Performing Arts, M.A.T.

Laura Turner, Program Director
School of the Arts
843.953.6306
turnerl@cofc.edu

Robert Taylor, Program Coordinator for the choral music concentration
School of the Arts
843.953.8231
taylorr@cofc.edu

http://sota.cofc.edu/graduate-programs/index.php

Mission Statement

The College of Charleston has established a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program in the Performing Arts in order to meet a critical need in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The music and theatre concentrations have two integrated purposes: first to prepare candidates to teach music or theatre in PK-12 public school classrooms; and second, to enhance knowledge and skills development and levels of achievement in choral music or theatre beyond the competencies achieved at the undergraduate level. The long range goal of the program is to prepare highly qualified educators with advanced knowledge in the area of General and Choral Music or Theatre which will meet the critical needs for arts educators in South Carolina Schools. Because of the advanced coursework, current teachers of the performing arts will be afforded the opportunity to receive quality professional development in the arts for licensure renewal and career advancement.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in the Performing Arts degree concentrations lead to PreK-12 teacher licensure by the South Carolina State Department of Education. The degree is designed for individuals who possess undergraduate degrees in music, theatre or dance (or an undergraduate degree with equivalent experience and/or training in desired concentration area), who would like to teach in the public schools. This degree currently consists of a concentration in choral music (leading to South Carolina certification/licensure in general and choral PreK-12 music education) and a concentration in theatre (leading to South Carolina certification/licensure in PreK-12 theatre education). A concentration in dance (leading to certification/licensure in PreK-12 dance) will be offered in the future. The program uniquely combines the best of the College of Charleston’s mission for serving the Southeast by connecting candidates with service in the public schools as well as providing for the continued growth and enrichment of artistic endeavors of the practicing artist. Although the program’s primary purpose is teacher preparation, individuals are also provided the opportunity for continued study in their arts specialty. Graduate coursework is completed in the School of the Arts and the School of Health, Education and Human Performance. The coursework is primarily taught by full-time faculty who hold terminal degrees in their fields. Students are afforded plentiful opportunities to study and work within the renowned Charleston arts community.

Choral Music Concentration Admissions Requirements

Degree-Seeking Students:

The choral music concentration leads to South Carolina teacher licensure/certification in PreK-12 general and choral music.

Institutional Requirements

A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information” section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements

Admission to the M.A.T. in the Performing Arts Choral Music Concentration will be granted based on a review of each applicant’s admission materials by a Faculty Admissions Committee consisting of the program director and two professors from the School of the Arts and/or School of Education. Each application should include the following:

An official college transcript from an accredited institution documenting the completion of a baccalaureate degree with a concentration in the arts and the successful completion of Human Growth and Development and Arranging courses.
A 2.600 overall undergraduate GPA, and a 3.000 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework (demonstrating academic proficiency).
An applicant essay describing the applicant’s suitability for and desire to pursue the M.A.T. program and a career in education.
An audition that includes the requirement for demonstrating the music proficiencies expected of undergraduate music education graduates in their major instrument, voice and functional keyboard.
A statement of disclosure concerning all prior convictions including felonies and misdemeanors
An official copy of test scores of the Graduate Record Examination which include the verbal, analytical and writing assessments
In addition to the special audition requirements, entrance exams will be administered in two areas: music theory and music history. Results of these additional audition requirements and entrance exams will be reviewed by an admissions committee consisting of the program director and two music faculty members. At least two of the three committee members will be music unit faculty. If a candidate does not meet these proficiencies, conditional admission is possible. The student may be required to take undergraduate coursework to gain the needed competencies. This coursework will not count toward degree completion.

Theatre Concentration Admissions Requirements

Degree-Seeking Students:

Institutional Requirements

A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information” section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements

Admission to the M.A.T. in the Performing Arts Theatre Concentration will be granted based on a review of each applicant’s admission materials by a Faculty Admissions Committee consisting of the program director and two professors from the School of the Arts and/or School of Education. Each application should include the following:

An official college transcript from an accredited institution documenting the completion of a baccalaureate degree with a concentration in theater (or an undergraduate degree with equivalent experience and/ or training with courses in technical theatre, theatre history and performance).
A 2.600 overall undergraduate GPA, and a 3.000 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework (demonstrating academic proficiency).
An applicant essay describing the applicant’s suitability for and desire to pursue the M.A.T. program and a career in education.
Two letters of recommendation (At least one from a theatre professional who has knowledge of your work).
An interview AND performance OR portfolio demonstrating the applicant’s performing, and/or technical, and/or teaching ability. The applicant will also be asked to prepare a production concept of a specified play chosen by the admissions committee (communicated to the applicant in advance), which will be discussed in the interview.
A statement of disclosure concerning all prior convictions including felonies and misdemeanors.
An official copy of test scores of the Graduate Record Examination which include the verbal, analytical and writing assessments.
In addition to the special audition requirements, entrance exams will be administered in three areas to ascertain proficiency levels in: technical theatre, theatre history and basic acting/directing knowledge. Results of these additional audition requirements and entrance exams will be reviewed by an admissions committee consisting of the program director and two theatre faculty members. At least two of the three committee members will be theatre unit faculty. If a candidate does not meet these proficiencies, conditional admission is possible.
The student may be required to take undergraduate coursework to gain the needed competencies prior to full-time admittance into the program. This coursework will not count toward degree completion.

Non-Degree Students:

Teachers and arts professionals who are not seeking a degree but who wish to take graduate specialty coursework may be admitted as non-degree students. To apply under non-degree status, submit to the Graduate School Office:

Copy of professional credentials
An official college transcript from an accredited institution documenting the completion of a baccalaureate degree with a concentration in the arts

Application Deadlines

Fall: March 1, Priority; July 1, Final
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1

Transfer Credit Policy

No program specific guidelines. Please refer to the Graduate School’s transfer credit policy .

Program Requirements

Student Learning Outcomes

Performing Arts M.A.T. (PDF)