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M.A.T.L. Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a category below for answers to frequently asked
questions about NSU's Master of Arts in Teaching
and Learning (M.A.T.L.) program:



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NSU Policies

Is Nova Southeastern University an accredited institution?
Yes, Nova Southeastern University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033, 404-679-4501).

Will this master's degree be accepted by my district or in my state?
Since Nova Southeastern University is regionally accredited, the M.A.T.L. program should be recognized across districts and states. However, always check with your district and state department of education for any special requirements.

Do I need to be actively teaching in a classroom to participate in the M.A.T.L. program?
Yes, the M.A.T.L. program is designed for licensed, practicing teachers, with hands-on assignments focused on your classroom. You need to be actively teaching in a classroom in order to apply the teaching strategies you learn in the M.A.T.L. program and complete the assignments. If you stop teaching while enrolled in the M.A.T.L. program, you might need to "stop-out" of the program until you are teaching again. However, with new blocks starting four times a year, you will be able to return to the program quickly. During the eight-week summer term, alternative assignments are designed to be implemented when students are not in the classroom.

What if I have to "stop out"?
If you need to take time off, you can "stop out" and return with the next block of courses. However, before making any decision to stop out, we advise that you contact the program office and/or your instructor to discuss your situation.

When is the enrollment deadline?
Enrollment for the M.A.T.L. program is open, with a new program sequence beginning four times each year - in January, March, June, and October. Please contact a program specialist at 800-463-5174 or nsu.info@teacher-degrees.com for the application deadline associated with a specific start.

Whom do I call if I am having problems?
When you start the program, you will receive contact information for your student support team. Please call your academic specialist or mentor with any academic questions. If you have other questions or concerns, please refer to the following contact list:

  • For assistance with admissions, call 800-463-5174
  • For assistance with financial aid, call 800-806-3680 or visit http://www.nova.edu/cwis/finaid/.
  • For general information, call 1-800-463-5174

When will I receive my grades?
Grades will be available in WebSTAR three to four weeks after a class has finished.

Program & Curriculum

How is this Master's degree program different from others?
First, it is delivered in an online format. This format allows you the flexibility to fit the program into your schedule and learn anytime, anyplace. Second, while other programs focus more on theory, our program translates theory into practice by allowing you to focus on and address challenges you are having in your classroom as part of your coursework. By being able to immediately address and solve issues you are facing in your classroom, you can improve your teaching strategies right away and see the immediate impact on your students.

How will this program help with my specific teaching situation?
The M.A.T.L. program is based upon an inquiry project framework, so you will select challenges or issues that you specifically want to address in your classroom. Using everything you read and learn in your coursework and from your fellow students, you will develop plans, implement the plans, and assess the results they had in your classroom as assignments. This approach ensures that you receive a rich, personalized learning experience that will improve your performance in the classroom.

How long is the program?
The M.A.T.L. program is designed to be completed in just 14 months. If you need to "stop out," you will not have to wait an extended period of time, as a new block begins four times each year. (Please consult our latest course schedule for the next class start.) However, the program must be completed within five years of starting.

Are any face-to-face meetings required?
No, because the M.A.T.L. is an online degree program there are no required face-to-face meetings. Your academic specialist will furnish you with a course syllabus, and schedule online discussions and assignment dates.

How do I get feedback from my instructor or know if I'm on track?
Your academic specialist will monitor your progress and request assignments from you on specific dates. If you get "off track," your instructor will work with you to get back on schedule. You will be in contact with your academic specialist, your mentor, and other students on an on-going basis. Online discussions and assignment deadlines will be scheduled by your academic specialist. You also will receive regular feedback from your mentor to keep you on track and answer any questions you may have.

Why is the coursework sequential?
To help you build upon a framework from one semester to the next. Plus content is the same from semester to semester, so if you do need to "stop out," you will not have to wait an extended period of time to rejoin the program.

What is an instructional block?
Instead of discussing all of the academic themes separately, the M.A.T.L. program weaves together academic strands that work hand-in-hand in practice (i.e., classroom management and instruction are taught together in an instructional block because in practice, you won't have effective instruction without solid classroom management).

Assignments & Materials

How do I get my books and materials?
You will be provided instructions on how to purchase your materials online once you have been admitted to the university.

Can I share materials?
No, it is essential to your success in any distance-learning program that you have a set of course materials at your disposal. You will need to purchase your own set of instructional materials, which you will keep for your own professional library.

How much work is involved in this program?
In a typical campus-based class, you spend approximately three hours per week in a classroom "attending class" and an additional three hours per week reading and doing homework. In our online M.A.T.L. program, the amount of time you spend is about the same: six hours per week. The program's major components are:

  • talking and interacting online with other students in your cohort
  • reviewing best practice videos
  • interacting with your instructor
  • doing your "homework" (applying what you are learning in your classroom)
  • conducting research online
  • reading in the assigned text(s)

What kinds of assignments will I have?
Assignments are application-oriented, which means that everything you do will apply directly to your classroom.

How do I submit assignments?
You will be provided with a list of specific assignments and submission dates for each instructional block. It is important that you forward your assignments to the academic team in a timely manner. We urge you to do as much of your work as possible online and send your assignments through Web CT or as e-mail attachments. You will receive a syllabus, which also will detail the specific procedures for submitting assignments to your instructors.

Use of Technology

How comfortable with computer and Internet technology do I need to be?
You need to be able to use e-mail, send attachments in e-mail, find articles and resources on the Internet, and create documents using word processing software. There is no special software you will need to download.

What technology support is available?
Your faculty mentor will be available to talk you through any technology challenges you may face along the way. Additionally, the NSU Help Desk is staffed Monday through Saturday during normal business hours.

What are the technology requirements for this program?
You will need:

  • IBM-compatible PC or Apple Macintosh with:
    • Windows 98 (2nd edition) or Macintosh OS 9 (or higher)
    • 128 MB RAM (minimum); 256 MB RAM (recommended)
    • CD-ROM drive
    • Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 6.2.x (or higher)
    • Word processing and database software in addition to Adobe Acrobat Reader (available free online) and PowerPoint
  • DVD Player
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
    • DSL, cable modem or T1 access (recommended); 56 Kbps modem (minimum)
  • An active e-mail account. (Once provisionally admitted into the program, you will receive a user ID and NSU e-mail address which are needed to access your WebCT classroom, the electronic library and other services).

Tuition & Financial Aid

What are the program costs?
Tuition for the M.A.T.L. program is charged per credit hour, along with a materials fee for each block and additional university-related fees (see current tuition and fees). Your tuition rate will not increase if you stay continuously enrolled in the program. (Please note that your tuition rate is not locked until you enroll in the program and is based on the rate current at that time. Non-tuition fees are subject to change without notice).

Does this program qualify for financial aid?
Yes, there are a wide variety of financial assistance programs available through NSU. Please contact the Financial Aid Office, 800-806-3680, or apply online for financial aid at www.nova.edu/cwis/finaid/. Students must be enrolled for six hours per semester to be considered full-time graduate students and to qualify for financial assistance.

How do I apply for financial aid?
M.A.T.L. applicants seeking federal financial assistance need to fill out the university's Application for Student Aid, which can be downloaded at www.nova.edu/cwis/finaid/, and need to fill out a FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Nova Southeastern University's Federal School Code is 001509.


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