Master of Arts in Teaching - Middle Grades Education

UNC Greensboro’s Master’s in Middle Grades Education combines sustained classroom experience, specialized preparation for grades 6–9, innovative teaching methods, and a strong focus on diverse learners — equipping future teachers to enter the profession with confidence and practical experience. This program leads to both initial teacher licensure and a master’s degree. It is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree, but did not pursue teacher education or licensure as an undergraduate.

Master’s in MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

The MAT program provides a combination of licensure preparation, graduate-level study, and extensive classroom experience, making it a strong option for professionals who are wanting to transition into a middle grades teaching career. UNCG’s program is specifically designed around the developmental needs of students in grades 6–9, emphasizing adolescent learning, middle school curriculum, and age-appropriate instructional practices.

Not typically found in MAT programs, students in the Middle Grades program will take Teaching and Learning in Makerspaces as part of the curriculum. This class helps future teachers integrate creativity, problem-solving, technology, and hands-on learning into middle school classrooms.

The MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION Student Experience

Throughout the duration of the 33 required credit hours, students will complete both an internship and a student teaching placement in local schools. Participants in this program will take courses such as Middle Grades Curriculum and Instruction and Literacy in the Content Area along with area-specific courses in language arts, social studies, mathematics, or science.

Learn How to Engage and Inspire Adolescents

Middle school is a pivotal time in students’ academic and personal development. UNCG’s M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education prepares future teachers to meet the unique needs of learners in grades 6–9 through coursework and field experiences focused on adolescent development, engagement, and achievement. Students learn how to create student-centered classrooms; build meaningful relationships with young adolescents; and design lessons that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence. By combining specialized middle grades pedagogy with hands-on classroom experience, graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact during one of the most influential stages of a student’s educational journey.

UNCG School of Education Scholarships

Each year, the School of Education awards over $1 million in scholarships and graduate assistantships to students.

The Haggai Academy is a scholarship program that provides scholarships of up to $8,000 per year, as well as a wide range of additional enrichment opportunities, for non-traditional students (24 years of age or older) pursuing an initial teacher license.

After GraduatiNG WITH YOUR Master’s in MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION

Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for their North Carolina teaching licensure from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. They are prepared for careers teaching English Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies in grades 6-9.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Licensure Reciprocity Information