Lyon College launches first master’s degree program in school history
by June 6, 2023 5:48 pm 1,042 views
Just six months after being approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer graduate and online programs, Lyon College has officially launched its first graduate program in its 150-year history.
Beginning this fall, the Lyon College Center for Transformative Teaching and Leadership will offer a master of arts in teaching (MAT) program that is designed for individuals who want practical, hands-on experience teaching in a classroom and working with students directly while earning a graduate degree.
“Like many states, Arkansas is experiencing a severe shortage of teachers,” said Dr. Anthony Grafton, Lyon College Provost. “We are excited that our first graduate degree will address this shortage and focus on creating unique pathways for individuals to become highly skilled educators. Additionally, I’m personally very happy that people in this region of Arkansas can now continue their education through this program without ever leaving the area.”
Center Director Dr. Kimberly Crosby said the program is for those who hold an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than education and who are seeking a career change and/or licensure to teach.
“The MAT offers an alternative pathway to Arkansas teacher licensure for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and who wish to pursue a career in the teaching profession,” Dr. Crosby said. “The degree provides a firm foundation of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions through challenging coursework and professional mentoring in conjunction with intensive classroom experience in a year-long classroom residency.”
The 36-credit-hour program is designed to prepare candidates using a hybrid teaching model that blends online coursework with weekly face-to-face meetings offered either remotely or in person.
Candidates beginning the program in a summer term can complete the degree in 15 months, while those beginning in the fall semester will be able to finish in less than two years.