The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Italian Studies at UMass Amherst is a professional graduate program designed to prepare outstanding educators in Italian language and culture for secondary schools (grades 5–12). It is the only Italian studies teacher licensure program in Massachusetts. The curriculum combines coursework in education (delivered partially via the College of Education) and advanced Italian studies, with a strong emphasis on practical classroom training. The final semester is dedicated to a hands-on practicum, where candidates teach under supervision in a Massachusetts high school. Graduates are prepared to earn a state teaching license for K-12 Italian instruction.