Foreign Languages, German Concentration, M.A.T.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Foreign Languages with a concentration in German prepares native and non-native speakers for teaching world languages at the elementary or secondary level. The program includes 36-48 semester hours of coursework in education, language acquisition, teaching methods, linguistics, and German literature and culture. A unique teaching internship pairs students with experienced educators to provide hands-on teaching experience. Graduates have a high placement rate in both public and private schools as foreign language educators.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program in Foreign Languages with a concentration in German is offered through the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in the College of Liberal Studies at MTSU. This degree is intended to prepare native and non-native speakers of the world language for a career in world language teaching at the elementary or secondary level.
Outline:
This degree requires completion of 36 semester hours (non-thesis option) or 39-48 (thesis option).
Teaching:
Classes cover education, theories of language acquisition, foreign language teaching methods, linguistics, and the literature and culture of the chosen language. The intensive teaching internship, a unique aspect of the program, pairs students with a faculty supervisor to teach an introductory language course at MTSU or with an experienced educator in a country where the language of emphasis is spoken. Classes are offered in late afternoon or evening for the convenience of currently employed teachers.
Careers:
Graduates from the MTSU program have had an exceptionally high placement rate in both public and private schools as foreign language educators. Some may go on to teach at the community college level if they take more courses in the content area than required.
Middle Tennessee State University
Overview:
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.
Services Offered:
MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Financial Aid:
83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.Campus Improvements:
The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.Academic Support:
MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.Student Life:
The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.Career Services:
MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:
Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:
MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.Active Student Organizations:
Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.Athletics:
MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.Campus Events:
The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.Student Union:
The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.Strong Academic Programs:
MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.Diverse Student Body:
MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.Career Opportunities:
MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.Academic Programs:
MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.Business:
Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.Education:
Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.Engineering and Technology:
Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Fine Arts:
Offers majors in music, theater, and art.Health and Human Sciences:
Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.Liberal Arts:
Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.University College:
Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.Other:
- MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
- MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
- MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
- MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
- MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.
Entry Requirements:
- To be admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching in Foreign Languages program with a German concentration, applicant must have earned at least 24 semester hours of German. Students may complete up to 6 hours of these as undergraduate hours while concurrently enrolled in the graduate program. Native speakers must consult with the graduate director regarding this requirement.
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. A combined score of 291 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination is considered indicative of potential for an acceptable level of academic performance.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Students should achieve an oral proficiency level in the target language (German) of at least "Advanced" and a written proficiency level of "Advanced High" on the ACTFL scale; students should consult the world languages graduate director for additional information on this requirement.
- Students also need to demonstrate a basic reading knowledge in a language other than German; this requirement may be met by passing a world language reading examination or by earning a final grade of A or B (83%) in FREN 5990, GERM 5990, LATN 5990, or SPAN 5920.
