Frequently Asked Questions From Prospective Students
1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
The answer to this question will, of course, vary. MSU interns who are bringing 9 approved credits from their Teacher Certification Internship Year can complete the MATC in as little one calendar year, or four semesters. Students completing all 30 credits may expect to take 2 academic years to complete the program. All requirements for the MATC must be met within 5 years. (See Timeline for Navigating the MATC for a chart reflecting start and end dates for timely programs)
2. What courses might transfer into the MATC?
For students who were not in the MSU Internship program, a maximum of 10 credits from a Combination of MSU Lifelong Education courses, MSU Graduate Certification Courses, and courses from another university may be considered by the student's advisor for application to the MATC program requirements.
Former MSU Interns: Interns who completed the Teacher Certification Internship Year 2004-2005 or earlier may bring in 12 credits from their previous program (TE 801, TE 802, TE 803, TE 804). Interns who completed the Teacher Certification Internship Year 2005-2006 or later may bring in 9 credits (TE 801, TE 802, TE 804). For more information about transfer credit options, please see the document Transfer Credit: Recent Policy Changes.
3. What happens to my application once I have submitted all materials? How long will it take for me to hear what decision has been made regarding my application?
We review applications as soon as all materials are received. The process varies but every effort is made to insure timely processing of your application. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for the semester they intend to start the program, however, late applications may be considered as long as space in the program and time for processing remain.
4. I am a prospective international student who would like to study on MSU's campus in East Lansing. What supports will there be to help me become more a part of the MSU and East Lansing community, professionally and personally?
The MATC program has recently started a pilot program where MATC international students can be paired with teachers in the local area to facilitate friendships and student/professional interactions via observing and interacting in an American K-12 classroom. Additionally, offices such as MSU's Office of International Students and Scholars as well as various community resources (schools, houses of worship, civic organizations) take active roles in assisting our international student body to become vital contributing members of the MSU/East Lansing Community.
5. What is the difference between the Online MATC (6728) and "regular" MATC (6727)?
For the Online MATC (6728), online tuition rates pertain and students must take all courses online.
For the "regular" MATC (6727), in-state/out-of-state tuition rates pertain and students have choices among courses offered in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats. Consult your advisor and/or the Schedule of Courses for availability of each format.
The content and caliber of coursework are identical; in fact, students in both programs may often be in the same online courses together.
6. I do not have teacher certification. Will the MATC prepare me to teach in public schools?
No, the MATC does not lead to initial certification. However, lf you are interested in obtaining Michigan Provisional Teacher Certification, you may be interested in the College of Education's Post Bachelor Teacher Certification Program. The "Post-BA" is a program that enables persons with a bachelor's degree (or higher) to be recommended for certification by Michigan State University through a combination of course work and graduated field placements culminating in a year-long internship in a K-12 school. To find out more about the Post-BA and its various requirements, please visit the College of Education's Post Bachelor Teacher Certification Program website.
