Minor in Teaching
The Minor in Teaching allows students to select a focus on either elementary education (23 hours) or secondary education (20 hours) with a concentration on working with students with special needs or who are English language learners. Completion of the minor fulfills the prerequisites for admission to the M.A.T. program; however, prerequisites can be fulfilled with select coursework outside of the minor (see M.A.T. prerequisites). The minor is designed for students who are preparing to become teachers or who are interested in teaching English abroad or pursuing service opportunities such as the Peace Corps or City Year.
I. Core Courses for the Minor: (6 hours)
EDUC 1331 |
Understanding Learners with Exceptionalities in School and Society |
EDUC 3320 |
Child and Adolescent Development |
II. Plus two courses in either English as a Second Language (ESL) or Special Education:
A. ESL Concentration: (6 hours)
EDUC 3344 |
Teaching in the Bilingual Classroom |
EDUC 3345 |
Principles and Practices for Teaching English Learners |
B. Special Education Concentration: (6 hours)
EDUC 3332 |
Reading Difficulties with Diverse Populations |
EDUC 3330 |
Teaching Students with Learning and Behavioral Problems |
III. Students will then select either the Elementary or Secondary Pathway:
A. Elementary Pathway: (11 required hours)
EDUC 2201 |
Practicum: Early Childhood Teaching Exploration |
EDUC 3301 |
Field Seminar in Elementary Literacy EDUCATION | 161 |
EDUC 3341 |
Teaching Science in Elementary School |
EDUC 3351 |
Mathematics in Elementary School |
B. Secondary Pathway: (8 required hours)
EDUC 2202 |
Practicum: Secondary Teaching Exploration |
EDUC 3302 |
Field Seminar in Secondary |
Plus 3 additional hours of electives from among the following courses:
EDUC 4102 |
Secondary Advanced Field Seminar (up to 3 hours of credit allowed) |
EDUC 1310 |
Seminar on Urban Education Policy and Practice |
EDUC 4338 |
Teaching Reading in Secondary Schools |
EDUC 3342 |
Teaching Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools |
HIST 3388 |
Methods of Instruction in History |
Other ESL or Special Education courses not taken for the concentration (above)
Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Program
Students apply to the M.A.T. program in mid-January of their senior year (by the published deadline) or as post-baccalaureate candidates if they have an earned bachelor’s degree or higher. Candidates submit a single, combined electronic application for admission to both the M.A.T. program and Trinity University Graduate Studies. The online application is available at https://admissions.trinity.edu/apply/.
In addition to completing the online application, other items required for consideration for entry to the program include:
- Required Education courses for the elementary program are: EDUC 1331, 3320, 2201, 3301, 3341, 3351, and CSCI 1300-7 or equivalent. Required Education courses for the secondary program are: EDUC 1331, 3320, 2202, 3302, and CSCI 1300-7 or equivalent. Required Education courses for the All-Level Music program are: EDUC 1331, 3320, 2204, 2205, and CSCI 1300-7 or equivalent. Please note that students may apply without all prerequisite coursework completed; however, all requirements must be completed by July 1st before the M.A.T. program begins.
- Official transcripts documenting a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher overall, and/or on the last 60 undergraduate hours; and in major coursework (GPAs of 2.75 – 2.99 can be considered through an exceptions process and will possibly require additional coursework or assessment).
- Official GRE score report (if applicable). Currently enrolled Trinity students and applicants possessing a bachelor’s degree from Trinity and/or an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution are exempt from this requirement.
- Four (4) references obtained via the online application process, with one from each of the following categories: (a) a faculty advisor within the applicant’s major and/or proposed teaching field; (b) an education professor who has overseen the applicant’s field experience or coursework; (c) an individual who has observed the applicant’s work with children or youth; and (d) an individual who has supervised the applicant in a job or volunteer position.
- Electronic Portfolio documenting the applicant’s work with students and any coursework in education (format and examples will be provided).
- A group interview process as well as an individual interview with a faculty panel where the applicant presents his/her electronic portfolio as well as answers questions.
- Written essay completed at the time of the interview.
- Demonstration of deep content knowledge via transcript review and/or exam scores. Depending upon the strength of a candidate’s content preparation in his/her proposed teaching field, the university may request that a candidate take the TExES exam for his/her respective content teaching area to demonstrate the content area proficiency required by the State of Texas for teaching certification.If accommodations are required for any part of the application process due to a special learning need, please provide documentation to the Education Department in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.Please note that all candidates admitted to the M.A.T. program will be required to pass a criminal background check with the local school district in which they will intern before receiving an internship placement. Failure to pass this background check will result in the candidate’s dismissal from the program since significant coursework is required to be completed within the assigned school setting. As part of the admission process, candidates will be asked to sign a statement indicating their understanding of this requirement.
All application materials will be reviewed by the Council on Teacher Education, a multi-disciplinary university committee that serves as the admission decision-making body for the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Admission to the Master of Education in School Leadership
Interested candidates must receive an initial recommendation from their respective school district or charter organization in order to apply for the program. Once recommended, candidates will complete the online application for graduate studies, including the provision of letters of recommendation, GRE scores (if applicable), and an official transcript. All candidates will be scheduled for a phone interview with a panel of assessors. Candidates who demonstrate a readiness for leadership in the program will then be invited to participate in a daylong leadership simulation held at the university. Once all elements of the admission process are completed, the twenty members of the cohort will be selected, in partnership with their nominating district/charter organization, and offered admissions to the program.
Admission to the Master of Arts in School Psychology
Applicants to the School Psychology Program are expected to have the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate major of psychology or education is preferred, although the program welcomes applications from candidates with other majors.
- A grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours taken. Students with a GPA of 2.6 or higher are eligible for provisional admission.
- A minimum composite score of 300 (verbal and quantitative sections) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Candidates who already possess a master’s degree are exempt from this requirement.
- Strong academic and professional references (three required).
- An interview with the Program Director.
Applicants must complete an on-line application, submit all required material, and participate in an interview (either on campus or by telephone if out of state) by February 1st for admission to the class beginning in August.
Application for Certification
It is necessary to apply for a Texas teacher certificate through the Texas Education Agency upon completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching program. This process will be facilitated by the Director of Certification in the Department of Education. Application for certification must be made during the semester in which the student will complete degree requirements.
All Teacher and Administrator Preparation Program graduates applying for state certification must pass proficiency tests and the TExES examinations in their fields of certification, and pay all applicable fees related to state certification. Candidates in the School Psychology program are required to take and pass the Praxis examination in order to complete their national accreditation.
Certification for Elementary Education
Students seeking certification to teach at the Early Childhood-Grade 6 level should complete any academic major and other requirements, as follows:
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates a course that fulfills a common curriculum requirement.
I. Education Course of Study
A. EDUC 1110 and 1210 (recommended).
B. EDUC 1331*, 2201, 2202, 3301, 3320*, 3341, and 3351 are required. EDUC 3302 is recommended.
C. CSCI 1300-7* or equivalency is required.
II. Recommended Courses: In preparation for certification as an EC-6 Generalist, students are strongly encouraged to take as many of the courses listed below as possible, most of which satisfy Common Curriculum requirements.
ART 2314* |
Creative Thinking and the Artistic Process (also listed as ENGL 2340, GNED 2340, MUSC 2340, and THTR 2340) |
CLAS 1305* |
Classical Mythology |
COMM 2302* |
Media Interpretation and Criticism |
ECON 1311* |
Microeconomics |
ECON 3115 |
Economists in the Elementary School |
EDUC 3330 |
Teaching Students with Learning and Behavior Problems |
EDUC 3332 |
Reading Difficulties with Diverse Populations |
ENGL 2303* |
American Literature: Colonization to 1900 |
ENGL 2304* |
American Literature: New Realism through the Moderns |
HIST 1360* |
The History of the U.S. Through Reconstruction |
HIST 1361* |
The History of the U.S. Since Reconstruction |
HIST 3376 |
History of Texas |
HIST 3388 |
Methods of Instruction in History |
HCOM 3360* |
Small Group Communication |
HCOM 3372* |
Intercultural Communication |
MUSC 2361 |
Music in Childhood |
MUSC 2362 |
Music in Early Childhood |
PLSI 1301* |
American Politics |
PLSI 1331* |
Comparing Countries |
PSYC 1300* |
Principles of Psychology |
SOCI 1301* |
Introduction to Sociology |
SOCI 1316* |
Places and Regions and Global Context (also listed as URBS 1316) |
Certification for Secondary Education
Students seeking certification to teach at the secondary grades (grades 7-12) in Texas should complete the following undergraduate requirements: Note: An asterisk (*) indicates a course that fulfills a common curriculum requirement.
I. Education Course of Study
- Teaching Core Courses (required): EDUC 1331 and EDUC 3320.
- Secondary Teaching Pathway Courses (required): EDUC 2202 and 3302.
- Technology Applications: CSCI 1300 or equivalency (required).
- Minor in Teaching and Learning (Secondary Pathway) is highly recommended but not required.
II. Teaching Fields/Area of Certification
Students seeking secondary certification (grades 7-12 or EC-12 depending on the state certificate) will be certified in one or more teaching fields (the content area) at the end of the Master of Arts in Teaching graduate program. At the undergraduate level, students must complete a major in order to graduate from the university. This major (and additional courses where noted) forms the basis of the requirements for the teaching field and prepares students for the certification content exam. Students may complete more than one major (with any additional content area requirements) in order to attain certification in more than one area. Students need at least one teaching field from among the certificate fields listed below as well as the required education coursework. Trinity only offers certification in the fields listed. Students with a major other than their intended teaching field should speak with a faculty member about certification options.
Courses listed after the major have been identified as important courses that meet the content standards for Texas certification. Some students will be able to take these courses within the major (“including”), while other students will need to take the courses in addition to the major (“plus”). Major advisers and the supplemental adviser within the education department will be able to advise students in each area.
Certification Areas:
- Art EC-12 Certification
- Art Major, including ART 2470; two (2) of the following courses: 3330, 3340, 3350, 3- 60, 3472 or 3380
- Chinese Early Childhood—Grade 12 Certification
- Chinese Studies Major
- All language candidates must pass an oral proficiency exam given by the Education Department for program admission.
- Chemistry 7-12 Certification
- Chemistry Major, plus EDUC 3342
- Computer Science 8-12 Certification
- Computer Science Major, including CSCI 3343
(Note: CSCI 1307 is required of all candidates for certification, including Computer Science candidates.)
- English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 Certification
- English Major, including ENGL 3346 and EDUC 4338. ENGL 3304, GNED 3328, SOCI 3331, LING 1300, and PSYC 2330 are recommended but not required.
- French Early Childhood—Grade 12 Certification
- French Major
- All language candidates must pass an oral proficiency exam given by the Education Department for program admission.
- German Early Childhood—Grade 12 Certification
- German Major, including GERM 3305*
- All language candidates must pass an oral proficiency exam given by the Education Department for program admission.
- History 7-12 Certification
- History Major, including HIST 3376 and 3388, plus 1 course from U.S. History, 1 course from European History, and at least 1 course each from 3 of the following 4 fields: African History, Asian History, Latin American History, and Middle East History
- URBS 1316/SOCI 1316 (recommended)
- Journalism 7-12 Certification
- Communication Major, including COMM 3340; two (2) of the following courses: COMM 3341, 3342, 3343, 3344; and two (2) of the following: COMM 3321*, 3322, 3326, 3328, 3362, 3364
- Latin Early Childhood—Grade 12 Certification
- Latin Major, including LATN 3301; plus HIST 3318
- Life Science 7-12 Certification
Select from one of the following options:
- Biology Major, including BIOL 3430, plus EDUC 3342
- Neuroscience Major, plus BIOL 3430 and additional upper division Biology courses to equal 24 hours total in Biology, plus EDUC 3342
- Mathematics 7-12 Certification
- Mathematics Major, including MATH 3334, plus EDUC 3342 (MATH 3341, 3343, and 3355 are strongly recommended, but not required)
- Physical Science 6-12 Certification (Student is certified to teach Chemistry and Physics)
Select from one of the following options:
Chemistry Major
Plus Physics [PHYS 1111*, 1309*, 1112*, 1310*, 3323 (prerequisite waived)]
Plus Geoscience [GEOS 1304* or 1407*; and 2401* (lab prerequisite required)]
Plus EDUC 3342
Physics Major
Plus Chemistry (CHEM 1118*, 1318*, 2119*, 2319*; 2220, and 2320)
Plus Geoscience [GEOS 1304* or 1407*; and 2401* (lab prerequisite required)]
Plus EDUC 3342
Geoscience Major
Plus Chemistry (CHEM 1118*, 1318*, 2119*, 2319*; 2220, and 2320)
Plus Physics [PHYS 1111*, 1309*, 1112*, 1310*, 3323 (prerequisite waived)]
Plus EDUC 3342
- Physics/Mathematics 7-12 Certification
Select from one of the following options:
Physics Major
Plus MATH 1320 or 3334 (MATH 3341, 3343, 3355 are strongly recommended), and EDUC 3342
Mathematics Major
Plus PHYS [1111*, 1309*, 1112*, 1310*, 3323 (prerequisite waived)], and EDUC 3342
- Social Studies 7-12 Certification
Select from one of the following options:
History Major, including HIST 3376 and 3388, plus 1 course from U.S. History, 1 course from European History, and at least 1 course each from 3 of the following 4 fields: African History, Asian History, Latin American History, and Middle East History
Plus Economics (ECON 1311*, 1312*, 3117) [ECON 2301 and one (1) upper division economics course are recommended]
Plus Political Science (PLSI 1301* and 1331*)
Plus one of the following courses: URBS 1316/SOCI 1316, PSYC 1300*, or SOCI 1301*
Economics Major, including ECON 2301 and 3117
Plus History (HIST 3376 and 3388, plus 1 course from U.S. History, 1 course from European History, and at least 1 course each from 3 of the following 4 fields: African History, Asian History, Latin American History, and Middle East History
Plus Political Science (PLSI 1301* and 1331*)
Plus one of the following courses: URBS 1316/SOCI 1316, PSYC 1300*, or SOCI 1301*
Political Science Major, including PLSI 1301* and 1331*
Plus History (HIST 3376 and 3388, plus 1 course from U.S. History, 1 course from European History, and at least 1 course each from 3 of the following 4 fields: African History, Asian History, Latin American History, and Middle East History
Plus Economics (ECON 1311*, 1312*, 3117) [ECON 2301 and one (1) upper division economics course are recommended]
Plus one of the following courses: URBS 1316/SOCI 1316, PSYC 1300*, or SOCI 1301*
Sociology Major, including SOCI 1301*
Plus History (HIST 3376 and 3388, plus 1 course from U.S. History, 1 course from European History, and at least 1 course each from 3 of the following 4 fields: African History, Asian History, Latin American History, and Middle East History
Plus Economics (ECON 1311*, 1312*, 3117) [ECON 2301 and one (1) upper division economics course are recommended]
Plus Political Science (PLSI 1301* and 1331*)
Plus URBS 1316/SOCI 1316 (Human Geography) or PYSC 1300*
- Spanish Early Childhood—Grade 12 Certification
- Spanish Major, including SPAN 3311 or 3312*
- All language candidates must pass an oral proficiency exam given by the Education Department for program admission.
- Speech 7-12 Certification
- Human Communication Major, including HCOM 1333, 3330, 3360* or 3362, 3372*, 4350, 4-80
- Theatre Arts EC-12 Certification
- Theatre Major, including THTR 1330, 2352 or 2356, 2354 and 3340. In addition, HCOM 2313 is recommended, but not required.
Certification for All-level Music
(Early Childhood-Grade 12) Students pursue a major in music including courses for certification. Students will be certified to teach music to students age 3 to grade 12. Students should complete the following undergraduate requirements:
I. Education Course of Study
A. 2 practicum courses are required (EDUC 2204, 2205).
B. EDUC 1331* and 3320* are required.
C. CSCI 1300-7* or equivalency is required.
II. Music major, including
A minimum of 72 credit hours in music. Students may choose from a choral or an instrumental option.
- Choral emphasis: 1000 (7 semesters), 1203, 1103, 1113, 1204, 1104, 1114, 2203, 2103, 2113, 2204, 2104, 2114, 3121, 3223, 3225, 3341, 3342, 4301; 18 credits of applied music in one area (14 of which must be at the level of 22-- or above); four (4) credits of applied music in a secondary area; 8 credits of large ensemble, 1161, 3162, 4321, 4361, 4363; and 1 credit of music electives.
- Instrumental emphasis: 1000 (7 semesters), 1203, 1103, 1113, 1204, 1104, 1114, 2203, 2103, 2113, 2204, 2104, 2114, 3121, 3223, 3224, 3341, 3342, 4301; 18 credits of applied music in one area (14 of which must be at the level of 22-- or above); 1122 (or 1 credit of applied music in a secondary area); 8 credits of large ensemble, 1161, 2161, 2162, 2163, 2164, 4264, 4361, 4362; and 2 credits of music electives.
- Elementary emphasis: 1000 (7 semesters), 1203, 1103, 1113, 1204, 1104, 1114, 2203, 2103, 2113, 2204, 2104, 2114, 3121, 3223, 3224 or 3225, 3341, 3342, 4301, 18 credits of applied music in one area (14 of which must be at the level of 22-- or above) and 4 credits of applied music in a secondary area, 8 credits of large ensemble, 1161, 3162, 4321, 4361, 4364, and 1 credit of music electives.
Supplemental Certification for English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Eduation
Our program offers courses leading to supplemental certificates in special education and/or ESL..
I. Special Education
Students may add a supplemental certificate in Special Education by completing the following undergraduate courses (EDUC 1331*, 3330, and 3332/3335) and specialized courses during the graduate year.
II. English as Second Language (ESL)
Students may add a supplemental certificate in English as a Second Language by completing the following undergraduate courses: EDUC 3344, and EDUC 3345 and specialized courses during the graduate year.
Students seeking elementary or secondary certification are encouraged to pursue Special Education and/or ESL supplemental certification. In secondary, the supplemental certificate attaches to the content area certificate.
Fifth Year Graduate Course of Study
The fifth year of the M.A.T. program consists of a summer session and two semesters (30 hours). Upon completion of the fifth year, students receive a M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching), a professional degree.
Those students seeking Certification EC-6
I. During the graduate year of study, students in general education will complete the following: Summer: EDUC 5350, 5351; Fall: 5339, 5360, 5661; Spring: 5263, 5352, 5763.
II. During the graduate year of study, students pursuing a general education and a supplemental Special Education certificate will complete the following: Summer: EDUC 5350, 5351; Fall: 5339, 5360, 5661; Spring: 5263, 5340, 5464, 5352, 5337.
Those students seeking Secondary Certification
I. During the graduate year of study, students in general education will complete the following: Summer: EDUC 5350, 5351; Fall: 5339, 5370, 5671; Spring: 5273, 5352, 5773.
II. During the graduate year of study, students pursuing a general education and a supplemental Special Education certificate will complete the following: Summer: EDUC 5350, 5351; Fall: 5339, 5370, 5671; Spring: 5273, 5340, 5474, 5352, 5337.
Those students seeking Certification All-Level Music
During the graduate year of study, students in general education will complete the following: EDUC 5339, 5349, 5350, 5351, 5346, 5647, and 5948.
Master of Education in School Leadership
The School Leadership program is designed to prepare candidates as innovative and transformational school leaders of elementary, middle, or high schools in today’s school settings. Emphasis is given to the development of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of school leaders in a rapidly changing educational context. Candidates will pursue courses in school leadership, instructional leadership, school law and policy, as well as courses in management, finance, design, and innovations in teaching and learning. An extensive, school-based clinical practice experience will be provided in partnership with the candidate’s local school district. The Master of Education degree in School Leadership may be earned by completing 36 credit hours. Upon completion of coursework, clinical practice, and the requisite state certification exam, students will receive Texas’ Principal certificate.
The course of study includes:
ELED 5390 |
Educational Leadership |
ELED 5391 |
School Management and Finance |
ELED 5392 |
Leadership in Elementary and Secondary Schools |
ELED 5393 |
Research, Assessment and Data-Driven Decision Making |
ELED 5394 |
Clinical Practice—Leadership |
ELED 5395 |
Instructional and Curricular Leadership |
ELED 6390 |
School Law and Policy Analysis |
ELED 6393 |
Community Building and Civic Engagement |
ELED 6394 |
Systems Design and Implementation |
ELED 6395 |
Innovations in Teaching and Learning |
ELED 6693 |
Clinical Practice—Advanced Internship |
Master of Arts in School Psychology
Trinity University offers a 60-credit hour specialist program in school psychology that is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The Master of Arts in School Psychology is awarded after completing 60 credit hours including two years of full-time study and a third-year internship.
The third-year internship (6 credit hours) consists of a minimum of 1200 clock-hour placement in a school setting. This full-time experience occurs over two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring) and provides interns with opportunities for supervised work in assessment, counseling, consultation, and program evaluation.
Upon completing the 60-credit hour program, students are eligible for national certification by NASP. The Trinity University program meets the certification and licensure requirements by states that have adopted NASP standards such as Texas.
The course of study includes:
EPSY 5379 |
Psychological Assessment: Cognitive and Academic II |
EPSY 5380 |
Biosocial Basis of Behavior and Emotion |
EPSY 5381 |
Human Development and Learning |
EPSY 5382 |
Psychological Assessment: Cognitive and Academic I |
EPSY 5384 |
Behavior Management and Special Education |
EPSY 5385 |
Research Methods I—Advanced Statistics |
EPSY 5386 |
Psychological Assessment: Emotions and Personality |
EPSY 5187 |
Emotional/Personality Assessment Lab |
EPSY 5388 |
Neuropsychological Assessment and Remediation |
EPSY 5389 |
Counseling Theory and Methods |
EPSY 6380 |
Consultation Theory and Methods |
EPSY 6381 |
Research Methods II: Design and Application |
EPSY 6382 |
Group and Family Interventions |
EPSY 6185 |
Developmental Assessment Lab |
EPSY 6385 |
Developmental Assessment: Infants and Young Children |
EPSY 6386 |
Supervised Practicum—School Psychology |
EPSY 6388 |
Legal and Ethical Issues |
EPSY 6183 |
Interventions Lab |
EPSY 6384 |
School Psychology Practice |
EPSY 5390 |
Educational Administration and Organization |
EPSY 7380 |
School Psychology Internship: Part I |
EPSY 7381 |
School Psychology Internship: Part II |
EPSY 6389 |
(Optional Elective) Psychological Assessment II: Emotions and Personality Advanced |