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

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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 specialization) 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.

A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. 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 work 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 graduate work 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
- Practicum: 3 credit hours
- Substantial research paper requirement: 3 credit hours
- Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis
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
Completion of Praxis Core or equivalency exam as set by the District of Columbia. Please see american.edu/soe/admissions for exams and passing scores. The recommendation is for students to complete this by the end of the first semester of the program.
Completion of Praxis Content Knowledge Exam