Master of Arts with Certification (MAC) - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Master of Arts with Certification (MAC) Program?
The MAC Program is a highly-intensive graduate level teacher certification program that begins late June of each year and ends the following July. To learn whether you are prepared to begin the MAC Program, you must complete either an application for an elementary (Adobe PDF) or secondary (Adobe PDF) coursework evaluation and submit it along with one official transcript from all academic institutions attended (including community colleges) to the Office of Student Services. Although the application requirements include the completed application, GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, the most critical element that determines admission to the program is the completion of coursework for the teaching major and minor.
What is the cost of the Master of Arts with Certification (MAC) Program?
The length of both the Elementary and Secondary MAC Program is 2 half semesters (summer and the following spring half semester), and 2 full semesters (fall and winter semester). Please refer to the following Web site for current tuition costs as a graduate student in Education. The information indicates in-state and out-of-state and full-term and half-term tuition costs. The Web site is:
www.umich.edu/~regoff/tuition/
You may also contact the Office of Financial Aid for further information on costs.
Should I wait until I have all information before applying to the program?
No. Because of the significant amount of time required for our academic advisors to complete the coursework evaluation, we recommend you submit the Application for a Coursework Evaluation to the Office of Student Services as soon as possible. This will prevent any delays in the admissions process, and enable you to take any additional courses which may be required for your teaching major, teaching minor, or general studies requirements before entrance to the MAC Program.
What "deadlines" should I be aware of?
Application deadline dates can be found in the program/specialization site. To view the admissions deadlines, visit the School of Education Web site at http://www.soe.umich.edu/programs/ and choose the specialization you wish to study. When you get to the program/specialization page, click on the "Admissions" link on top.
What are the terms of my certification (i.e., "What can I teach?")
The State of Michigan allows teachers with secondary certification to teach subjects within their teaching majors or minors in grades 6 through 12 in public school systems. Students who complete the MAC Program receive a provisional certificate from the State of Michigan which is valid for a period of six years. Renewal of the provisional certificate or professional certification are then available based upon work experience and subsequent professional development. Any additional questions about certification can be addressed to a School of Education academic advisor or to the Michigan Department of Education. Elementary certification is for all subjects in grades K-5 and in teaching majors and minors for grades 6-8 for students passing the state tests in those areas.
What should I include in my Statement of Purpose?
Your Statement of Purpose for the Master of Arts with Certification (MAC) Program should be an explanation of why you want to be a teacher. Please make a case for why you want to teach and why you want to pursue teaching through this program. This might include responses to some of the following:
- Why do you want to teach?
- What goals do you want to achieve as a teacher?
- What are your beliefs about teaching?
- What do you think you would find intriguing or exciting about teaching?
- Describe a key experience or more general experience that influenced your thinking about teaching.
- Secondary MAC only: Why did you choose to pursue certification in a particular subject area (e.g., biology, English, history, mathematics, physics, Spanish).
- If you are changing careers, why did you decide to make the change at this time?
- Why do you think this program will help you to reach your goals?
Keep in mind that the above questions are to serve as a guide to help you think about why you want to become a teacher. Your Statement of Purpose should read like a well thought out essay and not a response to a series of questions. In addition, it should be two to four typed, double-spaced, single-sided pages. Carefully edit this statement for content and writing conventions.
What if I want to teach somewhere other than Michigan?
Click here for more information about certification in other states.
Where can I find the School of Education or University schedule of classes?
The schedule of classes for the University can be found by viewing http://www.umich.edu/~regoff 
. The subject code for the majority of the School of Education classes is EDUC. Other subject codes are:
EDBEHAVR Education Behavioral Sciences
EDCURINS Education Curriculum and Instruction
You can also view classes offered by School of Education academic units by visiting the "Courses and Schedules" topic under the " Academic Program" section of the School of Education Web site.
