Master of Arts in Teaching: Agricultural Education
Master of Arts in Teaching: Agricultural Education
This flexible, 100% online master’s program is designed specifically for career changers and will prepare you for agricultural education teacher certification.
The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a flexible, practical and convenient pathway to teaching. With this program, you can:
begin in the summer semester
complete the program in 12 months
design a course schedule that fits your life
explore teaching with your own personalized MAT GradCat — an experienced, veteran mentor teacher
join diverse, talented and committed MAT students from nearly every state and many foreign countries
The College of Education prepares educators to be knowledgeable, ethical, caring decision makers for a diverse and changing world. Agricultural education offers specialized courses that will explore content knowledge, providing enrichment and remediation to prepare you for your internship experience. You will focus on classroom, laboratory and student organization management preparing you for all roles in agricultural education.
The secondary agricultural education MAT consists of one track.
License-seeking track: For students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.
Once you complete the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Initial Teaching License in the state of Kansas. The license will transfer to other states upon completion of any additional requirements for that state.
Applications are encouraged and accepted year-round. Applicants may apply anytime but should submit their application at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January, and the summer semester has multiple start options. Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions or check with MAT student success coordinator, TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for course enrollment guidance.
June 28 Master of Arts in Teaching webinar
Do you have questions about the Master of Arts in Teaching pathway? Join us live for an informational webinar with Dr. Thomas Vontz at 7 p.m. (CST) on June 28, 2023.
*This estimate includes online tuition and College of Education fees and is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Applications are encouraged and accepted year-round. Applicants may apply anytime but should submit their application at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January, and the summer semester has multiple start options. Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions or check with MAT student success coordinator, TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for course enrollment guidance.
Additional Documentation
Statement of objectives: You will be asked to answer the following questions in video format within the application. A computer camera and microphone are required. You can record your answers as many times necessary.
Why are you interested in this program?
Describe your previous experiences working with children.
Why do you think you would be a successful teacher?
Resume
Names and emails of three professional and/or academic references
If you are an international student and you need your GPA translated to a 4.0 scale, send your transcripts totvontz@k-state.edu.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit proof ofEnglish Language Proficiency. Applicants must have a satisfactory in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE). The test date should be no older than 18 months from the application deadline. An applicant who has received a degree in the last two years from a United States college or university is exempt from this requirement.
Passing PRAXIS test score
PRAXIS Information You must provide a passing PRAXIS test score for admission:
If there are problems obtaining PRAXIS scores and/or applying for MAT, contactK-State Online. Scores need to be sent to Kansas State (6334) and to the Kansas State University Department of Education (7270).
This track is for students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.
Prerequisite Core Courses (6 credits)
EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) U only
EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) U only
License-seeking Courses (22 credits)
AGED 790 – Agricultural Education Methods and Practicum for Teaching and Learning (3 credits) F only
AGED 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits) U only
AGED 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits) F only
AGED 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits) WI
EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
EDCI 715 - Literacy in Content (3 credits) F and S
EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F only
EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) S only
Culminating Courses (5 credits)
EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) S only
EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U
Note: Courses are offered the following semesters: F = Fall semester, S = Spring semester and U = Summer semester or WI – Winter Intersession
Prerequisites. Successful completion (grade of C or higher) in EDCI 702 and EDCI 716 are required prior to enrolling in any other courses AND candidate must achieve a passing PRAXIS score in the content area before proceeding to other classes.
License-seeking sections. For all courses, license-seeking track students must complete license-seeking or hybrid sections of 710, 715, 760, 790, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 886 and 890.
Colloquia. AGED 797, 798 and 799 must be taken consecutively.
Methods. AGEC 790 and EDCI 800 must be taken concurrently.
Culminating courses. EDCI 801 and EDCI 890 are required during the last semester and are to be taken concurrently.
Technology Requirements In order to complete your teaching internship, you will be required to obtain a tablet (e.g., iPad) and video recording technology. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations.
There are several scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to you, including:
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Provides $2,217 per semester for fall and spring. MAT students who apply before May 1 will be placed in a “priority pool.” Applications due May 1.
K-State Global Campus Scholarships: Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for MAT students. Provide $1,000-$1,500 per semester. Application deadline is April 1 for the summer, June 1 for the fall and Nov. 1 for the spring.
Federal Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: Eligible for those willing to teach in a “low-income school” for five consecutive years. Maximum benefit is $17,500.
FAFSA: To maximize your scholarship eligibility, you must complete the FAFSA for the current aid year to be eligible for summer scholarships and the following aid year to be eligible for future fall and spring scholarships. Completion of the FAFSA is required to be eligible for several of the financial assistance programs listed above.
Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary License-Seeking FAQs
What is the MAT?
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) opens a pathway to secondary teaching for career-changers. Students earn a master’s degree and recommendation for a Kansas 6-12 teaching license in agricultural education, English/language arts, mathematics, or social studies OR a Kansas K-12 teaching license in modern languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish). The master’s degree combines rigorous online coursework with field experiences in accredited secondary schools convenient to students in the program. Upon completion, students will be able to apply for teacher certification.
How is the program organized?
The secondary MAT consists of two flexible tracks.
Practitioner track: For students who pursue the MAT while teaching full time. Kansas teachers are required to hold a Restricted License.
License-seeking track: For students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted year-round. Applicants should plan to apply within two to three months from the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January and the summer semester begins in mid-May.
What is the degree and GPA requirement?
Bachelor’s degree with sufficient background in the content field and 3.0 GPA overall or in the final two years. Each secondary coordinator reviews transcripts (see below). If your GPA is below 3.0, consult your subject area coordinator for suggestions.
Students complete field (student teaching) experiences in accredited schools near where they currently live. MAT students are required to obtain a device that enables recording such as a tablet or video-enabled phone. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations and evaluation. For questions about your field experience contact Dr. Wertzberger(ejm7777@k-state.edu).
Will the degree transfer to other states?
Kansas has reciprocal licensing agreements with all other states; however, students may be required to complete an additional test or other state-specific requirements (e.g., state history and/or constitution).
Is financial aid available?
Yes, scholarships and financial aid are available to students who meet certain qualifications. All students are eligible to apply for:
Technology to enable participation in an online program (e.g., laptop and internet)
Can I continue to work in my current position?
Yes. However, during the semester you enroll in EDCI 800 you are required to arrange (with your cooperating teacher/school) 64 hours of teaching experience; during EDCI 801 you will complete 12-weeks of full-time student teaching and will not be able to continue full-time employment.
I am a para-educator. Will my job “count” for my field experiences?
No. Although we might be able to place you in the school in which you work, your work as a para does NOT count toward field experiences. Your field experiences require you to demonstrate additional skills beyond your excellent experiences as a para.
How is the curriculum organized?
Prerequisite Core Courses (6 credits)
EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) F, S and U EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) F, S and U
License-seeking Courses (22 credits)
EDCI XXX- Subject Specific Methods (EDCI 703, 705, 706, 712, or AGED 790) EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only EDCI 715 - Literacy in Content (3 credits) F and S EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits) F, S and U EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits) F, S and U EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits) WI EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F and S
Culminating Courses (5 credits)
EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) F and S EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U
Note: Courses are offered the following semesters: F = Fall semester, S = Spring semester and U = Summer semester
Prerequisites. Successful completion (grade of C or higher) in EDCI 702 and EDCI 716 are required prior to enrolling in any other courses.
Culminating courses. EDCI 801 and EDCI 890 are required during the last semester and are to be taken concurrently.
What are the possible schedule options for each semester for 12- or 18-month options?
EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits)
Fall semester
EDCI XXX - Subject Area Methods (EDCI 703, 705, 706, 712 or AGED 790) (3 credits)
EDCI 715 - Literacy in Content (3 credits)
EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits)
EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
Dec/Jan intersession
EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits)
Spring semester
EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit)
Fall Starters Secondary License-Seeking Track (18 months) – 31 credits
Fall semester
EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
EDCI 715 - Literacy in Content (3 credits)
EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
Dec/Jan intersession
EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits)
Spring semester
EDCI XXX - Subject Area Methods (EDCI 703, 705, 706, 712 or AGED 790) (3 credits)
EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits)
EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
Summer semester
EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits)
Fall semester
EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit)
Spring Starters Secondary License-Seeking Track (18 months) – 31 credits
Fall semester
EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
Summer semester
EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits)
EDCI XXX - Subject Area Methods (EDCI 703, 705, 706, 712 or AGED 790) (3 credits)
Fall semester
EDCI 715 - Literacy in Content (3 credits)
EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits)
EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
Dec/Jan intersession
EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits)
Spring semester
EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit)
NOTE: Students may wish to add EDCI 795 (3 Credits) during any semester or additional hours to EDCI 890 during student teaching to qualify as a full-time student.
Dr. Jonathan Ulmer
MAT Agricultural Education
Dr. Jonathan Ulmer specializes in agricultural education. He teaches a variety of classes, preparing students for careers as high school agriculture teachers. Prior to coming to K-State, Dr. Ulmer served on the faculty at Texas Tech University and the University of Missouri. Growing up in Nebraska, he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education at the University of Nebraska and taught agriscience at Medicine Valley High School in Curtis, Nebraska. He earned his master’s in agricultural education at Oklahoma State University and his doctorate in agricultural education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.