MAT Program Requirements and Policies

• Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in all required graduate course work attempted in the MAT program.
• A “B” average is required in all 600 level foundations courses, with no courses accepted in which graded below a “C” have been earned. A 600 level foundations course can be repeated only once.
• Students with baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities may register for graduate level coursework for which they have met the prerequisites as non-degree seeking students-at-large. If a student chooses to apply to the MAT program to seek a degree, only a maximum of 12 hours will be accepted at the time of matriculation upon the approval of the MAT committee.
• Students are expected to enroll in at least one course every school year (fall semester through summer session). Failure to comply will result in a deactivation of their file.  To be readmitted, students must reapply and follow the rules, regulations, and requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
• For Rockford College's policy on adding and dropping courses, please refer to the Rockford College Academic Regulations.
• Matriculated students must have signed Plans of Study on file before they will be allowed to register for certain courses or graduate. Plans must be developed in consultation with their advisors before the pre-registration period.
• Students must complete all requirements for the degree within five years.
• Upon approval, a maximum of six semester hours of appropriate graduate credit completed elsewhere within the past five years, with a grade of at least B, may be counted toward the degree requirements. Determination of the acceptance of transfer credit will be made at the time of matriculation.  Application for transfer credit subsequent to matriculation must be approved before students register for courses at other institutions.
• Students seeking state certification as part of the MAT program must pass the Illinois Basic Skills Examination prior to the completion of 12 graduate credit hours. Students who have not yet passed the Basic Skills Examination, and are seeking certification, are advised to contact the Graduate Studies office prior to enrolling in any courses.
• Some graduate courses are dual-listed with undergraduate courses. Course requirements may differ for graduate students enrolled in these courses.
• All Instructional Strategies MAT students are required to submit a professional portfolio which shows concrete, observable evidence of mastery of teaching skills. Complete details on this portfolio will be provided upon admittance.
• Typically, the MAT degree is a 36 credit hour program. However, a 32 credit hour plus thesis/project option is available. Full details on this option will be made available upon request.
• Students must complete and submit to the Graduate Office the Application for Graduation, the MAT Application for Candidacy, and pay any applicable fees one semester prior to graduation. When completing this application, students may want to talk with the program advisor and discuss tentatively scheduled course offerings.