The Master of Arts in Teaching Program (M.A.T.) invites students with bachelor's degrees to combine professional preparation in education with graduate studies in their major subject field(s).

The Rice M.A.T. provides a strong exploration of the pedagogical and curricular issues necessary for teaching diverse students in a global society. A key element to the program is the extensive fieldwork which links the children, teachers, and classroom practices of urban schools to the course work.

Impact 

MAT alumni serve as instructional leaders in public school districts across the greater Houston area.

Rice University offers teacher certification through either a traditional, university-based program of 21 credit hours, or a post-baccalaureate, non-credit, alternative certification program. Course Specialties/Teaching Fields include: English Language Arts and Reading, 7-12, History, 7-12, Mathematics, 7-12, Life Science, 7-12 , Physical Science, 6-12, Social Studies, 7-12.

Impact 

97% of our first year placements since the 2012-2013 academic year have been in public schools, exemplifying our commitment to assisting students with their first year placement, our commitment to public schools, and our increased emphasis and commitment to placing teachers in Houston ISD.

The Rice Principal Certification program is appropriate for educators who already hold a master's degree and a Texas teaching certificate and seek focused training in educational leadership. This eighteen-month program is designed for K-12 educators that have at least two years of teaching experience and are motivated to learn the skills necessary to be an effective school leader.

Impact

We develop future education leaders for our urban public schools who will serve as transformative change agents.

Our Dual Credit Credentialing pathways for secondary English and history teachers, provide the graduate-level coursework required to teach dual credit courses in high school and/or college courses at community colleges. Courses are offered via the Master of Liberal Studies Program and are open to those who already hold master’s degrees or those who need a master’s degree and content specialization in English or history.

Impact

We provide dual credit credentialing pathways for secondary teachers, so that area districts can offer more dual credit opportunities for our region’s students; increasing college access and affordability.

Intensive professional development programs are designed to provide early childhood professionals with a deep dive into best practices for creating classrooms that promote the literacy, creative thinking, reasoning, and communication skills students will need throughout their education and their lives.

The Master of Liberal Studies degree program at Rice University provides a unique opportunity for professionals who wish to challenge themselves intellectually at a world-class university. Designed for those who love to learn new ideas and discuss them with others, the MLS program allows students to explore timeless and timely human questions within the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Though not specifically designed for educators, many teachers have enrolled and found the program beneficial to their professional growth.

Impact 

The Master of Liberal Studies program provides educators with interdisciplinary coursework designed to strengthen research and writing skills in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The program provides flexibility to focus on one discipline or take a variety of courses, all of which develop critical thinking and communication skills. The knowledge and expertise gained can be incorporated into the teacher's own classroom instruction.

Currently one of the largest teacher-training institutes in the country, our professional development programming is centered on innovative strategies and rigorous content to prepare students for post-secondary readiness and success.

Impact 

We increase the college access and college readiness pipeline of Houston students into successful post-secondary education.

The suite of college access counseling professional development opportunities are specifically designed to equip educators with tools to support students with college readiness, access, affordability and match.