Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Master's Bridge to Teaching (M.B.T.) Programs?

Do I need a bachelor’s degree?

Are any tests required for selection into the programs?

How will the M.B.T. programs prepare me for working with ENL/ESL learners?

How long do the M.B.T. programs take?

What type of candidates do the M.B.T. programs seek?

What type of commitment do the M.B.T. programs require?

What are the criteria for admission to the M.B.T. programs?

When are applications to the M.B.T. programs due?

How much do the programs cost?

How can I get more information about the M.B.T.?

Creating a pathway for new teachers

Increasing Aachievement of all learners.

What are the Master's Bridge to Teaching (M.B.T.) programs?

The Master's Bridge to Teaching programs lead to initial licensure in Indiana for primary and intermediate grades in elementary school, or licensure in various subject areas at the secondary (middle and high school) level, and MAT degrees. They provide pathways for career changers to become licensed teachers. Post-baccalaureate individuals who would like to become teachers are invited to apply to the MBT programs. The MBT programs include a concentration in second language learning so that their candidates will learn how to include all children, including English language learners, in the social and academic activities of the classroom.

Do I need a bachelor's degree?

You must have already completed a bachelor's degree in order to apply to a Master's Bridge to Teaching program. However, your previous degree does not have to be in education. For the elementary MBT, transcripts are evaluated to determine whether applicants have a broad educational background that includes coursework in mathematics, science, social studies and English. For the secondary MBT, transcripts are evaluated to determine whether applicants have the necessary courses in the content areas that they want to teach. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 is required.

Are any tests required for selection into the programs?

Applicants to the elementary Master's Bridge to Teaching programs must complete the Praxis I tests successfully. The Indiana Department of Education Office of Educator Licensing & Development requires passing scores in Praxis I Reading, Writing, and Mathematics tests. Information about the exams is available on the Educational Testing Service website at http://www.ets.org/praxis. Passing scores on Praxis I that are required for selection into the program are: Reading 176, Writing 172, and Math 175. There are sample questions available on the ETS web site, and you can purchase a study guide to help to prepare for the Praxis I test. It is: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) Study Guide 2nd Edition (Test Codes: 0710, 0720, and 0730). You may also purchase a study guide from a bookstore, use test preparation software, or you may borrow test preparation materials from a public library. Many of our students recommend the Cliffs TestPrep materials.

Applicants to the secondary Master's Bridge to Teaching programs must complete the Praxis I and Praxis II tests successfully. The Indiana Department of Education Office of Educator Licensing & Development requires passing scores in Praxis II content area tests for teacher licensure. Information about the exams is available on the Educational Testing Service website at http://www.ets.org/praxis. Praxis II tests are offered as paper-based tests only. You should also prepare for Praxis II tests by using some type of study guide or by using test preparation software.

How will the M.B.T. programs prepare me for working with ENL/ESL learners?

The MBT programs include a concentration in second language learning so that graduates of the programs are able to include English language learners in the social and academic activities of the classroom. They are not programs that prepare teachers of English as a New Language (ENL) or teachers of English as a second language (ESL). They prepare regular classroom teachers who know how to teach children from language minority backgrounds. The programs do not require you to study a second language, but to learn effective ways of teaching children from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

How long do the M.B.T. programs take?

Full-time Master's Bridge programs lead to initial licensure and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in only 12 months. They require a full-time, intensive commitment. (Monday-Friday, approximately 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.).

Part-time Master's Bridge programs lead to initial licensure and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in two years. They require one semester of full-time student teaching during the final five months of the program.

What type of candidates do the M.B.T. programs seek?

The programs seek candidates from diverse educational and professional backgrounds who are interested in teaching. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their full application package. The programs seek cohorts of a maximum of 20 individuals who wish to make career changes into teaching.

The program seeks candidates who have a strong interest in cultural and language diversity.

What type of commitment do the M.B.T. programs require?

Full-time Master's Bridge programs ask that candidates make a one-year full-time commitment and work with peers as part of cohort groups. The programs begin with a summer term in June and conclude in May of the following year. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and are eligible for primary and intermediate teaching licenses under Indiana licensing rules 2002.

Candidates are asked to sign a commitment form to complete the program within a year. Unforeseen emergencies are handled individually.

Part-time Master's Bridge programs ask that candidates make two-year commitments and work with peers as part of cohort groups. Programs start in June and classes are offered on weekends for a year and a half. The final semester of the part-time programs requires a full-time commitment Monday through Friday during the day for student teaching. Candidates who complete the program successfully graduate in May two years after beginning the program, and they are eligible for teaching licenses under Indiana licensing rules 2002.

What are the criteria for admission to the M.B.T. programs?

Selection criteria include: previous academic record and degree, successful completion of Praxis I tests, criminal history check, work history, experiences working with children and adults, reflections on life and learning experiences, and statements of professional goals. Transcripts are reviewed to evaluate academic background in English, mathematics, science, and history. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 is required.

When are applications to the M.B.T. programs due?

Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis until all cohorts are filled.

To obtain an application packet, please contact Cheryl Hertzer, Chair of MAT Programs, at 317.955.6087 or chertzer@marian.edu.

How much does the program cost?

The cost for the 2009-10 MBT program is $14,100. This cost includes tuition and fees except the $35 application fee, rental of cap and gown for graduation, and costs for purchasing textbooks. Students who are selected for the program may apply for Federal Stafford loans. The first step in this process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information. We will post the cost for the 2010-2011 MBT program as soon as that information is available.

How can I get more information about the M.B.T.?

Please see our MBT information booklet for more details about the program. To talk with someone about the program, Cheryl Hertzer, Chair of MAT Programs, at 317.955.6087 or chertzer@marian.edu.

Creating a Pathway for New Teachers

Individuals who have already obtained a baccalaureate degree and who are interested in becoming elementary teachers are invited to apply for admission to the Marian College Master's Bridge to Teaching degree program.

Increasing Achievement of All Learners

Language minority students enrolled in Indiana public schools in 2007-08 represented 231 native languages other than English. These children must acquire English language skills at the same time that they are studying the academic subjects taught to all students. These language minority students need teachers who can include them in content lessons and help them gain English language skills. If you'd like to become a teacher who has special skills in meeting the needs of English language learners in elementary schools, please contact us about the Marian College Master's Bridge to Teaching program.