Teaching

The Rice University undergraduate degree program in Teaching is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in education, focusing on the development of effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, and classroom management skills. This program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of pedagogical theories, instructional practices, and educational technologies to equip future educators with the tools necessary to foster student learning and engagement across diverse educational settings. Students will engage in rigorous coursework that combines theoretical foundations with practical application, including fieldwork and student teaching experiences that provide real-world classroom exposure. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and communication to better understand student needs and promote inclusive education. Throughout their studies, students will have access to cutting-edge resources and collaborate with experienced faculty members who are dedicated to advancing educational excellence. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of educational leadership, assessment methods, and the use of data-driven decision making to improve teaching effectiveness. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to pursue licensure and certification, enabling them to teach at various educational levels, from elementary to secondary education, and in diverse environments. By fostering critical thinking, reflective practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning, the Rice University Teaching program aims to cultivate educators who will inspire and positively impact future generations.

MAT for New Teachers

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree must complete:

• A minimum of 36 credit hours at the 500-level or above to satisfy degree requirements.   
• All courses with a grade of B- (2.67 grade points) or better to receive credit.  

The MAT is a nonthesis degree program for students who want to qualify for secondary school teaching following a bachelor's degree. Most candidates entering the program have had no professional education courses. By completing the program, candidates fulfill all requirements for a Texas Standard Teaching Certificate for grades 7–12. The specific requirements for the Texas Standard Teaching Certificate are listed below.

• Begin two-semesters of work in assigned school with first semester curriculum development and theory & methodscourses and a second semester full-day practicum with a cooperating teacher (EDUC 521, EDUC 560-566, and EDUC567).  
• Complete a two-semester supervised teaching internship by acquiring and fulfilling all professional responsibilities of a teaching position in a local accredited secondary school and completing a seminar course (EDUC 540).
• Complete 75 hours of field-based experience in local secondary schools, in conjunction with satisfactory results on background check with participating school districts.
• Make grades of B- or better in all teaching field and education courses.
• Pass appropriate TExES exams.  
• Apply for Texas State certification when all requirements are completed.

The cooperating school districts pay a regular salary for internship teaching.

CORE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete the following 11 courses (36 credit hours) as listed below to satisfy the MAT degree requirements. At the discretion of the associate dean and academic advisor, some students may require additional courses to address deficiencies prior to seeking Texas State teacher certification.    

• EDUC 505 Educational Psychology [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 516 Assessment [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 519 Teaching and Learning with Inquiry [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 520 Teaching Diverse Learners [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 521 Curriculum Development [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 521 Race, Education, and Society in the Urban South [ 3 credit hours ]
      or EDUC 504 Race, Class, Gender in Education [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 522 Literacy Across the Curriculum [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 560-566 Content Specific Theory and Methods [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 567 Practicum for Preservice Teachers [ 6 credit hours ]
• EDUC 540 Seminar for First Year Teachers [ Internship I and II, 6 credit hours total, two consecutive semesters ]

Rice undergraduate students can pursue both their undergraduate and graduate degrees concurrently, completing the MAT with generally one additional year of study beyond the bachelor’s degree.  Students seeking additional information about the 5-year MAT program are encouraged to meet with an advisor in Teacher Education.

MAT for Experienced Teachers

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree for Experienced Teachers must complete:

• A minimum of 36 credit hours at the 500-level or above to satisfy degree requirements.   
• All courses with a grade of B- or better to receive credit.  

The MAT degree program is offered for experienced teachers that have a minimum of two years experience teaching.

CORE COURSE REQUIREMENTS 
Students must complete the following 8 courses (24 credit hours) as listed below to satisfy the MAT degree requirements for experienced teachers.

• EDUC 516 Assessment [ 3 credit hours ]   
• EDUC 519 Teaching and Learning with Inquiry [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 520 Teaching Diverse Learners [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 522 Literacy Across the Curriculum [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EDUC 590 Teachers as Leaders [ 3 credit hours ]
• HIST 521 Race, Education, and Society in the Urban South [ 3 credit hours ]
      or EDUC 504 Race, Class, and Gender in Education [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 595 Capstone [ Capstone I and II, 6 credit hours, two semesters total ]

ELECTIVES
To fulfill the remaining requirements for the MAT Degree for Experienced Teachers, students must complete a total of 4 additional courses (12 credit hours) from Professional Education courses or Academic Content Specialization. These courses can be found below:

• EDUC 501 Philosophical, Historical, and Social Foundations of Education [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 502 Contemporary Issues in Education [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 505 Educational Psychology [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 510 Introduction to Special Education [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 515 Adolescent Development [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 521 Curriculum Development [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 525 Adolescent Literature [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 530 The American High School [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 535 Urban Education Issues, Policy, and Practice [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 545 Educational Technologies and Digital Learning [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 550 Education Policy: From Legislatures to Classrooms [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 560-566 Theory and Methods (Content Specialization Courses) [ 3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 570 Field-Based Studies in Teaching and Learning [ 1-3 credit hours ]
• EDUC 591 Independent Study and Research [ 1-3 credit hours ]   

MAT for New Teachers Admissions

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a 36-hour degree program that includes professional education courses extensive field experiences. The program is designed for students holding bachelor’s degrees who are interested in pursuing graduate study in education while preparing for teacher certification at the secondary level.

Application forms may be obtained through the Rice University Online Application System

In support of the application, candidates must have an undergraduate degree and submit:

• Official transcripts of previous university studies which reflect a minimum of 21 hours of content area courses in your selected teaching field
• Four letters of reference accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet (minimum of two references must be academic)
• Overall 3.0 GPA or higher
• Minimum 2.5 GPA in content area
• Demonstrated content knowledge
  • 24 credit hours in content area, or
  • Minimum 12 credit hours in content area (15 for math and science) and Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)
• Graduate Record Examination score (no more than 5 years old, scores must be at or above the 70th percentile)
• Passing scores on (or documented exemption from) the THEA test
• $85.00 application fee

Interview – In addition to the above mentioned criteria, applicants will be required to participate in an interview conducted by members of the program faculty and staff.

MAT for Experienced Teachers Admissions

Experienced teachers who want to expand their knowledge of and role as an educational leader should apply. Whether as a teacher leader in the classroom, on a campus, in a district or beyond, we seek candidates committed to the pursuit, acquisition and implementation of curricular, pedagogical, political and organizational skills that offer a broader perspective. In so doing, the candidate is no longer just an active listener, but a leading voice in the educational conversation

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher, and a minimum of two years of teaching experience by the semester of matriculation.
Application forms may be obtained through the Rice University Online Application System.

In support of the application, candidates must have an undergraduate degree and submit:

• Official transcripts of previous university studies
• Three letters of reference accompanied by the forms provided in the application packet (Two references must be from a supervisor. An academic reference is strongly preferred.)
• Statement of intent
• Graduate Record Examination score (no more than 5 years old, scores must be at or above the 70th percentile)
• $85.00 application fee

Interview –Applicants will be interviewed by members of the program faculty and staff.

Observation –A member of the program faculty will also conduct a classroom observation of the applicant.

Funding opportunities for degree programs at Rice University are diverse and designed to support a wide range of students. Typically, financial assistance is available through scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships. Many scholarships are merit-based and awarded upon admission, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. For undergraduate students, the Rice University Office of Financial Aid provides comprehensive information on merit-based scholarships such as the Rice Trustee Award, which covers full tuition for exceptional students, and the Rice Alumni Club Scholarships, which offer partial funding. Graduate students have access to fellowships and research assistantships that provide stipends and tuition waivers, often sponsored by specific departments or external funding sources. Additionally, need-based aid is available to qualifying students, with the university striving to meet the demonstrated financial need of admitted students through a combination of grants and work-study programs. External funding opportunities include federal and state grants, private foundations, and industry-sponsored awards. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships specifically for international applicants, which can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. The university also offers loan options, which are typically used in conjunction with other forms of aid to ensure affordability. Students are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to be considered for these programs. Overall, Rice University aims to make education accessible through a comprehensive financial aid strategy that includes scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their academic and research interests without undue financial hardship.

The Rice University teaches a diverse range of degree programs across multiple disciplines, including highly regarded programs in sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The university emphasizes an undergraduate-focused education, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and a strong foundation in research. Rice's approach to education encourages collaboration between students and faculty, providing opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and interdisciplinary projects.

In terms of teaching methodology, Rice incorporates modern pedagogical techniques, including active learning, project-based assignments, and integration of cutting-edge technology in classrooms and laboratories. The university also values personalized mentorship, enabling students to customize their academic paths according to their interests and career aspirations. Additionally, Rice promotes a global perspective through study-abroad programs, international collaborations, and coursework aimed at fostering cultural awareness and global engagement.

Faculty at Rice are distinguished scholars and researchers who often involve students in their research activities, thereby enhancing the educational experience and preparing students for careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. The teaching staff continually update curricula to reflect advancements in their fields, ensuring that students acquire relevant and current knowledge.

Rice University also provides extensive support services to enhance teaching and learning, including tutoring centers, writing workshops, and academic advising. For graduate students, the university offers rigorous coursework combined with research opportunities, often resulting in innovative contributions to knowledge and practice. The university's teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and fostering a diverse academic community.

Overall, Rice University’s instructional approach aims to empower students to become independent, innovative, and socially responsible global citizens. Whether in arts, sciences, or engineering, the programs are designed to prepare students not only for immediate employment but also for lifelong learning and leadership roles in their respective fields.