Undergraduate Path to the MAT
Eastern undergraduates in good standing with a 3.0 GPA can be approved to earn credit towards a Master of Arts in Classical Teaching (MAT) as they complete their undergraduate degree. Alternatively, students can elect to take MAT courses for credit toward their undergraduate diploma with permission from their advisors.
Follow these easy steps to get approved for MAT class participation.
STEP 1:
Check with your undergraduate advisor to see how MAT classes can fit into your plan.
STEP 2:
Complete the Undergraduate Approval form .
STEP 3:
Complete a Petition for Exception to Policy with the registrar's office.
STEP 4:
Register for MAT classes using the Add/Drop form.
STEP 5:
Use your earned credit towards your undergraduate degree or an MAT degree.
FAQ's
Am I eligible to take MAT classes?
Eastern undergraduates in good standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA are
eligible to take MAT classes. Be sure to check with your advisor to see if these classes can work with your current academic plan.
Can my classes count toward both my undergraduate degree and a graduate degree?
No. Classes can only apply toward either your undergraduate degree or your master’s degree. They cannot count toward the requirements for both degrees.
How can my MAT classes count toward a Master’s degree?
Credits you earn in MAT classes are held in escrow, meaning they are set aside, and then they are applied to a master’s degree after you graduate with an undergraduate degree. You must first be awarded your undergraduate diploma to be eligible for a graduate diploma.
Do I need to apply separately to the MAT to take classes?
No. As an undergraduate, you do not need to apply to the MAT. You only need approval to take classes.
How much is tuition for MAT classes?
For fall and spring semesters, MAT classes are considered part of your 18 hour course load. In the summer, you will pay graduate tuition rates for any in-person classes you take, but will receive a 30% discount (approx. $546/hr). However, you can take any available online MAT courses in the summer with your FastPass benefits.
How will I be awarded my two degrees when I finish my studies at Eastern?
You will be awarded your graduate degree one term after successfully being awarded your undergraduate degree. To be eligible to receive the graduate degree, you will need to matriculate officially into the program through a simplified application to the MAT program in order to transition your credits held in escrow. This simple transition process takes place after you are able to satisfy the application criteria, which includes holding a degree.
Can I get additional financial aid to pay for classes in the summer?
No. You cannot receive separate federal loans or other financial aid to pay for MAT classes. However, any aid you receive for the year can be used to pay for all classes you take, incuding MAT classes.
What are the benefits of earning the Masters degree?
You will be better prepared for a job in a classical school. Private and charter classical schools often offer higher salaries to teachers with
advanced degrees. Your resume will be more competitive as you apply for jobs.
Can I get experience teaching as an undergraduate to prepare for a job in a classical school?
Yes. You can take a class to get teaching experience at one of our partner schools in the area while still an undergraduate at Eastern. These arrangements are made in consultation with the director of the MAT and one of the partner schools.
Who teaches MAT classes?
Templeton professors as well as master teachers and administrators in
classical education teach the MAT classes.