Adolescence Education - Master of Arts in Teaching [M.A.T.]

Four separate degrees are offered at the graduate level for those seeking certification to teach one of the sciences in grades 7-12. The M.A.T. is designed for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, geology (earth science), or physics, or a closely related field.

Career Potential

• Teacher: biology, chemistry, earth science or physics depending on specific degree earned in grades 7-12
• Teacher: seventh or eighth grade general science
  (requires study in at least three sciences)

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program as stated in this catalog, the applicant for enrollment in the program leading to the M.A.T. in biology, the M.A.T. in chemistry, the M.A.T. in earth science, or the M.A.T. in physics should present the following:

1. All undergraduate transcripts that reflect the requirements listed under relevant science:

Biology

• evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree in biology or functionally related area
• at least 30 credit hours of course work in biology
• at least 12 credit hours of course work in chemistry
• at least eight credit hours of introductory physics
• at least four credit hours of physical geology

Chemistry

• evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or functionally related area
• at least 30 credit hours of course work in chemistry
• at least eight credit hours of course work in both introductory biology and introductory geology
• at least eight credit hours in introductory physics

Earth Science

• evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree in geology or functionally related area
• at least 30 credit hours of course work in geology/earth science, including a course in meteorology
• eight credit hours in chemistry
• three credit hours in astronomy
• at least eight credit hours of introductory biology plus four credit hours of introductory physics or eight credit hours of introductory physics and four credit hours of introductory biology

Physics

• evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree in physics or functionally related area
• a least 30 credit hours of course work in physics
• at least eight credit hours in chemistry
• at least eight credit hours of course work in introductory biology or introductory geology
• Calculus I, II, III and differential equations

2. An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 and a grade point average in the major of at least 2.5.

3. Three letters of recommendation from former professors or professional colleagues who can speak to the candidate’s preparation and competence for teaching science in grades 7-12.

4. An interview with the coordinator of adolescence education: science (7-12).

5. Application to the SUNY Cortland Teacher Education Program.