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    Apr 19, 2024  
American University Catalog 2019-2020 
    
American University Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Teaching (MAT) and International Peace and Conflict Resolution (MA)


In this dual degree program, graduates receive an International Peace and Conflict Resolution (MA)  through the School of International Service  and a Teaching (MAT)  (Secondary Education track) through the School of Education .

Admission to the Program


Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least a B+ (3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale) and should have had at least 24 credit hours of social science coursework relevant to international studies. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements, if otherwise admissible, may be assigned additional coursework specified at the time of admission.

Students must apply to both the School of International Service  and the School of Education . Admission to either of the participating teaching units in no way implies admission to the other unit. For more information on admissions requirements, contact the SIS Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-1646 or the School of Education Teacher Education Office at 202-885-3720.

All applicants whose native language is English or those whose degrees are from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English are required to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Non-native English speakers are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a US-accredited institution before enrollment. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. Fall applicants should plan to take the appropriate test no later than December to ensure full consideration of the application by the January deadline.

For secondary education certification, students must have a bachelor’s degree or 33 credit hours in the subject area they are seeking licensure. It is anticipated that students who complete the International Peace and Conflict Resolution (MA)  will have sufficient background to meet certification requirements in social studies. However, students who meet requirements for other subject areas will also be considered. Students will be notified at the time of admission concerning additional coursework required for state certification.

Dual Degree Requirements


  • 54 credit hours of approved graduate coursework with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
    • Students must complete 6 credit hours in the education core courses, 6 credit hours of practicum/student teaching, 15 credit hours in secondary education, 9 credit hours in peace and conflict resolution core courses to receive the Teaching (MAT) 
    • Students must complete 6 credit hours in peace and conflict resolution core courses, 3 credit hours in economics, 6 credit hours in methodology, 9 credit hours of IPCR concentration, 3 credit hours in a capstone experience, and 12 credit hours in the education core/secondary education track to receive the International Peace and Conflict Resolution (MA) 
    • In addition to intensive coursework and student teaching placements, students are also required to participate in an educational internship program. These field placements are carefully supervised and coordinated to meet state certification requirements
  • SIS Capstone Experience: demonstration of critical thinking, research and writing skills through completion of a master’s thesis, substantial research paper requirement, or practicum. All courses taken to fulfill this requirement must be passed with a grade of B or better
    • Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis
    • Substantial research paper requirement: 3 credit hours
    • Practicum: 3 credit hours
  • Evidence of professional experience in the field. Relevant internship or work experience must be certified
  • Proficiency in a modern foreign language. Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified
  • Praxis CORE and Praxis II Exams, as determined by state certification requirements
  • Electronic professional teaching portfolio

Course Requirements


Secondary Education Track (15 credit hours)


Economics (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other approved economics course:

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)


Methods I


Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

Methods II


Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other approved methodology course appropriate to the student’s research interests:

IPCR Concentration (9 credit hours)


Complete one of the following concentrations:

Culture, Identity, and Peace


International Negotiation


Peacebuilding


Reconciliation and Justice


Capstone (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 credit hours from the following: