Adelphi, Md. (Sept. 19, 2022)—The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has accredited the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and the Master of Education in Instructional Technology at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). The national accreditation from AAQEP is awarded for seven years and follows a rigorous process of self-study and peer review.
“Through an innovative hybrid-delivery model, the M.A.T. program offers versatile, place-based teacher preparation for career-changers throughout Maryland and around the world,” the AAQEP Accreditation Commission wrote in its decision.
UMGC’s Educational Technology Program Director Brandie Shatto, Ed.D., said national accreditation helps distinguish the quality of the university’s programs.
“It ensures, through a rigorous self-study and peer review process, that our programs are accountable for meeting national standards while striving for continuous improvement,” said Shatto, who is also a collegiate professor.
“The M.Ed. program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who are able to implement transformational instruction, adapt to different contexts and student populations, and continue to grow professionally,” the AAQEP commission noted.
The commission said the conceptual framework of UMGC’s “Teaching and Leading Beyond Boundaries” aligns with AAQEP’s commitment to work with partners to strengthen the education system. The commission added that UMGC’s Department of Education and Public Service “brings a strategic focus to developing dynamic, field-based pathways to success for its nontraditional student population.”
“Congratulations to the University of Maryland Global Campus and to all of the faculty, staff and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The programs’ responsive service to diverse and dispersed candidate populations lends direct local impact to UMGC’s global reach.”
Currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) was established in 1947 to serve adults in the workforce and the military. Today, UMGC enrolls some 90,000 students annually, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as certificates in more than 135 fully online, hybrid and face-to-face programs and specializations.
About University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC has a long history of innovation in reaching students where they are, including as a pioneer of internet instruction, piloting its first online classes in 1994. The university has received numerous awards for its groundbreaking work in developing fully online degree programs, including in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, business, data analytics, health care, and education.
The university now offers classes to military service personnel and their families at some 175 locations in more than 20 countries. More than half of UMGC’s students are active-duty military personnel, their families, members of the National Guard, and veterans.
About AAQEP
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
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