. The Alternative Certification Program is a thirty hour program that provides certification in LBD (Learning Disabilities – Behavior Disorders). The University also offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in elementary, middle and most secondary areas along with many P-12 areas including Special Education, Art, Physical Education, etc.

2. What is the MAT Program?   
The Masters of Arts in Teaching is an alternate-route program designed for promising individuals with non-education degrees who want to become teachers.  It leads to a master's degree in teaching and Kentucky licensure .

3. Is your university accredited?
University of the Cumberlands is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also accredited by the state of Kentucky through the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board .

5. Do I have to drive to your campus to take the MAT or Alternative Certification courses?
Our institution’s request for a substentative change was recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This approval allows students to take courses either on site here in Williamsburg or through online delivery.

6. What are the minimum requirements for admission?
To be admitted to the Masters of Arts in Teaching program a student must complete an application (available online), submit a thirty dollar ($30.00) application fee, provide official transcripts from their degree granting institutions to University of the Cumberlands, provide three letters of recommendation. Candidates for the MAT are required to take either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam.

7. When during the year are your classes offered? Must I join a cohort group?
Graduate classes are offered in five different eight week terms (Two Spring Terms, one Summer Term, and Two Fall Terms). Our university does not use cohort groups.

8. How long does it take to complete your programs for teacher certification? Is there a time limit by which I must be completed?
Usually students can complete the M.A.T. or the Alternative Certification program within eighteen months. If a student is teaching in Kentucky under a provisional certificate they must complete all coursework and pass the appropriate PRAXIS tests within two years as in their third year they are expected to complete a one year internship known as KTIP.

9. How do online classes work? Is there a website that I can access that will show me a sample of how one takes an online class?
Students go online one night a week for two hours. You can view a student training course to learn how to take an online course by accessing the Elearn Portal

10. What is the cost for the courses? Also, how many courses or hours are required?
The Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a 39 to 42 hour program. The difference in the number of hours is dependent on whether or not you will do student teaching. A student currently employed as a teacher in the program will not do student teaching but rather will sign up for a practicum. The Alternative Certification Program requires thirty hours of class work. Beginning Fall 2007, online courses are priced as 291 dollars per credit hour or about 873 dollars per three hour course. There is also an additional technology fee of 50 dollars per session.

11. What score must I receive on the GRE to be admitted and when do I have to take the test?
Scores for entry into the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program are based on the combined score of the candidate’s undergraduate GPA and the score of either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination. The candidate’s undergraduate GPA is multiplied by 10 and that score is added to either the Miller Analogies score or to the Graduate Record Examination score for the purpose of admission. For admittance a candidate must produce a combined score of 400 on the Miller Analogies Test or 675 on the Graduate Record Examination. Scores on these exams must be submitted upon completion of a student’s sixth credit hour. Passing scores on the exams must be submitted by the completion of twelve graduate hours.

12. How do I get the textbooks needed for these courses?
Students can contact and order textbooks online from the college bookstore, by phone at (606) 539-4354 or via email at sm039@bncollege.com.

13. Can I get certified through the M.A.T. to teach in an area different than the one that I earned my undergraduate degree in?
Yes. You may be able to obtain certification in an area other than the in which  you received your baccalaureate degree in. However, you may be required to take the specific undergraduate course requirements for that specialty area. For example, an individual with a degree in history wishing to teach English would have to take the normal undergraduate requirements for an English degree.

14. When are applications for the M.A.T. or your Alternative Certification Program accepted?
Applications can be submitted at anytime.

15. Can I attend or take classes on a part time basis?
Yes. The majority of students enroll in graduate classes on a part time basis usually registering for two or more graduate classes each term. Some financial aid packages do require a student to register for a minimum number of classes each semester.

16. I understand that I will have to pass the PRAXIS tests before I complete the program. Where can I find information about the Praxis tests?
Yes, you must take and pass the appropriate PRAXIS test for the content area. The passing score is the score that Kentucky requires. You can access PRAXIS information from the Educational Testing Website

17. Does the program qualify me for public school teaching certification?
The course work completed for the Masters of Arts in Teaching degree as well as the Alternative Certificate program can be used in Kentucky and most states. We advise you to contact the Department of Education in your state or those states in which you hope to work in the future

18. Can I transfer credits from graduate level courses I have taken elsewhere?
It may be possible to transfer up to nine (9) credits of graduate level courses taken elsewhere, but only if the course was parallel to one offered in the program. An official course description must be submitted to the program director for consideration

19. How do I find out about financial aid possibilities? 
You may also contact the office of Financial Planning at (606)539-4208 or visit the University’s website.

20. How do I get my login information to access electronic library resources?
Students must have a University Mail account in order to access University library resources.  If you have not already signed up for an account, you may do so online.  The University Mail Account form can be found by going to http://www.ucumberlands.edu/it and clicking the link “Sign up for a Mail Account” located on the left hand side of the webpage.  If you already have an account but have forgotten your password, please follow the same link above and choose the link labeled “Forgot My Password.”