Performing Arts, M.A.T.

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

https://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 Education. 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.

Admission Requirements and Application Deadlines

Performing Arts, M.A.T. Admission Requirements

Institutional Admissions Requirements

A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $60.
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 Admissions Requirements

Requirements for Choral Music and Theatre:

Undergraduate GPA of 2.750 or better. GPA requirement may be waived by the program director with consent of the program admission committee. Undergraduate degree should be in the performing arts area selected for this program application or a closely related major with coursework in choral music or theatre, as appropriate.
A statement of purpose
Professional résumé
Two recommendations (with one from a professional in the applicant’s selected arts area with knowledge of artistic work)
An audition/interview demonstrating the applicant’s performing and/or teaching ability in their chosen discipline
English Proficiency Exam (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo) if English is not the primary language

Additional Requirements for Choral Music:

Entrance exams will be administered in two areas: music theory and music history. 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.

Additional Requirements for Theatre:

A review of the applicant’s transcript will be conducted by the admission committee to ascertain proficiency levels in technical theatre, theatre history and basic acting/directing knowledge. 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.

Application Deadlines

Fall: February 1, priority*; July 1, final
Spring: October 1, priority; December 1, final
Summer: December 1, priority; April 1, final

*Candidates who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will automatically be considered for Graduate School and/or graduate program funding.

Transfer Credit Policy

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

Program Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Performing Arts M.A.T. (PDF)