PreK-3 Graduate Program

The M.A.T. ECED program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in a career as a teacher of young children. The program offers a graduate degree, Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Virginia teaching license in early childhood education (Prek-3).Through a sequence of courses and related field experiences, candidates are prepared to teach young children in preschool through primary grades. The program is fully accredited.

The program can be completed in two years. Field experiences involve participation in area schools one full day per week for two semesters and culminate with a full time student teaching internship for 10 weeks during the final semester. Students currently working in classrooms may be permitted to use a portion of that experience toward meeting practicum requirements. Many classes are offered in late afternoon and evenings.

If interested in pursuing this program, schedule an appointment with Dr. Doris Martin, martindm@jmu.edu (preferred) or 540-568-6337. You will need to bring a copy of your undergraduate transcript to determine eligibility and the need for any prerequisite courses. The College of Education is located in Memorial Hall – 365 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA. , the former Harrisonburg High School. Dr. Martin’s office is 3210-F (2nd floor facing High St.)

If you live out-of-state, you may send a letter to Dr. Doris Martin, MSC 6909, James Madison Univeristy, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and include the following:

  • Undergraduate transcript
  • Intended starting date (e.g., Fall, 2007)